5 Best California Roads to Drive in Your 911 This Summer
With June gloom burning off day by day and Summer just around the corner, there is no better time to go out and drive your 911. Here are the 5 incredible roads California has to offer you this driving season.
Angeles Crest Highway
This 65-mile monster offers hours of fast-flowing sections with some of the best scenery in the Golden State. Nestled deeply in a forest you will fall in love with every corner you take and every straight that pushes your car harder. The road is well-maintained and has several passing lanes…should you need them.
Mt. Wilson
As you make your way up to Angeles Crest Highway, you’ll come across a hidden gem called Mt. Wilson Road. It’s the crown jewel of canyon roads because of the one-of-a-kind view at the top. The highest peak in Los Angeles doesn’t just offer amazing views, but some of the most challenging corners on any canyon road. This is a must-visit for anyone in the Los Angeles area in the Summer.
PRO TIP: Go just before the sun goes down if you can. Park your car and sit on the boulders that line the edge of the gravel. You can watch the electrical grid turn on square by square on a clear evening.
Mulholland Highway
Before we get into this one, let's just say that the Mul can be hairy and is seeing a lot of changes as of late to the route. The spine of L.A. is steeped in notorious history and is the hub of car culture. Starting at the coast you can follow its curves until it turns into the infamous Mulholland Drive. This section of the road was made famous by legendary street racers Charlie Woit and Chris Banning. This stretch of road has so much history it would take hundreds of pages to explore which is why it earns it a place in this top 5.
PRO TIP: Avoid “The Snake.” This section of road has become popular via Youtubers and is a collection of the most inexperienced of drivers. You are more likely to get hit by someone trying to show off for the cameras or pulled over and hassled by the cops than you are to have a fun drive. It is one of the least challenging sections of road in all of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Decker Canyon
A road so ferocious even the “hardcore” canyon carvers avoid it and it only takes one drive to find out why. Descending thousands of feet in about 12 miles, Decker Canyon begins at the end of Westlake Boulevard. It starts level before climbing uphill, then oscillates until plummeting into one of the craziest downhills of any road in the world. Brakes can catch on fire, smoke, and outright quit if not prepared for this road. Be very cautious getting comfortable here.
PRO TIP: Make sure your brakes are top-notch here. Get good pads, and make sure you have a good pedal feel and no problems. Driving a good setup vintage 911 on this road or a 356 is reminiscent of the Mille Miglia.
Tuna Canyon
This road makes the list for one reason and one reason only: It’s a one-way downhill run that is only a single lane wide. You’ll have to find this secret road on your own, but when you do, it will all be worth the effort. Tuna has been the host of an annual soap box derby and is the one place any local will tell you their “closest call” story. It has zero room for error and like Decker, it requires amazing brakes and a lightweight car to conquer.
PRO TIP: Drive cautiously on Tuna and leave some room for errant wildlife or anything unexpected.
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