SR2 (Angeles Crest Highway) California Road Status

[Mark H]

Hi,

I'm trying to work out the status of SR2 (Angeles Crest Highway) from the Caltrans web site, but it seems to provide conflicting information. Has anyone had the chance to ride SR2 recently eastbound all the way to Big Pines

When I go to their page to "Check Current highway Conditions" and type in SR 2 I get this -

SR 2

[IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
ALL TRACTOR-SEMI TRAILER COMBINATIONS WITH 3 AXLES OR GREATER ARE PROHIBITED FROM THE JCT OF I 210 /IN LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE/ TO THE ANGELES FOREST HIGHWAY (LOS ANGELES CO) - ALTERNATE ROUTES ARE AVAILABLE

This seems to suggest it is open and just not to be used by large vehicles. Same goes for their list of current road works.
But when I dig a little deeper and look at an interactive "Quick Map" that they have I see a road block symbol east of Cedar Springs and some detail that says -

Eastbound / Westbound 2 Full Closure
From Islip Saddle, Rte 39 to 5 mi W/O Big Pines Hwy
Due to Weather Related Conditions
Expected to end at 5:01am May 31, 2016

Last updated: 05/07/2016 3:27pm

Now I'm just hoping the information on the map is out of date but the tag at the end suggests it was updated on the 7th, but I don't trust everything I see on the internet. I even tried emailing the folks at Newcomb's Ranch but have had no reply.
Has anyone taken a ride to Big Pines on SR2 recently?

Cheers

Mark

 

[rudyinla]

I haven't ridden that road in years but you'll get good info, maybe even better info, by calling the CHP. I still call them on occasion and they are great. I even stop in the station and ask them stuff. No...not in hand cuffs!

 

[David13]

Some others are going up there next Friday (the 13th) and they anticipate that it will be open.


Oh, you are the one from Australia coming from Australia some time to ride?
Well, you will have to see what the status is when you get here. Some rains had washed out more of the road again, like 100 times before. But it is now, or will be open next Friday. Unless there is heavy snow, which ought to be cleared by next Friday. Unless there is more snow. Or more rain.
Usually the rain and snow is in the winter (centered around January or so) months.
Once it's open around May it's usually open til October or November or so. Except for miscellaneous closings for picking up crashed motorcycles and riders.
dc

 

[Mark H]

I haven't ridden that road in years but you'll get good info, maybe even better info, by calling the CHP. I still call them on occasion and they are great. I even stop in the station and ask them stuff. No...not in hand cuffs!

Thanks for the tip - we were hoping to avoid contact with the CHP particularly as we will be riding on Australian registered bikes and we talk funny, but in this instance I guess it's OK

 

[Mark H]

Oh, you are the one from Australia coming from Australia some time to ride?

dc

Two weeks and counting (13 sleeps to be exact) - We can't wait to get back and just ride, ride, ride.

 

[rudyinla]

Thanks for the tip - we were hoping to avoid contact with the CHP particularly as we will be riding on Australian registered bikes and we talk funny, but in this instance I guess it's OK

If you encounter a CHP Motor Office on his BMW, don't be surprised if he ends up racing you. Not kidding. I'd let him initiate the race though if you know what I mean. IF you get a cop on a Harley...behave.

 

[pauls1150]

Conditions will depend entirely on what the most recent weather has been - it can be clear & dry at the lower elevations but iced over higher up. This year has been relatively low-precipitation, but our "winter" season (yeah, right) often brings a week of wet followed by a week of dry. Even if it looks clear, there is sometimes "black ice" - thin enough that the asphalt shows through but enough to spill you (been there done that). More likely in the shaded areas on the north & east sides of the hills.

The highest part is at Dawson Saddle, about 7900 feet, but ice can happen as low as 3000 if a cold storm just went through.

If you're starting from the Pasadena end (actually La Cañada/Flintridge), the gas stations right there at Foothill Blvd are popular stops for riders, so you can schmooze around for a minute and ask somebody who's just been there.

There is also a Forest Ranger's office shortly after entering the curvies - you can stop in right there for the latest info. (There is another one just west of Wrightwood for the westbound riders.)

Most of the CHP in the area are pretty decent guys and seem ok to chat with; they appreciate the predicament of the out-of-town tourist. Beware - crossing the solid painted line in the middle of the road is one of their peeves (and rightly so). Approaching Wrightwood from either direction, the speed limit drops, and is a popular ticket area.

 

[henzilla]

My last run was early June last year( seems like last year)
Came in from I-15 on the north and late in the afternoon. Had lots of brand new asphalt for some time and nobody else on the road until the sportbikes spotted me while jawing at the store and entertained me down the hill when they finally caught up


I love that road...among a few others in the 'hills' of CA

 

[Mark H]

We are going to be so disappointed if we can't ride this road.
If it is closed in 2 weeks when we arrive and head off, I'll have fingers and toes crossed hoping it is open for our return to LA in late June.

Thanks for the tip on checking with the CHP and Forest Service.

If anyone has a direct line to the weather gods - please request blue skies and mild winds to start in 11 days

Cheers


Mark

 

[beemerdood]

You can get up-to-the-minute road reports for the entire state by calling CalTrans 800-427-7623. You speak the number of the road you're interested in.

 

[pauls1150]

Forgot to mention (insert Homer's "D'oh!" here) that there are also big signs at each end, showing what's open or closed.
If it's "Open to Wrightwood", you're good to go (probably).
OK to ignore the "Closed to Azusa" sign - that refers to a big rockslide long ago (route 39 to Crystal Lake), and is just one of the turn-outs now (and a handy rest stop).

 

[David13]

There is no reason to be disappointed if that road is not open.
It's not that great or special. Just another mountain/city road.
There are many far nicer roads all over the western USA.
Even in this area, how about Mulholland and Ortega.
But 12 in Utah, or Burr Trail or Million Dollar, etc are far nicer. I'll trade you 10 Angeles Crest for Million Dollar any day. Or even trade for CA 49 any day of the week.
dc

 

[Mark H]

Hi David - thanks for confirming that the other roads we have chosen are equal or better than SR2. I guess when you guys have such amazing roads all over the place, it must be difficult to choose, and if you think the Angeles Crest Highway is just "OK", I can't wait to see some of the others.
On our last journey to the US we road Mulholland and Burr Trail is in my top 5 list for this ride.

I just had confirmation from the owner of Newcomb's Ranch that SR2 is open all the way through from east to west. So weather permitting we will get to experience it for ourselves in 12 days (not that I'm counting). I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas.

Thanks to everyone who added info here. You guys are an endless source of knowledge.