California 173 connects California 138 south of Hesperia with California 18 south of Lake Arrowhead. The center portion of the route is the only remaining unpaved state highway in California.
California 173 East
This is the first California 173 shield along eastbound after its junction with California 138 northwest of Silverwood Lake. Photo taken 04/18/04.
View of the mountains as California 173 passes north of Silverwood Lake. Photo taken 04/18/04.
A left turn on Arrowhead Lake Road heads north into Hesperia, connecting with Main Street and Interstate 15 Exit 143. Meanwhile, California 173 continues east toward its dirt road segment. Photo taken 04/18/04.
The paved section of eastbound California 173 ends only one mile east of Arrowhead Lake Road. Photo taken 04/18/04.
View of the proposed but unused Mojave Forks Dam as seen from eastbound California 173. Photo taken 04/18/04.
Eastbound California 173 as it approaches the dirt road segment east of Arrowhead Lake Road. Photo taken 04/18/04.
It is a long 16 miles from here to Lake Arrowhead, because about half of those miles are on dirt road. Through traffic is advised to use California 138 and California 18 to Lake Arrowhead. Photo taken 04/18/04.
Eastbound California 173 as the dirt road begins. The sign says that the road is closed, but no barricades prevent travelers from driving California's only remaining dirt state highway. Photo taken 04/18/04.
The dirt road section of California 173 is fully mileposted. This is the first milepost after California 173 changes into a dirt road east of Arrowhead Lake Road. Photo taken 04/18/04.
Eastbound California 173 pavement begins at a point in the San Bernardino National Forest just northwest of Lake Arrowhead. Photo taken 05/01/02.
Eastbound California 173 ends at Junction California 18. Photos taken 05/01/02 and 04/18/04.
California 173 West
First shield along westbound California 173 after Junction California 18. Photo taken 05/01/02.
View of Lake Arrowhead as seen from a boat dock accessible near the outlet shops off of California 173. Photo taken 05/01/02.
First shield along westbound California 173 after Junction California 189 in Lake Arrowhead. Photo taken 05/01/02.
Westbound California 173 skirting the eastern shore of Lake Arrowhead (visible through the trees to the left). Photo taken 05/01/02.
Snow removal is not conducted on California 173 northwest of Lake Arrowhead. Photo taken 05/01/02.
Westbound California 173 at the point where the pavement ends at a point in the San Bernardino National Forest just northwest of Lake Arrowhead. The signs say "Road Closed," but the road is open for use. Photos taken 05/01/02.
The dirt road section of California 173 is fully mileposted. This is the last milepost after California 173 changes from a dirt road east of Arrowhead Lake Road into a paved road along westbound. Photo taken 04/18/04.
View of westbound California 173 as it passes north of Silverwood Lake and through Mojave Forks. Photo taken 04/18/04.
Westbound California 173 ends at California 138. Photo taken 04/18/04.
Once California 173 meets California 138, a right turn follows California 138 west to Interstate 15; a left turn follows California 138 east to California 18 in Crestline. Photo taken 04/18/04.
