Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highway
Usa, north-america
7.08 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Ever heard of a road to nowhere? Head to the Angeles National Forest, just above Azusa, California, and check out Shoemaker Canyon Road! This abandoned route, nicknamed "Armageddon Highway" and "Convict Road," has a wild history. Back in the Cold War days, the plan was to build an escape route out of Los Angeles in case of a nuclear attack.
The road stretches for about 4.4 miles from East Fork Road and features two seriously cool, abandoned tunnels. You’ll be surrounded by classic California chaparral and some pretty awesome canyon views. Imagine this: Inmates started building this road in 1956, but construction stopped in 1969 due to budget cuts.
Today, you can drive the first 1.8 miles on pavement. Then, it's time to hike or bike the rest on a well-maintained dirt path. The road gradually climbs uphill to those awesome tunnels, which are located 1.8 and 2.6 miles past the closed gate. Be warned, they're pretty dark inside and can be a bit spooky! And remember, this is the San Gabriel Mountains, so the weather can be extreme. Avoid the midday sun (virtually no shade except in the tunnels), let someone know your plans, and be prepared for heat in the summer or winter storms. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Where is it?
Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highway is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.3462, -100.7438
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.08 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.3462, -100.7438
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Keystone Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Arizona's Keystone Peak: An Off-Road Adventure! Way down in southern Arizona, southwest of Tucson, you'll find Keystone Peak topping out at 6,188 feet (1,886m). This area's got serious history, shaped by mining and ranching days. The peak itself is like a tech hub in the sky, packed with communication towers and buildings, but the 360-degree views are absolutely worth it! As you climb, keep an eye out for the old and active mines scattered across the hillsides. McGee Road, the main route up, is a well-maintained dirt fire road. It's perfect for hikers and off-roaders, winding through the Sierrita Mountains. It's generally an easy drive, though there are a few steep parts to keep things interesting. This road started as an old mining route, so you're basically driving through history. Expect a gate near McGee Ranch at the bottom. The climb averages a 4.8% grade over 10.2 miles (16.41km) from Mission Road, gaining 2,585 feet (788 meters). After it rains, the road can get tricky, even flooded in spots. While most of it is doable, a 4x4 is recommended for some sections. Heads up – drivers warn that your brakes can get HOT on the way down! Be careful!
hardWhere is Warm Springs Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Warm Springs Canyon Road in California's Death Valley National Park is calling your name! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a 15.4-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. Think deep ruts, seriously rocky sections, and a whole lotta dust. Located in the park's southern part, this wild ride follows Warm Springs Canyon, winding past some seriously cool talc mines. But here's the kicker: this road is completely unpaved. Seriously, you're gonna need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. And get this – frequent flooding means conditions are always changing! But the payoff? Epic views, leading into the stunning Butte Valley. You'll top out at 3,651 feet above sea level, feeling like you're on top of the world! Just remember, it's a remote area, so come prepared!
moderateMexico-Tuxpan Highway is a Marvel of Engineering
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for a ride on the Autopista Mexico-Tuxpan (Mexico 132D)! This road is seriously an engineering marvel. It took over 30 years to build, with all sorts of drama – corruption, funding issues, you name it! But hey, it’s finally here and connects Mexico City to Tuxpan, its closest port on the Gulf. Think smooth pavement, 12 tunnels, and a whopping 60 bridges. One of those bridges, the San Marcos Bridge, is crazy high, offering insane views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. You'll be driving through some seriously diverse landscapes. One minute you're in a tropical rainforest, the next you're surrounded by pine forests, and then you hit semi-desert valleys near Mexico City. Oh, and bonus: this road takes you right by Teotihuacán, so you can easily hop off and explore those incredible pyramids. It's a popular route for tourists heading to and from Mexico City. Get ready for a road trip you won't forget!
easyGrutas del Rosario Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, amigos, because this road in Durango, Mexico, is a stunner! Picture this: you're cruising on smooth asphalt (laid down in 2016, so it's still in great shape), winding your way through the breathtaking Sierra del Rosario mountains. Seriously, the views are epic – canyon walls, stark desert landscapes, and even glimpses of cool caves. Just keep in mind that during the rainy season, flash floods or mudslides *could* be a thing, so check the weather before you go. This isn't a Sunday drive on a flat road, though. You'll be climbing some seriously steep inclines as you make your way through the mountains. It's all worth it, especially since this road leads to the amazing Grutas del Rosario natural caverns. Get ready for an adventure!