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 Reporter |
Summary: In the early days of the Cold War in the late 1950's, our government decided that L.A. needed an escape route in case of a nuclear attack. Building Shoemaker Canyon Road was the supposed solution. But they soon abandoned this ill-conceived project, leaving a "road to nowhere" and nasty scares in some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the San Gabriels. Today, this well-graded dirt road penetrates several miles up the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, on the east-facing slope hundreds of feet above the water. And then it ends. No glamorous destination. The road just stops abruptly in the thick brush on a steep mountainside. The hike begins at the locked gate and proceeds up the road about 2.5 miles, passing through two long road tunnels in route. At the end of the second tunnel is where the maintained road ends. Unless you're wearing long pants and prepared for bushwhacking for another half mile, this is where you'll want to turn around and head home. Trailhead: From Interstate 210 in Azusa, take Azusa Avenue (Hwy 39) north about 12 miles to the junction at the East Fork Road (8.6 miles from the forest station at the mouth of the canyon) Turn right (east). Cross the bridge and drive 3.3 miles to Shoemaker Road on the left. Turn left unto Shoemaker Road and drive 2 miles on paved road to the locked gate. Park in the parking area. You will need a National Forest Adventure Pass ($5 a day or $30 annual), available at the forest entry station on weekends or from several businesses along Azusa Avenue. (Lat:34.23501 Lon:-117.77065) Trail Guides for Shoemaker Canyon Road, East Fork San Gabriel River: Dan's Hiking Pages - Shoemaker Canyon Road by Dan Simpson (More detailed description of this hike) Afoot and Afield in Los Angles County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel River Ranger District: 626-335-1251 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dan Simpson, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by SierraCJ on 12/2/2011 Starts out as an easy hike along a wide dirt road. I took the use trail just before the first tunnel and headed up to Rattlesnake Peak. Very strenuous trail up and around the ridge to Rattlesnake. Actually saw a rattlesnake just below the summit. Hiked 5/13/2010. 
Reviewed by Terry on 8/22/2011 Did this hike on Saturday, 8/20. Quite interesting b/c of the history but not spectacular. Hiking through the tunnels was fun and the views into the canyon were pretty. My wife and I got to the trailhead a bit later than I would have liked (11:30 AM) so it was quite warm but we brought plenty of water. We had no problem with bees but I can see where one might as there were hundreds buzzing about in the wild flowers at the end of Tunnel 2. Also we were the only people on the trail .... this was just a bit disconcerting, especially after we found a few spent 44 magnum bullet casings near a camp fire site. We'd probably do it again but in cooler weather.
Reviewed by Richard M. on 5/23/2011 An easy hike, and a good place to bring beginning hikers or young Scouts. Be advised, though, that the bees are more active and more aggressive when it's warm, so go early. On 5/22/11, we went in the afternoon. It was a fun hike, but there was a swarm or hive of bees in the 2nd tunnel, just inside the far end. I got stung once, and my buddy got stung twice. Also watch for snakes. We were surprised to come upon a good size Southern Pacific Rattlesnake on the side of the dirt road, about a mile from the parking area. He slithered off without showing aggression, but my buddy had almost stepped on it! Finally, heed Dan's advice to turn around after the 2nd tunnel. The path disappears 1/2 mile beyond that.
Reviewed by John G. on 2/13/2011 I biked the trail by my self. I've been wanting too after hiking to the bridge to know where. The tunnels were dark and I could now see the ground. A little nervous. Comming back the tunnels had better lighting due to the sun angle. not a hard ride and can be done in 1-1/2 hous round trip. No shade except tunnels. Graded fire road most of the way and the last 1/2 mile road was weathered. Glad I did it and ready for another place.
Reviewed by David L. on 2/9/2011 A nice hike, good views of the canyons and interesting history behind the road and the tunnels. A lot of graffiti and trash though. Makes you wonder. Check out my trip report and photos here.
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/11/2010 Bummer about the bees. I hiked it two weeks ago. The bees where present but they did not bother me. Perhaps it was because I hiked really early. Read my blog here: http://danshikingblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/shoemaker-canyon-road-hike-june-27-2010.html 
Reviewed by R, V, & Kids on 7/11/2010 WARNING: Swarming bees and biting flies. I've never written an online review before, but I felt like I had to warn others about this. My wife, our kids (3 and 1yrs) and I are new to the area and were excited to use our off-roading stroller on a well graded road. It was a beautiful hike. Others wrote about the bees, but commented there were no problem. The majority of the hike up to the first tunnel the bees agressivly swarmed us, landing on our faces, arms, and chests. Most of the time I had 5 to 10 bees buzzing around my face and landing on me. No one got stung, but it was very unpleasant. On the hike back the bees ignored us, but large black flies bit us on the hands. We won't go again. The kids did love the tunnel though.
Reviewed by Richard on 1/25/2010 I hiked this with a small group of young Boy Scouts on 1/24/10, shortly after a week of rain/snow storms pelted the area. I was worried about mud, but the road had drained nicely. I was still cold in the shade though, and there were actually patches of crusty snow and ice on the trail. There were also some fresh mud/rockslides, one of which nearly totally blocked the trail. But with care, it can be bypassed. The sun was out, making it a very pleasant, shirt-sleeve hike in the middle of winter, while we watched snow blowing off Baldy above us. Love it! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
