The Long Way Home

by Michael Satterfield - 08/17/2009

The 24 Hours of Lemons was a great event, and rather than drive the arrow-straight I5 back home, I decided to take the long way home. Heading south on the I5, I pulled off in the town of Gorman, and following along Gorman Post Rd, it turns into the 138 or Lancaster Rd. It is a great, challenging road with curves, elevation changes, and great scenery. It curves past Quail Lake, historic farms, cherry, pecan, and peach orchards. Just past the lake and before a large historic windmill, you have to turn onto Old Ridge Road and then make a left onto Pine Canyon Road.

Pine Canyon Rd (Both Photos Above)

Pine Canyon Road is a winding mountain road, that offers some great hairpin turns, it is a great road for sports cars. Pine Canyon Road turns into Elizabeth Lake Road, which takes you through the historic town of Lake Hughes. If you are hungry the Rock Inn has been a major stop for car guys, bikers, and people looking for a massive burger and a cold beer that has been serving customers since 1927. 

The Rock Inn (Above)

After leaving the lakes, the road becomes W Palmdale Blvd, turn right on Sierra Highway, and pass by Lake Palmdale. Serria Highway splits, take Angeles Forest Highway (N3), a classic mountain highway, and one of the original routes used before the I5 was built, it has several interesting bridges, and ruins from the 1940s along the way. Passing through the small town of Hidden Springs, which is home to a few homes and the Hidden Springs Cafe. Just past Hidden Springs, you will pass through a tunnel and then cross the bridge over the Tujunga Narrows, which were both built in 1941.

Tujunga Narrows Bridge (Above)

After driving down the N3 dead ends into the Angels Crest Highway (2), if you are in the mood for more mountain driving, turn left, and it will take you all the way to Wrightwood and back up to the high desert and the 138. I turned right and drove towards La Canada Flintridge and the 210 Freeway. Hoping on the 210, I realized it was just a short trip to my home in Rancho Cucamonga. I am already planning my next trip in this area and can't wait to explore more of the great driving roads in Southern California.