Drive Through History

Discover one of California’s best-kept secrets right here in the Frazier-Tejon region. The Historic Ridge Route, built in 1915, was California’s first true highway—linking Los Angeles to the Central Valley with a scenic, twisting journey over the mountains.

This wasn’t just a road; it was a bold feat of early 20th-century engineering that transformed the state’s economy and travel. Today, portions of this historic route remain accessible, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind driving or hiking experience steeped in history and panoramic views.

What Makes the Ridge Route Special?

Before the era of wide freeways, the Ridge Route carved its way across the mountains with over 600 hand-cut curves, helping to connect Southern and Central California for the first time. Along this narrow road, travelers once passed by inns, gas stations, and auto camps—many of which still leave behind ghostly remnants of the past.

Though much has been replaced by modern Interstate 5, original segments of the Ridge Route still exist, showcasing early concrete work, breathtaking ridgelines, and historic points of interest like Swede’s Cut and the ruins of Sandberg’s Summit Hotel.

How to Visit

Start your journey from Gorman or Lebec, easily accessed from I-5, and explore surviving segments of the Ridge Route that climb above the freeway corridor. While some areas are gated or unpaved, the adventure is well worth it. Highlights include:

• 🌄 Sweeping views of the Tehachapi and San Emigdio Mountains

• 🕰 Historic landmarks tucked into the landscape

• 📸 Perfect photo ops and picnic spots with a sense of history

• 🛡 Nearby Fort Tejon State Historic Park for a full day of discovery

Pro Tip: Before you go, check access conditions and route details by visiting the Historic Ridge Route Preservation Organization—the official source for maps, preservation news, and updates.

Make It a Memorable Activity

• Self-Guided Tour: Pack snacks and take your time exploring the preserved segments.

• Historic Scavenger Hunt: Search for old concrete markers, original road signs, and other relics.

• Picnic with a View: Set up lunch with a view from a turnout used by Model T travelers a century ago.

Plan Your Visit

• Duration: 1–3 hours, depending on your stops

• Best Seasons: Spring and fall—cooler temps and clear views

• What to Bring: Water, camera, sturdy shoes, and a sense of curiosity

Drive the Ridge Route, and experience the road that changed California forever—where history, nature, and adventure all meet at the summit.