Exploring Abandoned Highway 99 North of Los Angeles - The Ridge Route Alternate

In 1933, a new road opened to link Los Angeles and California's Central Valley to the north. This road was part of Historic Highway 99 but it was also called the Ridge Route Alternate. Being faster and safer than the older Ridge Route (the first paved road linking Los Angeles County to the Central Valley), it became the preferred means of travel, and for over 30 years it was known as one of the most scenic highways in Southern California.

The Ridge Route Alternate went from Castaic to Gorman, bypassing the original Ridge Route. Cutting through Piru Gorge, Highway 99 in this area offered stunning views of the high canyon walls as it traveled along the course of Piru Creek. Along the way you would see features such as Pyramid Rock, one of the best known landmarks in the area.

Eventually, like most old highways, the Ridge Route Alternate would be replaced by the interstate. The road wasn't just abandoned however, a dam was built in Piru Gorge, near the most famous landmark along the entire road, and miles of Highway 99 was submerged under Pyramid Lake.

In this video we take a short drive on what was once Historic Highway 99 to Frenchman's Flat, then hike the remainder of it until we get to Pyramid Rock and Pyramid Dam. Along the way we will visit and abandoned rest area, an old highway bridge that shows the history of the road in a way, and take a look at the stunning scenery.

The Ridge Route preservation Organization: https://ridgeroute.org

Historic Highway 99 Association of California: https://historic99.org

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