The Historic Highway 99 Association of California, in conjunction with the RRPO, has produced a video on the basics of the Ridge Route and some of the features that make the road unique. Learn about the curbs, rails, footprints of all types, tire tracks, and more that can be found on the road. They also talk about the different pavement types on the road as well as how you can get up there and see the road yourself.
The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has also produced other videos talking about other sections of the highway, including the bridges over the Santa Clara River and Castaic Creek in their “History along US 99” series.
On May 4th 2025, the rain broke just in time for a magical journey back in time along the Old Ridge Route. Eight Model A Fords traveled to Gorman to take a tour of the road, coming from San Diego and Orange County.
Photo by Zachary Svelling
The group of over 20 met in Gorman, starting off with a talk about road and it’s construction. RRPO President, Michael Ballard and Public Relations Director, Sydney Croasmun spoke and answered questions from the group, before lining up and heading down Gorman Post Road towards the Old Ridge Route.
Photo by: Scott Leland
Model A’s lined the road as we pulled into the first stop – the legendary Sandberg’s Summit Hotel. The tour talked about the 3 story log cabin, the people that lived there and the conspiracy theories that haunted it.
Photo: Austin Gebhardt
Next up is Liebre Summit – the highest point on the road. Visitors took in the stunning view and learned about the weather in the region and the importance of the Sandberg Weather Station. Even to this day, it’s a vital weather station for both land and air travel.
Want to support the Ridge Route Preservation Organization? Become a member!
Photo: Austin Gebhardt
At the Liebre Maintenance Camp, we discussed the people who built the road and the road building methods. Learning about the shift from railroad contractors to road building contractors and how this space is utilized in the modern day.
Photo by: Sydney Croasmun
Always a tradition – lining up all the cars up at the Tumble Inn for a photo! Visitors got to explore the ruins and listen to Michael Ballard speak about the road.
Photo by: Ryan Babroff
Now this is where things get fun – as our first tour to go past the gates, we continued down the road when we usually would end at the Tumble Inn
Photo by: Scott Leland
For the first time in 20 years, the tour made it’s way to Reservoir Summit! Here they are checking out the now empty reservoir, learning about the old restaurant, garage and fire lookout tower.
Photo by: Scott Leland
The tour concluded with a picnic at Swede’s Cut, overlooking Serpentine Drive. This was the largest cut on the road at 110ft deep!
We are so thankful to the San Diego Model A Club for setting this all up! It was great to meet so many wonderful people and see some beautiful cars
Photo by: Ryan Babroff
Want to support the Ridge Route Preservation Organization? Become a member!
The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has posted their latest video in the History along US 99 series. This time, the video is on C-monuments. What they are, how they came about, and how you can find them is all there in the video. Come check it out! Next time you’re on the Ridge Route, you might spot a few.
Angeles National Forest Seeking Input on OHV Grant Applications
ARCADIA, Calif., Feb. 21, 2025 — The Angeles National Forest welcomes public input to develop grant applications for State of California off-highway vehicle, also known as OHV, recreation funds.
Public comments may be submitted for consideration by the following methods:
In-person event on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rowher Flats OHV Area (Staging Area 1) or San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area
Email comments to michael.paniagua@usda.gov with subject line “OHV Comments” by Friday, Feb. 28, at 4 p.m.
Hard-copy comments may be dropped off in person by Friday, Feb. 28,at 4 p.m. to the Angeles National Forest, ATTN: Mike Paniagua, Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District, 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342
![[PHOTOS] The Old Ridge Route Comes to Life – San Diego & Orange County Model A Ford Club Tour](https://ridgeroute.org/wp-content/uploads/RidgeRoute-ModelA-3271-1200x474.jpg)
