Today in California, many of us who travel north from Los Angeles toward the San Joaquin Valley drive along an eight lane road known as Interstate 5. While many motorists may notice the beauty of the surrounding mountains, few of them realize the history that these mountains hold. Deep in the mountains exists a 48 mile stretch of road that winds its way from Castaic to the Grapevine. This road is known as the Old Ridge Route.

The Old Ridge Route gets its name because it follows a ridge line of mountains, and it was said to be an impossible project to build. The crossing of these mountains was so complicated that at one time there was talk of spliting California in to two states. However, in 1915 the Old Ridge Route opened up and expanded travel and commerce between Southern and Central California. This road featured hairpin curves, steep grades, and a speed limit of 15 m.p.h. (it easily took an entire day to drive it). In no time, gas stations, inns, and restaurants began to open up along the Old Ridge Route.

In 1933 the Old Ridge Route was replaced by Highway 99, a more straight and wider road. Then in 1960, Interstate 5 opened, and over time the Old Ridge Route became a piece of history. A piece of history that many of us speed past without realizing it’s there.

To get to the Old Ridge Route, head north on I-5 from Valencia and exit at Parker Road. At the end of the ramp you’ll see a sign that reads “Ridge Route”. Make a right turn and head through the suburbs around Castaic Dam.