Distance
5.1 Miles
Time
2.5 Hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
All Year
Elevation Gain
1267 Ft
Did you know LA has two abandoned tunnels that were built in order to escape nuclear attacks during the Cold War? You don’t want to miss walking through the deserted Shoemaker Canyon Road, also known as Road to Nowhere. Plus, I’ll share two more hidden tunnels that I found along this trail!
Shoemaker Canyon Road is a 5.1 mile hike located in the East Fork of Asuza Canyon. The entirety of the trail includes a dirt road which runs through 2 tunnels built in the 1950’s in the event of a nuclear attack on LA. Dogs are allowed on leashes and there are no restrooms.
Shoemaker Canyon Rd, along with trails to Nazi ruins, 500 Ft falls, and epic views, can be found in the following links:
Best Hikes In Southern California
Map of Shoemaker Canyon Rd
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Directions & Parking
Directions: Shoemaker Parking Lot
Try to hike this trail in the early spring, fall, or winter months.
Hiking this trail in the summer will be agonizingly hot and sunny, especially since there’s hardly any shade. So, plan your trip accordingly!
The Trail
Starting off at the parking lot, I made my way around the gates. This is where the trailhead begins.
As I looked to my right, I could see the parking lot for a popular hike known as the Bridge to Nowhere, but that’s a different adventure for another day.
The view here is really nice, too!
First Drainage
I wanted to venture off a bit since I knew there was a hidden drainage near the parking lot.
To get to this first drainage tunnel, you’ll need to spot the area where there are tons of small piles of dirt. It’ll be on your left-hand side towards the beginning of the hike. It’s well before the first nuclear escape tunnel.
This drainage is hidden by shrubs, so just look for these short stone walls towards the bottom ditch.
This is how the entrance looks.
I took my flashlight out and ventured inside.
I got a pretty cool view of the canyon and hills. You’ve got to go inside and take a look for yourself!
First Nuclear Escape Tunnel
After the first drainage, I continued making my way to the first nuclear escape tunnel.
Off to the side, I could see this enclosed area where they used to have tons of beehives a few years back. There’s also another beehive area along the trail.
It seems like the beehive farming days are over.
Further up, I could see the first main tunnel. This one was completed in 1961 and goes in about 400 yards.
Although it’s been vandalized with graffiti, it’s still very intriguing to walk through this dark tunnel.
You can bring out your flashlight if you’d like since you do have to walk for a bit. But, I found it to be more exciting venturing into the unknown.
Read More: Murphy Ranch Trail: Nazi Ruins in Los Angeles
A light at the end of the tunnel.
Down the road, after crossing through the tunnel, I looked to my side and could spot it from afar.
In my opinion, this is one of the coolest views of this trail. You get to see the sun illuminate the canyon and trees all while spotting a dark tunnel nestled in the mountain.
It looks beautiful, yet eerie.
Second Drainage
To get to the second drainage, I decided to go completely off-trail to see what I could find.
First, I spotted a water tank uphill. You won’t miss it, as it’s now covered in graffiti. However, don’t actually walk to the water tank. The tunnel is in the field below it.
I made my way down through the purple-colored shrubbery. The drainage is located right below the Shoemaker Canyon Trail, hidden by overgrown vegetation. Walking through this wide and open area, I heard water flowing from a small creek.
Here was the second drainage tunnel!
Read More: Vanalden Caves: 14ft Caves in Santa Monica Mountains
I’m not going to lie, I was a bit scared to walk inside. I didn’t know who or what would be awaiting me.
You’ll want to take out your flashlight, like I did, just in case.
It’s a pretty short tunnel that leads to another view of the area.
No bears or ghouls here. Just views!
Second Nuclear Escape Tunnel
Back on the main trail, I headed to the second main tunnel.
This second tunnel was completed in 1964 and is about half the length of the first tunnel. At 250 yards long, it’s more well kept and less vandalized than the first one.
In case you’re wondering, the trail continues to Rattlesnake Peak. But, I decided I’d leave that trail for another day. This was the end of the tunnel and my journey.
Another interesting and thrilling hike within the San Gabriel Mountains!
Want to keep exploring cool places? Check out this stunning 50 ft falls and its bonus secret waterfall that most hikers overlook!
History of Shoemaker Canyon Road
Shoemaker Canyon Road was named after a man named Alonzo Shoemaker. Shoemaker was a miner back in 1855. He ended up making his way into this side of the San Gabriel Canyon, where he developed his claim in the upper part.
He and his mining partner, John McCaslin, worked on the Shoemaker mine for many years. Later, in 1890, four skilled miners began working at the Shoemaker Mine where they installed a hydraulic jet system for mining.
Throughout the decade, there was a coming and going of miners. Then, the Standbergs came into the canyon in 1903. E.C. Standberg was one of the best miners in the entire area during this time. Later, in the 1930s, he and his two sons decided to continue digging in the Shoemaker Claim for some years.
A Cold War Scare
In the 1950s and ’60s, Cold War-era leaders felt it was necessary to build an escape route for fellow Angelinos to escape through. With rumors and fear circling, they began construction in 1956.
They finished building the first tunnel in 1961 and then the second tunnel in 1964. The plan was to have the tunnels extend all the way to Nevada. But, after only 4.4 miles of work, construction ceased in 1969.
It’s a very crazy story, indeed. Now the tunnels sit in between the canyon walls, forsaken, only to be traveled by curious cats and adventure seekers like you and me.
