Exploring the Abandoned Nuclear Escape Tunnels in Shoemaker Canyon

Nuclear escape tunnels deep in the San Gabriel Mountains? Yes, back in the 1950s during the Cold War, Los Angeles County constructed not one but TWO tunnels that were to be part of a lengthy, two-lane highway leading northward out of Los Angeles on Shoemaker Canyon Road. This road would've climbed and winded its way from Azusa through the rugged, steep San Gabriel Mountains towards the desert, and it would've served as a so-called escape route in the event of a nuclear attack on Los Angeles.

Prison labor was used to build both tunnels in Shoemaker Canyon. The first tunnel is 800 feet long and the second is 600 feet long. Despite the two tunnels being completed, the highway was never finished. Someone pulled the plug, the project was abandoned, and the tunnels have remained ever since. Today only hardy hikers visit and go through these tunnels high up in the San Gabriel Mountains -- no car or truck ever has.

This video contains my hike up to and through both tunnels. Along the way, I show you some of the other interesting stuff I found including a mysterious pipe snaking along the mountainside and a grotto with two small waterfalls.

I hope you enjoy the video. Let me know what you think!

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