Category Archives: SR-39

Featured Image – 9/17/2020

Looking south toward the closed section of Highway 39 from Angeles Crest Highway (State 2) in 2009

A look back to happier times in the San Gabriel Mountains. Taken on August 22, 2009, just a few days before the Station Fire started. Over the past few days, this section of the mountains has burned in the Bobcat Fire, which is ongoing.

Featured Image – 2/20/2020

Looking up the canyon from the West Fork San Gabriel River Bridge (53-2244). Taken in 2016.

Looking toward South Mount Hawkins in the West Fork San Gabriel Canyon from State 39. This road was planned to be improved but landslides prevented this work from being completed. In the case of this area, almost all of the low lying areas not covered in snow are landslides in one form or another. Even Crystal Lake, where this roadway is headed, exists because of landslides.

Image of the Week – 10/18/2016

Looking south toward the south closure on Hwy 39.
Looking south toward the south closure on Hwy 39.

A ride in the San Gabriel Mountains

On my way home from a friends in Los Angeles on January 8, 2013, I decided to take the long way home. It was a beautiful day and I had plenty of daylight left. So, I took a turn into the mountains. It was the first time in a long time I had taken Hwy 39 – San Gabriel Canyon Road – and it was time to ride it on my motorcycle. I wanted to see where it was gated, it seems to change often how far up you can go. This time it was open through to Crystal Lake, which was good to see. I had a great time, even chatted with another motorcyclist at the gate for a while.

Gate just above Crystal Lake
Gate just above Crystal Lake

Toward Crystal Lake and Mt Hawkins
Toward Crystal Lake and Mt Hawkins

Down the mountain and into the canyon.
Down the mountain and into the canyon.

Once I headed back down the mountain, I headed over to the Glendora Ridge Road to meet the valley in Upland instead of Azusa. I wanted to see something different. Glendora Ridge Road is quite a lot of fun on a motorcycle, at some point I do want to bicycle it though. I saw quite a few cyclists (motor and pedal) that day, more people on two wheels than four. The snow on Mt San Antonio was a grand sight to see riding along the ridge. Winter in the San Gabriels is always a favorite of mine.

On Glendora Ridge Road with Mt San Antonio in the distance
On Glendora Ridge Road with Mt San Antonio in the distance

Fun section with lots of curves
Fun section with lots of curves