The closure put into effect after the Lake Fire covers most of the Ridge Route but is set to end on December 31st. Until then, where can you see the original concrete of the Ridge Route?
ALL THREE ROADS!
This is s super cool spot! All 3 roads, the 1915 Ridge Route, the 1933 Ridge Route Alternate and the modern day Interstate 5, run parallel at this point and can be seen side by side. This stretch is up on a hill off the southwest side of Ralphs Ranch Rd.
DEAD MAN’S CURVE… KIND OF…
So this isn’t a spot to actually drive on the road but it does overlook the legendary Dead Man’s Curve. This curve was notoriously dangerous as trucks would often lose control and fly off the road. The area below was nicknamed “The Junk Yard” after all the wrecked cars. Yikes! This curve was bypassed when the 99 was put in and later the 5. If you take Digier Rd up to the cattle grate, there’s a spot to pull over on the left. There is a Private Road sign so I don’t recommend going too much further, but luckily this is the best vantage point to see the curve!
POWER LINE ACCESS ROAD
Not too far after you come up from the dip alongside the freeway, there’s a little access road to the power lines on the right side of the road. If you blink, you’ll miss it! The concrete on this spot is from the original 1915 Ridge Route. It’s pretty town up but is still there.
5.5 MILES UP THE RIDGE FROM PARKER ROAD EXIT
Super easy to get to and can be accessed by anyone – A strip of the Ridge Route right alongside the modern road. This is a good spot to compare the two! From the 5 Freeway, exit at Parker Rd, turn right and continue up the Ridge Route. 5.5 miles up the road, you’ll pass one of the famous sweeping curves overlooking the city. Right after you pass that, on the left, you’ll see a strip of the original 1915 concrete.
TEMPLIN HIGHWAY X RIDGE ROUTE ROAD, CASTAIC CA
Hidden up on a hill, a strip of the original 1915 Ridge Route concrete can be found. This stretch was most likely bypassed when Templin Highway was put in. Park either at the intersection of Tempin x Ridge or on the turnout southeast of where the road drops down. From road level, you can see the original concrete coming over the edge of the hill. About 75 feet southeast of that is a small trail off the east side of the road. That will take you to the old concrete up on the hill.
