Scenic Drives in Southern California
These pages mostly cover county roads that are fairly undeveloped. Some State Highways are also included as well, though links will be given to the appropriate Southern California Highways page. The following pages will include maps and photos with a small description of the area. New areas will be explored, so watch for updates. Photo submissions are welcome.
Check Road Conditions Before You Go
Some of these roadways have special conditions which will be noted on the index page. Wildfires along any of the roadways will also affect roadway conditions. Always use extra caution when traveling through such areas, especially after a rain storm.
Scenic Drive Codes
The following two-letter codes identify special characteristics or conditions associated with each roadway.
MC
Popular Motorcycling Route
Road may have a larger amount of motorcycles than normal during weekends and holidays.
BC
Popular Bicycling Route
Road may have a larger amount of bicycles than normal during weekends and holidays.
WC
Winter Closure or Winter Conditions
Expect snow, ice, or rock on the roadway during winter or a full closure for all or a section of the roadway.
NS
No Services
No gas or food for over 20 miles or for the length of the roadway.
LS
Limited Services
May have some services located at an end of the roadway only.
Coming Soon
Under Development
A dedicated Scenic Drives page is planned but is not yet available.
FEATURED SCENIC DRIVE
Sunrise Highway (S1)
Climbing through the Laguna Mountains east of San Diego, Sunrise Highway runs from Interstate 8 at Laguna Summit to State Route 79 near Cuyamaca Lake. The road passes through high-elevation mountain scenery, forested recreation areas, and overlooks toward the Anza-Borrego Desert.
BC MC
Explore Scenic Drives by Region
Select a region below to explore scenic drives throughout Southern California.
Santa Ana Mountains
Mountain roads crossing the Santa Ana Mountains between Orange and Riverside Counties.
Ortega Highway (State 74) LS MC
Tenaha Road / Los Alamos Truck Trail NS WC Under Development
San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains
Canyon roads and mountain highways through the San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles National Forest, and Sierra Pelona.
Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2) – See SR-2 BC MC WC
Angeles Forest Highway (N3) MC WC NS
Big Pines Highway (N4) WC LS Under Development
Bouquet Canyon Road BC MC NS
San Francisquito Canyon Road BC MC
San Gabriel Canyon Road (SR 39) – See SR-39 BC MC WC
Sand Canyon Road LS BC
Sierra Highway – See US 6
Santa Monica Mountains
Scenic canyon and mountain roads connecting the Conejo Valley, Malibu, and the Pacific Coast.
Liebre and San Emigdio Mountains
Remote mountain roads through northern Los Angeles County and the western Transverse Ranges.
Cerro Noroeste Road WC NS Under Development
Lockwood Valley Road WC NS
Mil Potrero Highway WC LS
Mt. Pinos Highway WC NS
Pine Canyon Road (N2) WC NS
San Diego Region
Mountain, canyon, and desert routes throughout San Diego County and the Peninsular Ranges.
Los Pinos Road NS Under Development
Lyons Valley Road BC MC Under Development
Mesa Grande Road BC MC NS
Montezuma Valley Road (S22) NS MC Under Development
Palomar Mountain Roads (S6 and S7) BC MC Under Development
Sage Road (R3) MC NS
Sunrise Highway (S1) WC BC MC
Plan Your Drive
Check current travel conditions and explore additional resources before heading out on Southern California’s scenic roads.
Road Conditions
Check current Southern California highway conditions and roadway information before beginning your trip.
Caltrans Designated Scenic Highways
Learn about California’s officially designated and eligible State Scenic Highways.
Los Angeles Geological Drives
Explore drives highlighting the geology and transportation history of the Los Angeles region.
