The storm that is currently hitting Southern California is predicted to drop quite a bit of precipitation on the Ridge Route area. We will be monitoring the weather and assessing whatever damage may occur as soon as we can after the storm has clear. We will need your help afterward to help clear the road and repair any damage. We also wish to thank all those that have helped us so far during our CUTRR events, which have reduced potential hazards along the road and ensured its continued existence.
Regardless of the position of the gates, no travel is recommended over the Ridge Route during or after this storm. There could be many hazards up there that could either leave you stuck or otherwise stranded on the road. Such travel can also damage the roadway, which is also something we want to avoid.
If you’d like to monitor the weather yourself, here are some sites you might want to consider:
Weather Forecasts from the National Weather Service:
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.
![[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)
