Grapevine, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grapevine, California
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The Grapevine, looking south (2009)
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 Grapevine, California
Location in California
Grapevine, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Kern County |
| Elevation | 1,499 ft (457 m) |
| ZIP code |
93243
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| Area code(s) | 661 |
| Official name: Top of Grapevine Pass | |
| Reference #: | 283 |
Grapevine is a small, unincorporated community in Kern County, California. It's located at the very southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. This little village sits right next to Interstate 5. It mostly has gas stations, motels, and other places for travelers to stop. Grapevine is about 1,499 feet (457 meters) above sea level. It's at the bottom of a steep road called the Grapevine, which goes through Grapevine Canyon and the Tejon Pass.
Contents
Why is it Called Grapevine?
The Name's Origin
The village and the steep road are named after the canyon they are in. This canyon had many wild grapes growing along the original path. Its Spanish name was La Cañada de las Uvas, which means Grapevine Ravine.
Where is Grapevine Located?
Finding Grapevine on the Map
Grapevine uses the ZIP Code 93243, and its phone area code is 661. There used to be a post office in Grapevine from 1923 to 1960. The community of Wheeler Ridge is about three miles north of Grapevine on Interstate 5. Lebec is nine miles south.
Driving the Grapevine Road
Before the road was made straighter and wider in 1933–34, the Grapevine was known for having many accidents. This was when it was part of the old Ridge Route. Now, the road is much safer. It's a five-mile-long, 6% steep climb or descent, going up or down about 1,600 feet. For large trucks, there are special escape ramps on both sides of the downhill part. These ramps are for trucks whose brakes might fail.
Weather Challenges on the Grapevine
The Grapevine often has bad weather, especially in winter. Sometimes, California Highway Patrol has to close the section of I-5 that goes through the Grapevine and the Tejon Pass. This usually happens because of ice and snow, combined with the steepness of the pass and lots of traffic during winter holidays. Heavy rains can also cause mudslides and rockslides, which close the freeway.
The Highway Patrol worries that if even one accident happens in icy conditions, it could stop traffic completely. This would leave hundreds of vehicles stuck. When the road is closed, drivers either have to wait for it to reopen or take a long detour that can add many hours to their trip.
Important Historical Spot
Grapevine's Historical Marker
The top of the Grapevine is a registered California Historical Landmark #283. This spot is important because Don Pedro Fages traveled through here in 1772. He was exploring California at that time.
Future Plans for Grapevine
New Developments Coming
The Tejon Ranch Company has plans to build more in the area. They describe the location as "the northern base of the Interstate 5 grapevine." This area starts at the foothills in the southernmost part of the San Joaquin Valley. It runs alongside the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center, next to I-5. A company spokesperson said they plan to build 12,000 to 14,000 homes and 5.1 million square feet of commercial buildings. They also have plans for another development called Grapevine North on 7,000 more acres.
Additional Reading
- Paul Duginski, "The Grapevine Is the Heart of California's Freeway System; It's Also Vulnerable," Los Angeles Times, December 28, 2019
