Discovering ruins and abandoned places gives us a glimpse into Southern California’s past and makes some hiking trails especially fascinating. I especially like learning the history, and often strange tales, behind some of these places. If you feel the same way, and are ready for a unique adventure, take a peek at these abandoned tunnels in Azusa, CA, with their strange and slightly disturbing history.

Shoemaker Canyon Road is a 5-mile, out-and-back trail also known as the Tunnels to Nowhere, Road to Nowhere, and Armageddon Highway. The trail is located in East Fork of the rugged Azusa Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. In addition to two long tunnels, the hike provides beautiful canyon views throughout.
Joshua Sherwood/Google Reviews
This moderately challenging hiking trail leads directly through two abandoned tunnels that were built in the 1960s during the Cold War when, out of fear (some would call it paranoia) over the threat of a nuclear attack, the government felt that Los Angeles residents needed an escape route.
Jesse Anoraj/Google Reviews
The tunnel construction began in 1956 and despite some sadly inevitable graffiti, both tunnels remain in good structural condition. The first tunnel is over 1000 feet long, making for a dark and eerie walk through to the light at the end. A lot of hikers bring a flashlight along on the hike.
Gia Samuel/AllTrails

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The second tunnel can be seen sitting on the edge of the mountain when exiting the first one.
Da Ye/Google Reviews
The second tunnel is shorter, a little over 650 feet long, and has experienced less damage so it appears more like it has from its beginning. The road stops at the far end of this tunnel.
David Moore/AllTrails
Soon after their construction, Shoemaker Canyon Road - along with its tunnels that had seemed like a good solution to a looming problem - were abandoned, leaving this Road to Nowhere.
Wayne Sharp/Google Reviews
The Road to Nowhere is well-maintained but has almost no shade (aside from inside the tunnels themselves,) so bring plenty of water and sunscreen and enjoy!
Ronald Burgess/Alltrails

This canyon in Azusa is truly a hiker’s paradise and has more interesting structures than just the abandoned tunnels. A nearby trail leads to leads to the incredible Bridge to Nowhere. Have you hiked Shoemaker Canyon Road to see the tunnels? What other trails to ruins or abandoned places would you recommend to your fellow readers? Before your next big adventure, make sure you have all of your hiking essentials with our Ultimate Hiking Packing List! And be sure to check out more of our favorite Southern California hiking trails for even more inspiration.

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Shoemaker Canyon Road, Shoemaker Canyon Rd, California 91702, USA