The Norwalk Driver’s Guide to SoCal’s Best Scenic Byways

Angeles Crest is the road local driving enthusiasts talk about most, and for good reason. Stretching 66 miles from La Cañada Flintridge to Wrightwood, this route carves straight through the San Gabriel Mountains. You'll climb from around 1,500 feet at the start all the way up to 7,901 feet at Dawson Saddle—the highest point on the route.

It takes roughly an hour to get from Norwalk to the trailhead in La Cañada, making it one of the easiest mountain escapes in the area.

• What to expect: Continuous elevation changes and smooth, sweeping curves rather than stop-and-go city traffic.
• The views: Pullouts along the way offer massive, panoramic views of the Mojave Desert, the San Gabriels, and the LA Basin.
• Pro tip: Take the side road up to the historic Mount Wilson Observatory on a clear day for an incredible look back down at the city. Just keep in mind that higher sections near Islip Saddle often close in the winter due to snow, so check Caltrans before heading out.

If Angeles Crest is about sweeping mountain vistas, Ortega Highway is about driving through dense forest scenery. Connecting San Juan Capistrano to Lake Elsinore, this 28-mile stretch cuts through the Santa Ana Mountains and the Cleveland National Forest.

It’s a quick 45-minute drive from Norwalk to the western start in San Juan Capistrano, where the road immediately leaves the suburbs behind.

• Tight and technical: Narrow lanes, sharp turns, and steep drop-offs give this road a challenging reputation. Drive at your own pace, and use the designated turnouts to let faster traffic by.
• Forest scenery: You'll pass right through Caspers Wilderness Park—a quiet, shaded contrast to the typical beach-town vibe of Orange County.
• The finish: As you descend toward Lake Elsinore, the trees open up to massive views of the lake and valley below.

For something more laid-back, Palos Verdes Drive hugs the coastal bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula southwest of Los Angeles. While the full loop circles the peninsula, the best stretch is the 10-mile run along the water from Torrance down to San Pedro.

You can reach the start near Palos Verdes Estates in about 50 minutes from Norwalk.

• Coastal bluffs: Long stretches of open oceanfront with golden cliffs instead of dense beach houses.
• A relaxed pace: This isn't a high-speed road or a technical test; it’s a smooth, rolling cruise meant for soaking in the scenery.
• Worth a stop: Plan a quick break at Point Vicente Lighthouse or the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro.

If you don't mind heading a little further north, combining Malibu Canyon Road with the Pacific Coast Highway makes for an iconic Southern California drive. Starting in Calabasas, the route winds down through Malibu Creek State Park before dumping you right out onto PCH.

Plan on about an hour and a half to reach Calabasas from Norwalk, making this ideal for a half-day or full-day getaway.

• Canyon to coast: You'll start with tight canyon curves framed by rock walls and trees, followed by an immediate payoff when the canyon opens up to the Pacific Ocean.
• Flexible routes: Once you hit PCH, you can easily loop into other famous canyon roads nearby (like Latigo or Decker) to extend your trip.

• Check road conditions: Mountain passes like Angeles Crest can close for snow or maintenance, and Ortega Highway sees occasional fire closures. Check Caltrans QuickMap before leaving.
• Top off the tank: Long stretches of these roads pass through wilderness areas with no gas stations for miles.
• Use live navigation: Built-in navigation with live traffic updates helps you easily spot vista turnouts and navigate around sudden road closures without needing to pull out your phone.