THE SHOEMAKER CANYON TUNNELSLocation: San Gabriel Mtns. North of Azusa CA
Accessibility: Moderate 5-Mile Hike Created: 1960s |
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The San Gabriel Mountains are home to picturesque views, hiking trails and the famous Bridge to Nowhere. The mountains have life of their own and attempts for man to stake a claim and build on them have all fallen short. From afar, the mountains seem simple and quiet. but up close, hidden gems can be found amid the hills.
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Two of these gems are the Shoemaker Canyon Tunnels, tunnels that come as a set separated by a narrow strip of dirt road. Located on East Fork Road, construction of the tunnels began in 1956 through the use of inmate labor. But construction was halted in 1969 due to insufficient funds. Some theorize the tunnels were designed as a nuclear escape route. This escape route would have paved a path to connect the East Fork with Largo Vista in the Mojave Desert. With the United States in the height of cold war paranoia during the time of construction, the theory is plausible. As journalist Paul Deal said, “Yet Shoemaker is a road to nowhere except, maybe, to memories of nuclear paranoia in America.”
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While the construction of the tunnels continued, a similar project was underway close by. On Angeles Crest Highway, two tunnels were built separated by eighty seven feet of roadway. They were deemed “the most spectacular construction on the Angeles Crest”. Today these tunnels serve as a popular tourist attraction and photo opportunity.
The Shoemaker Tunnels on the East Fork, however, have met a different fate. They lay concealed in the mountains, unfinished but not without purpose. These tunnels have also been dubbed The Nuclear Escape Tunnels and The Tunnels to Nowhere. Join us as we explore the hidden and fascinating Shoemaker Canyon Tunnels.
The Shoemaker Tunnels on the East Fork, however, have met a different fate. They lay concealed in the mountains, unfinished but not without purpose. These tunnels have also been dubbed The Nuclear Escape Tunnels and The Tunnels to Nowhere. Join us as we explore the hidden and fascinating Shoemaker Canyon Tunnels.