We’re looking to add a board member to help lead volunteer events!
The dream candidate would: – Live withing driving distance (Castaic, Santa Clarita, Bakersfield, Frazier Park, Lebec…) of the Old Ridge Route. – Have a vehicle that has ground clearance (4WD not needed) – Be physically capable of using hand tools like shovels and rakes – Available on select weekends
And have a passion for roads or history!
This is a volunteer position and would grant access to the road for official purposes, with keys after a test period.
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.
This weekend, a group of RRPO board members gathered on the Old Ridge Route to jump start restoration efforts of the 1915 roadway. Armed with bags of Quickrete Commercial Grade Blacktop Repair, shovels, brooms, a leaf blower and a tamper, they set out to make history – or repair history!
Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford
Potholes have plagued the Old Ridge Route, especially on the northern end which is open to travel year round. The over 100 years of rain, snow and vehicular travel, have taken a toll on the crumbling road surface.
The process started in July of 2023 when the Ridge Route Preservation Organization submitted a proposal to the Angeles National Forest for special permission to repair the historic road. Driven by the need for a safe road for emergency vehicles to travel, controlling erosion to the historic concrete and ease of access to historic sites, the Pothole Project quickly gained interest. We received clearance at the end of November 2023 and were set to start work after the spring rains.
Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford
The small group got together, headed up by board member, Sydney Croasmun. Supplies were brought in by Croasmun and board member, Hugh “Jamie” Crawford. Each attendee brought tools, ready to make history. Starting at Sandberg’s, small to midsize potholes that affected the concrete surface were scoped out and patched.
Photo by Hugh “Jamie” Crawford
Potholes were cleared of debris. Volunteer, Nathan Beste, used a rake to spread Blacktop Repair. RRPO President, Michael Ballard, used a tamper, compacting newly laid material to support the crumbling roadway. Volunteer, Ian Pauly, swept the potholes clean and brought out bags.
Photo by Sydney Croasmun
The group filled 7 potholes between the site of Sandberg’s Summit Hotel and Granite Gate. This section has not had much attention since the road was bypassed in 1933. 17 bags of Quickrete Commercial Grade Blacktop Repair were used, totaling $259.59. Each pothole used between 2-3 bags and they were paid for by donations and membership dues.
This was the launch day of the Pothole Project and after this, the dates will be open to the public. If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out this form. If you’re interested on donating, please donate here. Memberships also help out immensely with this work!
![Volunteers Take Action to Preserve and Improve the Historic Old Ridge Route [PHOTOS]](https://ridgeroute.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0991-Michael-removing-signs-for-relocation-1-1200x900.jpg)
