Road Trip With Huell Howser #122 - RIDGE ROUTE

Completed in 1915, the Ridge Route was carved from the San GabrielMountains by workers using mule-drawn dirt scrapers. From ridge top toridge top, they cleared a 20 foot-wide roadway which was the first directroute between Los Angeles and Bakersfield, uniting Northern and SouthernCalifornia. Today, a 30-mile portion of the abandoned Ridge Route betweenCastaic and Gorman, can be found hidden in the mountains just east ofInterstate 5 which long ago replaced it.

Huell is joined by Harrison Scott, a retired Pacific Bell engineer, who,with the help of U.S. Forest Service archaeologists, was largelyresponsible for landing part of this engineering marvel on the NationalRegister of Historic Places in 1997. Together, they recreate a journeyalong the Ridge Route, complete with Model Ts and stops at the remnants ofthe inns, cafes and service stations that once marked its many twists andcurves.

From Los Angeles
I-5 North
Exit Parker Road at Castaic
At top of off ramp, go right on Ridge Route and follow through town and onto the old road.

*At Templin Hwy, dis-regard "Not a Through Road" sign.

Ridgeroute Website

Click to Purchase this Video
or call 1-800-266-5727.

Click to Purchase this DVD
or call 1-800-266-5727.

©2010 Huell Howser Productions | Contact Us

Website and Hosting Provided By Sandler Studios