The majority of the route passes through the San Gabriel Mountains located north of the Greater Los Angeles Area.

There are not many buildings between La Cañada Flintridge and Wrightwood save for Newcomb's Ranch, and forest service campgrounds and visitor centers.

Depending on visibility conditions, impressive views of the Los Angeles Basin are possible from the vicinity of Mount Wilson.

The westernmost segment of the highway, combined with Angeles Forest Highway to/from State Route 14, is heavily travelled by southbound traffic in the morning (and corresponding northbound traffic in the afternoon) that comprises commuters who live in the Antelope Valley and work in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

[5] Roads in the San Gabriel Mountains have a high number of single-vehicle auto and motorcycle accidents.

The van was a carpool carrying workers of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory from the Antelope Valley to work in Pasadena.

The motion picture Donnie Darko, released in 2001, was partially filmed on Angeles Crest Highway.

The Angeles Crest Highway is normally closed in the winter from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanche hazards.

Terri Kasinga, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation, stated in November 2005 "It is definitely not going to open until next spring (of 2006)".

[9] Cell phone reception is sporadic and signal strength and clarity are poor, due to the terrain and distance from cellular communication antennas.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act passed in December 2004, protects the Angeles National Forest.

The fire damaged the signs, guardrails, and lane striping, as well as leaving large boulders and other debris all over the road.