Planning a ride to Simi Valley (May 2010 time frame) and will be approaching from the east via I-40 then I-15.

No disrespect to those that live there but would prefer to avoid the majority of the LA area as best I can. Any route suggestions?

TIA!

 

Off of the 40 and the 15 you can explore some of the old Route 66 listed on maps as National Trails Highway. Off of the 15 near Victorville you can take Pearblossom Hwy 18 west to the 14 south to the 5 south to the 405 south to 118 west all the way to Simi Valley avoiding most of LA. The 14,405, & 5 are crowded going south in the morning, north in late afternoon (rush hours). 118 is not as bad, but crowded going east in the am, west in the pm. You would be on the 405 & 5 for just a few miles.

 

You can actually pick up 66 off of I-40 at Goffs Junction about 30 miles west of Needles and ride it to Barstow and then through to Victorville (about 120 miles).

If it were me I would avoid the whole Pearblossom Hwy deal (too much desert by then) and take CA 138 to Hwy 2 up to Wrightwood (nice mountain community - might still be a little chilly in may) and take Angeles Crest down to the Valley (if it's open). That would be the scenic rte.

What ever you do, don't take I-10 (or any of its variants) into L.A. total waste of time and will require at least 5 anger management classes just to get back to "normal"

If would like you can PM me and we can discuss the details - it's kinda in my backyard.

.................. Jim

 

That's funny.... but true, if you're not used to the traffic out here and splitting lanes for miles on end with knuckleheads on either side, take those outer routes, you'll be glad you did.

It's not THAT bad, but one may be tempted to take out a mirror or ten on any given day;-)

 

Thanks! I really appreciate the suggestions!!

 

Another vote for taking 138 to Hwy 2. ACH re-opened this morning BTW.