Where is Shoemaker Canyon Road?

Deep in the Angeles National Forest, above Azusa, California, you'll find the abandoned Shoemaker Canyon Road. Nicknamed "Road to Nowhere" or "Armageddon Highway," this 4.4-mile stretch has a seriously interesting backstory.

Picture this: the Cold War era. The plan was for this road to be a crucial escape route if Los Angeles got nuked. They even used convict labor to build it back in the 50s and 60s! Starting off East Fork Road, the road winds up the canyon, offering some fantastic views.

The ambitious plan was to create a 2-lane highway all the way to Angeles Crest Highway. But, construction stopped in 1969 due to budget cuts. What’s left is a well-maintained dirt road that just…ends.

Today, you can drive the first 1.8 miles on pavement. Then, it’s time to walk or bike the rest. You'll steadily climb uphill until you reach two spooky, abandoned tunnels. They're about 1.8 and 2.6 miles from the gate, so bring a flashlight, because these tunnels get DARK!

A word of warning: there's almost no shade, except inside the tunnels, so avoid midday during the summer. And definitely tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back, just in case. Keep an eye on the weather too – summers can be scorching, and winter storms can be intense. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right?