Author: Sydney Croasmun

Volunteers Take Action to Preserve and Improve the Historic Old Ridge Route [PHOTOS]

The Ridge Route Preservation Organization hosted a successful “Clean Up the Ridge Route” volunteer day on November 16, 2024, focused on enhancing the safety and accessibility of the historic Old Ridge Route. Volunteers worked tirelessly to complete three impactful projects: relocating a landslide warning sign, installing delineators at a landslide site, and repairing a hazardous road issue known as the “sinkhole” on the north end.

These efforts are part of ongoing commitments to preserving this iconic roadway while ensuring its safety for all users, including hikers, cyclists, and utility workers maintaining nearby infrastructure.

The landslide, located in a section closed to motorized vehicles, has been a longstanding challenge. While the full repair is a complex and lengthy process, the installation of warning signs and delineators is an immediate step to alert travelers to the potential dangers in the area.

The so-called “sinkhole,” located on an open section of the road, turned out to be the exposed header of an old culvert, likely eroded by heavy rains. Volunteers worked to fill the 18-inch gap with gravel and concrete, finishing the repair with an asphalt cold patch to prevent damage to vehicles and further degradation of the road.

We are actively taking steps to make the Old Ridge Route safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Our volunteers did the hard, hands-on work that makes a real difference in protecting this historic road!

The Ridge Route Preservation Organization extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who spent their Saturday shoveling dirt, hauling materials, and contributing to the repair and restoration efforts.

For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities, please visit https://ridgeroute.org/events/.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos taken by Jamie Crawford

What’s open? How to get involved?

So you’re interested in the Old Ridge Route? We’re so happy to have you along for the ride!

The best location to see the Old Ridge Route by vehicle is from the north end. Exit the 5 (North from LA, South from Bakersfield) at the 138, continue just past Quail Lake and on the right will be the Old Ridge Route. Here you can experience the ruins of Sandberg’s Summit Hotel, Granite Gate, Liebre Summit, and the iconic arch of the Tumble Inn.

INTERACTIVE MAP WITH ROAD CLOSURES (LINK)

Click to open map

Click image to open the map

If you are a cyclist, the road is a great ride with incredible views. The most common route is climbing up the Old Ridge Route from Castaic, cutting across at Pine Canyon Road and then completing the circle with Lake Hughes Road.

How to get involved

We hold volunteer days about once a month, weather permitting. Dates can be found on the Events page. If you live far or are not physically able to be there, no fear! We are always looking for donations, help with grants, social media, and planning. Memberships are also a great way to support as the membership fees go towards road repairs.

The RRPO can arrange for guided viewing of the road for members and groups. Scouts, vintage car clubs, historians and geological groups have all given the road a visit and taken in the beauty and history. This is of no cost but we greatly appreciate donations.

Come see the Ridge Route! Road Surveys and Pothole Project

Have you wanted to see the Old Ridge Route? We have two potential ways coming up!

August 17th – Gold Member Road Survey

This is the first of its kind… we will be thanking our Gold Members for their support by opening up one of our regular road surveys! This is usually a board members only experience.

We will drive from Castaic to Gorman through the Old Ridge Route, looking a different impacted areas, planning out future work days and talking about the history of the road – Like a Ridge Route Open House! We want our supporters to have a say in the road and experience it firsthand. If you are not currently a Gold Member but would like to become one, you can join here! Gold Membership is $70/person and dues go towards road repairs.

August 18th – Pothole Project

Meeting at the site of Sandberg’s Summit Hotel at 8AM. This is the last Pothole Project date of the season before we switch gears to winter prep.

We will be filling potholes in the Horseshoe Bend area. Expect to work for about 2 hours. Sweeping, use of a leaf blower, shoveling, raking and moving bags of cold patch. Then we will take an optional drive down the Old Ridge Route to Castaic and looking at the various historic locations and clearing any obstacles along the way.

We welcome anyone who would like to learn about the road, even if you might be unable to do physical labor. Photographers (even on an iPhone) are always helpful as well as spotters to keep watch for cars coming.

Pothole Project Summer Dates!

It’s that time… we are moving forward on the Pothole Project!

Summertime dates are:

  • June 8th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
  • July 13th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
  • July 20th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
  • August 18th, 8AM, Meeting at Sandbergs
RSVP Here

PROJECT INFORMATION:
We will be filling potholes on the historic Old Ridge Route. Focusing on small to medium sized potholes that affect the original concrete road surface. In many places, the unsupported road surface is crumbing and eroding faster. This project aims to prevent that.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Old Ridge Route is in a remote location, there are no restrooms up there. We will be working in a sunny area, finishing the work by 11AM to beat the heat. Please bring water, any snacks you may want, work gloves (cold patch can be quite messy!), work clothes that are ok to get dirty, a hat and close toed shoes. Work boots or hiking boots preferred.

Tools are optional (we bring extra) but if you’d like to bring your own, a shovel, rake, broom, or tamper are helpful! Keep in mind, we are working with cold patch and it does leave residue.

MATERIAL DONATION:
We would so much appreciate any material donated! This is what we are using: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50-lb-Commercial-Grade-Blacktop-Repair-Patch-170152/100545936#overlay

Depending on the amount of bags brought, we are happy to comp you with a membership. Below are the amount of bags per membership:
Supporting Member – 1 bag
Silver Member – 3 bags
Gold Member – 4 bags

RSVP Here

May 2024 Board Meeting

Board Meeting from 5/27/2024. Topics discussed include:

  • Pothole Project Update
  • Future work dates
  • Castaic Landslide
  • Sinkholes opening up
  • Membership update and changes
  • Scout bike trip recap
  • Bakersfield Model A Club recap
  • Future fundraising events
  • Road signs
  • Informational monuments update