The Top 10 Mountain Passes in the San Gabriel Mountains
Whether it be for the views, for the climbs or for the downhill descents, browse our list of the best mountain passes in the San Gabriel Mountains and make your next adventure one to remember. Contributed by the community, for the community, each mountain pass Highlight is a personal recommendation you know you can trust, so simply find your favorite and go.
Last updated: November 8, 2025
Glendora Ridge Road
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Glendora Mountain or Glendora Ridge Road is a very scenic mountain road located on the boundary of San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. It is a great road ride with views and hills that will take your breath away.
Tip by
Windy Gap & PCT junction
Highlight • Mountain Pass
At this saddle, the Windy Gap Trail meets the iconic long-distance Pacific Crest Trail and Mount Islip Trail. The latter one will lead you to the summit of Mount Islip with stunning views.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Lawlor Saddle
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Great views to the west of the LA basin and the ocean. Mostly level or gently rising trail leads here 2 miles from the road.
Tip by
Icehouse Saddle
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Whatever your goal for today might be – Cucamonga Peak or any other scenic summit in the Cucamonga Wilderness – this junction is a perfect spot to take a break …
Tip by
Mill Creek Summit
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Mill Creek Summit, sitting at 4,910 feet, is the highest point along the Angeles Forest Highway in northern Los Angeles County. In the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, it links Pasadena …
Tip by
Highway 39 & Dawson Saddle Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Highway 39 climbs deep into Southern California’s San Gabriel Mountains, starting with a steady grade that twists through rugged terrain and offers sweeping views. After passing multiple switchbacks, a Crystal …
Tip by
Bear Divide
Highlight • Mountain Pass
During spring migration, this spot transforms into a hotspot for birdwatchers, with thousands of birds (even 20,000!) soaring through a nearby mountain gap, offering a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Keep an …
Tip by
Vincent Gap
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Vincent Gap has a restroom and parking and some nice views of the surrounding area. There is a gate beyond the gab heading west that is seasonally closed. Continue past …
Tip by
Burt's Cut
Highlight • Mountain Pass
For centuries, the Tataviam people used the pass as a vital trade route through the Santa Clarita Valley. In 1842, the California Gold Rush ignited, turning the pass into a bustling thoroughfare for fortune seekers.
Tip by
Cajon Junction
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Cajon Pass, nestled between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, has desert views and active train lines running through the area. Visitors take advantage of convenient fast-food stops here as well.
Tip by
Other adventures in the San Gabriel Mountains
Most popular routes in the San Gabriel Mountains
Most popular attractions in the San Gabriel Mountains
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures around London and beyond.
Explore more
See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides in the San Gabriel Mountains:
Get ready to conquer new peaks
Sign up for Free