Commute to Palmdale

[eversluys]

I am hoping to take a job with Lockheed Martin in Palmdale, and my wife and I are planning to settle in Wrightwood.  Does anyone make the commute to Palmdale for work?  What are the roads like, and how long is the commute (especially in the winter)?

Also, if there is anyone interested in carpooling, I'd be willing to see if we could work something out, with the price of gas what it is now.

Thanks,
Eric

[Bob C]

I commute on average two days a week to Lancaster... almost exactly 50 miles one way, door to door. At o-dark-30, I can make the trip in about 50 minutes. Maybe 55-60 minutes coming home in the afternoon. I get on 138 at 165th Street east, and normally take N4 into WW. From what I recall, taking Hwy 138 all the way to SR-2 is only a few miles longer (3, if I remember correctly).

In the winter, I still take N4, unless it has "just" snowed recently. Although they do a great job clearing it, I don't need a guard rail for a hood ornament. On those few mornings, I might take SR-2 to 138. Of course, when its that bad, its a "snow day" for me, and I just stay home.

[eversluys]

Is N4 the Big Pines Hwy?  I drove that when I was out for the job interview at about 2200, and it was a real nice drive.  Seems like it could be hairy on slick roads though.

[ChrisLynnet]

No, although it deadends into it. N4 is also called Largo Vista, and is a route to follow from the 138 into the mountains, where it meets Big Pines. Big Pines then takes you all the way to the 2, which gets you to Wrightwood. It is a lovely drive.

[eversluys]

Ok, that's the route I took. I've heard some rumors about dangerous driving on 138 (someone called it Blood Alley).  Is there any truth to these rumors?

[eversluys]

How much snow should I expect in Wrightwood and along the Big Pines during the winter? I know it snows more at my in-laws in Lake Arrowhead than it does at my house in Colorado, so I don't really know what to expect.

[Bob C]

No one will tell you, because we have an annual snowpool, and no one wants to give away their chance of winning

Seriously, there's enough that you'll want to always carry snow chains, "just in case".

Seems to me, BP Highway got closed a "few" times last season. Generally during the duration of the storm (4-6 hours at a time). I think I recall it being closed for the better part of a whole day once, this past season.

When that happens, Hwy 138 is generally opened before BP Highway gets cleared (although I think during one storm last year, even it was closed for a few hours, one day, leaving both routes in/out of town closed for a few hours).

Here's some snow totals: http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,321.0.html

[RennMan]

While I don't drive to Palmdale, I do drive to Edwards AFB on another Lockheed project.  I've been doing this for 5 years, which is a short time compared to some of the other engineers that live up here 

My commute is actually a bit longer in terms of time and mileage to EAFB, but the beginning and end of it (leaving from and going to home) is all about the same.  Either SR2 to SH138 to 165th St East, or Big Pines Highway to N4/Largo Vista to SH138.

Another alternative would be to bypass N4/Largo Vista entirely, and keep going down Big Pines Highway to Big Rock Creek, then take a hard right onto Bob's Gap Road, which takes you through another pretty valley, and meets up with SH138 at 165th St East.

Just be ever vigilant of both the roads and the other drivers.  SH138 can be dangerous, since it was never designed to take the type and volume of traffic that it now handles.  Yeah, it's improving, but it will be a while before it becomes a four-lane divided highway through the desert (if ever).

Also, many of the mountain roads don't have guard rails, and there is a rather long drop to the bottom.  Save some vacation days for those snow days when it would be shame to go to work...

With all that being said, welcome home!

[ChrisLynnet]

Another alternative would be to bypass N4/Largo Vista entirely, and keep going down Big Pines Highway to Big Rock Creek, then take a hard right onto Bob's Gap Road, which takes you through another pretty valley, and meets up with SH138 at 165th St East.

Thanks Rennman - when I'm coming back from Santa Clarita I often take Barrel Springs from Palmdale because the drive is pretty. Every time I pass Bob's Gap Rd. I wonder if it goes through to the 138. Good to know. (And such an hysterical name! Like "Bob's Mountain." I love it.)

[eversluys]

Just make sure you stop and say hi to Bob when you drive through Bob's gap.

How many people do you know that make the daily commute to Palmdale?  I'd really like to set up a carpool once we get settled out there.

[3PinkRoses]

To RennMann and all the other dedicated commuters to Palmdale...and Engineers-such as my dear hubby-...has been doing this commute for years...and he by-passes the 138 completely by going past Largo vista, curve around past Big Rock Creek Road, thru Valleyermo, left at that bridge, to Mt. Emma and etc..drops right into 25th East in Palmdale. I don't know all the names of the roads but can find out.
 p.s.  Northrop is doing a huge, huge hiring right now!  If you haven't signed on the dotted line with Lockheed look into Northrop!! An Awesome Company to work for and you'll have the same commute

[biker]

I commute daily to Lancaster leave between 5:00 am/6:30am return 2:30/3:30 pm. its never to horrible takes about 1 hour. I did have an idiot run me off the road during snow car totaled. So yeah save vacation days or go later if possible. It has improved greatly with the widening project. Just keep your eyes open for stupid passers, sleepy drivers, and DUI.

[ChrisLynnet]

... by-passes the 138 completely by going past Largo vista, curve around past Big Rock Creek Road, thru Valleyermo, left at that bridge, to Mt. Emma and etc..drops right into 25th East in Palmdale. I don't know all the names of the roads but can find out.

I'm in the same situation. I go that route but can't remember the roads! Mt. Emma, Mt. Tejon... or something... anyway, that would be great if you could find out for other commuters. If I try to give them directions they'll end up in Barstow. 

[eversluys]

Thankfully there is really only three routes to Palmdale, 138 from Phelan, BPH to Largo Vista, or BPH all the way to the end, thru Valyermo.  Its that last one where you have to turn more than 3 times it seems.

By the way, I took the job today.  We'll be Wrightwood residents in less than a month.  I really appreciate all the insight on my commuting questions, it has settled a lot of uncertainty for me.

[ChrisLynnet]

Congratulations! And as another poster already said, welcome home!

[biker]

you will love it here I was worried when we moved we have been here 6 years and love it including my son who commutes with me

[SkierBob]

I drive to pdale daily via N4, Big Rock, Valyermo, Fort Tejon, Mt Emma, Cheseboro Road, Barrel Springs, to 25th East.  It's a very pleasant drive, no traffic and no crazy drivers..  The only exception is when Mt High is open when I do see a spin out just about daily. 

The intersection of Barrel Springs and Pearblossom highway is super dangerous.  Stop well back from the intersection when waiting for the light.. Semi's coming down the hill that can't stop for the light often loose control and crash into the poor soul waiting for the light to cross Pearblossom. 

[Elk]

No, although it deadends into it. N4 is also called Largo Vista, and is a route to follow from the 138 into the mountains, where it meets Big Pines. Big Pines then takes you all the way to the 2, which gets you to Wrightwood. It is a lovely drive.

N-4 actually ends at H2. Largo Vista and BPH are both part of N-4. There is a sign very near the top of BPH that says N-4 END.

[Elk]

Is N4 the Big Pines Hwy?  I drove that when I was out for the job interview at about 2200, and it was a real nice drive.  Seems like it could be hairy on slick roads though.

I live on BPH half way between Largo Vista and Jackson Lake. The county (LA) does a pretty good job keeping the roads open. It does get slick at times. There are 3-5 places where you must be careful (Shady Spots) and you must always be aware of the crazies that will pass you in the ski season. I have seen many vehicles into guard rails, off the side or just abandoned when they cannot go any further. In 90% of the cases it is a young driver, driving much faster than conditions allow for.

I have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and have never had to chain up to get around on the highway. If you think you may be here awhile, you may consider a 4-wheel drive.

[Keltnip]

I work at Lockheed and drive in each day 2 to 138 then I have several routes depending on my mood. Big Pines Hwy is a little too much work for me in my 4 X 4 at 5 am. Hard on the tires too. It is only 3 miles difference. The trip takes about 45 min in the morning and about 60 in the afternoon.

If our shifts are matching I would be interested in a car pool or having a back-up plan to get to work. You can PM me to see what we can work out.

John