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Lake Hughes Road, Sierra Pelona, California
Photo: Seauton · CC BY 4.0 · cropped

Drives California Los Angeles

Lake Hughes Road

Lake Hughes Road · Castaic → Lake Hughes

Twisty23 mi35 min5,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Lake Hughes Road is a long canyon road from Castaic, beside I-5, up into the Sierra Pelona to the small mountain community of Lake Hughes. It leaves Castaic past Castaic Lake and climbs north through the Angeles National Forest, about 23 miles of almost continuous curves with the tightest sections in the second half.

The country east of Castaic Lake burned in the Hughes Fire, so the lower part of the drive runs through land that is recovering. Higher up, the road winds on through the canyons of the national forest to Lake Hughes, which grew up as a resort settlement of vacation cottages in the 1920s, ending just short of Elizabeth Lake Road.

From Lake Hughes, Elizabeth Lake Road leads east past Elizabeth Lake to Leona Valley, where the Bouquet Canyon Road drive comes up from Santa Clarita, which makes the two a natural loop.

Along the way

  1. Castaic
  2. Lake Hughes (Elizabeth Lake Road)
Elevation
5,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,200 ft
CastaicLake Hughes
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
CastaicLake Hughes
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • LA County closes Lake Hughes Road ahead of heavy storms because of the risk of flooding, mud and debris; check its closure list in wet weather.
  • Expect motorcycles and cyclists, especially on weekends.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check LA County Public Works road closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does Lake Hughes Road take?

Lake Hughes Road from Castaic to Lake Hughes is 22.9 miles and takes about 35 minutes, climbing about 5,300 feet over its ups and downs.

Is Lake Hughes Road open?

LA County reports Lake Hughes Road closures on its Public Works closure list; the county closes the road ahead of big storms and reopens it once crews have inspected and cleared it.

Is Lake Hughes Road twisty?

Yes. Lake Hughes Road is curves almost the whole way from Castaic Lake to Lake Hughes, with three twistier stretches in the second half.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Lake Hughes Road, from Castaic to Lake Hughes