Is Tuna Canyon Road in California paved?

Is Tuna Canyon Road in California paved?

Usa, north-america

Length

11.2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for Tuna Canyon Road in Malibu, California! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a seven-mile stretch of pure adrenaline in the western Santa Monica Mountains.

This paved ribbon of road winds its way from the Pacific Coast Highway up to CA-27 in Topanga and is known as one of Malibu's best driving roads, but hold on, it's a one-way downhill adventure now thanks to a past mudslide. So, you get to experience it from top to bottom, and trust me, you'll want to.

Picture this: super steep sections hitting an 18% grade, hairpin turns with zero guardrails, and a rock wall on one side with a jaw-dropping drop-off on the other. Keep an eye out for random rocks and sand on the road. It's a workout for your brakes, so make sure they're ready for some serious action!

This road has a bit of a reputation, to be honest. It's been known for high speeds and risky drivers, so keep your wits about you and drive smart.

But hey, it's not all white-knuckle driving! The views are absolutely insane. Think Pacific Ocean vistas and a gorgeous wooded landscape that will make your camera beg for mercy. Give yourself about 25-30 minutes to soak it all in. It's a photographer's dream and an experience you won't forget! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – and maybe say a little prayer.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
11.2 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Hogback Mountain?moderate

Where is Hogback Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for an adventure up Hogback Mountain in Montana's Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, but the views are totally worth it. We're talking a serious climb to a pretty high elevation. The road to the top starts off near... and winds up around 10 miles to the top. While it's generally in decent shape, high clearance is definitely recommended. Your prize for conquering this route? An awesome fire lookout at the summit! The original lookout was built way back in 1936, but it got a makeover in 1961 and now sits on a solid 10-foot concrete base. It's staffed during the summer, but is open to the public so you can soak in the views anytime.

Black Mountainhard

Black Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of north-central Sevier County, Utah, you'll find Black Mountain, topping out at a cool 6,578 feet. Forget your pavement princess, though. The road to the summit – Forest Road 278 – is all gravel, all the time. Translation? Bumpy. Like, seriously bumpy. You're gonna need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to make this trek. But trust me, those 360-degree views from the top? Totally worth it. The climb itself is pretty chill. We're talking about a 2.9-mile jaunt up from Forest Road 047, gaining only 364 feet, with a super-mellow average gradient. But heads up: this ride is remote. Like, *really* remote. So pack your supplies, tell someone where you're going, and be prepared for the unexpected. You won't find a gas station or a friendly face for miles!

Where is Glendora Mountain Road?moderate

Where is Glendora Mountain Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for an epic ride on Glendora Mountain Road (GMR), a local favorite that winds through the San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, just a stone's throw from downtown LA in the Angeles National Forest! This completely paved beauty stretches for about 21.6 miles, connecting Glendora in the San Gabriel Valley to Mount Baldy. GMR packs a punch with some seriously steep sections, boasting gradients up to 10%! But don't worry, the road's generally in great shape, dodging major snowfall and ice most of the year. Expect smooth tarmac, but hold on tight for those blind turns! Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the lane divider line, as you never know who's coming the other way. You'll want to set aside about an hour to cruise the whole thing without stopping, but trust me, you'll *want* to stop. The mountain views are seriously jaw-dropping, making it an awesome drive or an even better motorcycle ride. Plenty of turnouts let you soak it all in. Weekends can get a bit crazy with bikes and cyclists, so for a smoother experience, aim for a weekday morning when the traffic's lighter. Be aware some drivers treat it like a racetrack. Perched high in the San Gabriel Mountains, GMR hits a peak of around 4,537 feet. Being at that elevation means it's usually open year-round.

Where is Juniper Canyon Road?hard

Where is Juniper Canyon Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and craving a truly rugged experience, Juniper Canyon Road in the Chisos Mountains is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously remote, folks. You'll be deep in the heart of the park, with zero cell service. Download those maps beforehand! The 5.4-mile stretch is entirely unpaved, twisting through desert wilderness. Picture this: rocky terrain, loose stones, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two. Rain turns this road from challenging to downright treacherous, so keep an eye on the weather. Think twice about bringing anything but a 4WD vehicle with solid tires. Low clearance? Forget about it. And trailers? Definitely not recommended. You'll be crawling at a snail's pace (5-10 mph), but the solitude is worth it. The road ends at a parking area near Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail, sitting pretty at 3,973 feet. It climbs a good 1,079 feet in elevation. Plus, there's a water storage locker for long-distance hikers. All that said, the views of the Chisos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking! Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.