Oh Wow, I found a listing for the Grapevine hill on the 5, amazing! IMe and the crew are headed to…read moreLong Beach from Nor Cal and driving over the Grapevine. I let one of my crew take over driving this big gas guzzling Suburban. It must be really drinking the gas climbing up this hill. I've driven this Grapevine many times, being originally a southern Cal girl from San Diego. I'm sitting in back writing this review! This hill takes you up and over Tejon Pass at over 4000 feet elevation. This road even gets snowed in sometimes in the winter. They have special routes just for the big rigs to use, I guess maybe it a less steep way or something. I see they do have those runaway truck ramps if they get outta control. I've never seen one being used ... that would be exciting! It's good this freeway is here and this hill is famous. I think we better use a lower gear to keep the speed down on this rig on the long downhill we're on now! I never reviewed a freeway before!

Review #851 2025-023…read more What goes up, must come down... right? I oddly reviewed "The Grapevine" I-5 North (refer to Review #247) but didn't comment on the south. LOL It's the return from my happy place where I frequently visit my aunt & uncle, especially meaningful after my parents passing. My son never had the opportunity to meet his great uncle, so he was especially doted on by my aunt. This last visit was to my cousin's, their youngest daughter & it was a very different road trip because my beloved aunt & uncle have joined my parents. I no longer have to pay tuition for my mahjong sessions (because I frequently lose to them), receive hugs & affection, enjoy delish home-cooked comfort foods & soups. I was intentional in my road trips to visit them after I settled in my work schedule; the I-5 South always brings a little heartache when I have to leave. I have yet to see snow until after my kids were born, & finally understood what my uncle meant about the perils of trying to drive through the mountain pass when the roads became icy. On this recent visit to my cousins, it was bittersweet because my Aunt & Uncle are no longer with us. (T-T) And we went up as a family of 4, & returned home as a family of 5, adopted a fur baby (her name is Snow, a Siamese mixed kitten) because my cousin & his wife are helping a family friend control the kitty population near her home by spaying/neutering the feral kittens & their mommas. I repeat what I wrote about its northbound: "Driving through the pass during the holidays can be a nightmare when traffic just stops; careless drivers may misjudge the steep downgrades & sharp turns as well as steep inclines leading to the many accidents on the I-5. And heavy rain or winds, & fog are major weather hazards. :-( But after a good season of rain, the hillsides are lush & bright with vegetation & wildflowers. =) When you're driving through The Grapevine during the winter, rainy months, be sure to check The I-5 weather advisory for any intermittent road closures or to add snow chains if you attempt to drive the pass. The only thing you can still be sure of... you have to yawn, chew gum, or suck on a lollipop to relieve the pressure on your ears." Whether you're coming or going... wish you happy & safe driving folks!

This is a family favorite and very underrated. The air, the plants and the vibe are so different…read morethan anything else nearby. Families with kids - there are camp restrooms nearby at the campsite area about 75-100 yards from the parking lot. Be sure to take your time as there is some altitude!

Late Post: 1/19/19...Snowshoeing at Mount Pinos. Snow shoes are highly recommended. When we went…read morethere the snow is up to my thighs, well I'm pretty short to some ppl is up to their knees ;) Whew! Imagine if you go there now...it's even prettier with lots of powder snow Must be there early at 7am, if you want to park at Nordic Base

100 years ago, before the 5 fwy, people drove along the Ridge Route to get from LA to Bakersfield…read more It was was a 44 mile, two-lane, highway. It opened in 1915 and was in use until 1968 after it was replaced by the 5 fwy. Much of the road runs through the Angeles National Forest and passes by many historical landmarks. It's interesting to read about it's history and to view some of the old ruins. One of it's more distinctive sections is Deadman's Curve, located at the base of the grapevine. The Ridge Route is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There two access points that allow you to drive along southern sections of the road. From Los Angeles head north on I-5 freeway. Exit at Castaic and take Parker Rd to the Ridge Route. This route only lets you experience a small portion of the road. It was blocked off after storm damage in 2005. I recommend continuing along 5 fwy north and exiting at Hwy 138 heading toward Lancaster. You'll pass a reservoir on the left and you will eventually see a sign for "Old Ridge Route" located on the right. This route provides some nice views of the area and also allows you to see some of the locations of the historic hotels. Sections of the road can be a little rocky since it's no longer maintained.

In this time of coronavirus isolating, this is a nice getaway. We found an entrance off of 138 just…read moreeast of Quail Lake and headed south. It is very remote and in places the one hundred year old road bed is covered with dirt and rocks from slides. Most of the people we saw were on touring type motorcycles, SUVs and trucks hauling bicycles, and a few off road enthusiasts. It is beautiful country to travel thru, everyone we saw was driving very carefully and respectfully. There was a huge locked gate after a while and we turned around and went back to 138. Then we went back south on I 5 to Templin highway east. After a few miles we hooked back onto the Ridge Route and followed it all the way into Castaic. The first section off of 138 was much more scenic and beautiful. We saw a few cars, but it is better to be in a vehicle with good ground clearance. In the bad spots there are very many sharp rocks, there is a need for good tires too. We had a great afternoon and were able to get away during this time, while still practicing the social distancing. Our trip was taken in a two wheel drive half ton Silverado, we had no trouble. I can see that if there was bad weather, this would not be a good road to be exploring.

Finally a rest stop that's open on I -5. For some reason most of the rest stops have been closed…read moreheading south on I -5. We really needed a spot to let our dogs out to do their business. This was not the greatest location. No grass,only weeds and foxtails. Really didn't want my dogs wandering in the weeds. Had them pee in the parking lot on my tire. Was not happy with that. I know the state is running out of money,but at least knock down the weeds,it's a fire hazard

Decent rest area. Glad to be able to stop and use the facilities. Women's room had toilet paper,…read moreworking toilets, soap, cold water and 2 air blowers that worked. Husband had toilet paper, working toilets, soap and water but no towels or blowers that worked in the Men's room. Came out with wet hands! Area looked nice. Saw the vending machines but didn't need them. Lots of parking spots. Glad it was here!!

Original review from August of 2018 - Beautiful, wonderful place to own a vacation home and just…read morechill...paradise! Highly recommended! UPDATE (January 2023) - Made the big move in 2021 - left the San Fernando Valley, renovated the second vacation home I've lived in part time since 2009 to accommodate my living/working situation for 35 years in the valley, now have lived up here permanently since 9/21...and the result? Still absolute paradise - best thing I ever did. No smog, no noise, no traffic, etc. Thought I would miss the old house but honestly never looked back. Still highly recommend it, especially if you're going to retire or in my case, semi-retire.

Pine Mountain Club is small town living in a gorgeous mountain setting just a few miles from the…read morenorth end of Los Angeles County. Without traffic is it about 90 minutes to downtown LA and about one hour from Bakersfield. Despite being a small town, PMC has a good range of shops and restaurants and a surprising amount of entertainment with music, theater, comedy..... PMC is run by a Property Owners Association which all home owners are required to join. In addition to road maintenance for dozens of miles of roads, snow plowing, patrol, a trash transfer site, etc..... there is a cool golf course, an equestrian center, clubhouse with a cafe and lounge, parks, youth programs, a pool and more, which makes it a great place for families. The assessments (dues) are probably the lowest of any similar community in California. People in PMC get country club type amenities for fees that are a fraction of typical condo fees in the city. The downside is that living in a remote town may not be best for all families. PMC is one hour from the nearest city, which means limited employment options, limited access to medical specialists, no movie theaters, no Costco, etc...

Very handicapped-accessible City super friendly people a really good place to go clear your mind…read moreand get in touch with yourself and nature

Basically a pit stop haven. Lots of places to get food and gas, but it's in the middle of nowhere.read more

Was able to visit this memorial for the first time on Thursday with my wonderful friends Patrick…read moreand Bette. We were blown away at how beautiful this memorial is. Cub Lake is breathtaking and the memorial is set over looking the water. They have a couple benches facing the plaques with the names of our heroes. There is also picnic tables set near by, would be nice for a picnic with friends and family. I am trying to get more information about the memorial as to when they built it and any other important facts I should know. I will update my review then. I hope everybody stops by and visits this beautiful veterans memorial at Cub Lake.

The Veteran's Memorial at Cub Lake is a lovely tribute to some of our nations veterans…read more Specifically, the Veterans from Bear Valley Springs. The Memorial is located in Bear Valley Springs, and it overlooks Cub Lake. Brittany C. (our friend and guide) wrote a wonderful review about this the beautiful place that says it all. I'd like to add that the memorial site was built as an Eagle Scout project by Boy Scout Kyle Olivier. So awesome!! I'm a fan!!

I am a big fan & supporter of libraries, particularly Public Libraries. Getting a library card is…read moreone of the first things I do when I move to a new area. Needless to say, i have been in a lot of libraries. The Frazier Park library is awesome! Don't let the size fool you. They have plenty to offer. They have all the media & services of other libraries & a wonderful staff. Everyone here is helpful & delightful. Definitely give this library a visit. You won't be disappointed. I especially recommend the book sale events.

This library rocks. It is a state-of-the-art facility, gorgeous and a pleasure to visit. Not only…read moreis there free wi-fi, the building is designed to be welcoming, user-friendly and to facilitate research and learning. Computer lab? Yes. Super cute children's room? You betcha. Friendly helpful librarians? You got it. Fireplace? Uh-huh. As you can see in the pictures, this library was very well designed to make a beautiful and calming atmosphere. Lucky patrons! Everyone and anyone in this area should come here as much as possible. Congratulations, Kern County, on doing something very, very right.