Mueller Tunnel Exploration: Challenging Road amid California's Stunning, Yet Treacherous Landscape

Located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California, Mueller Tunnel presents a significant challenge and it’s considered not entirely safe as the area is prone to rockslides and fires. Be extra cautious.

Mueller Tunnel

Where is Mueller Tunnel?

Tucked away on the southern part of California, about an hour away from Los Angeles, the tunnel is located on the Mount Lowe Fire Road, a 13.67km (8.5 miles) long unpaved road, running from the paved Brown Mountain Truck Trail to the paved Mt Wilson Red Box Road. The road is unsafe for travel and closed to motorized vehicles.

How long is Mueller Tunnel?

Set high on the southern fold of the San Gabriel Mountains, the tunnel is one of the most famous sections of the trail. Cut into the steep base of San Gabriel Peak it was completed in 1942 by the USFS. It is 58.39 m (191.56 ft) long and suffered a major collapse in 2007, but has since been repaired.

Is Mueller Tunnel dangerous?

While this tunnel used to be technically passable by vehicles, the road is now blocked by several large boulders near the entrance–still plenty of room for hikers and mountain bikers to weave through. It is currently only accessible by foot. It is not considered entirely safe as the area is prone to rockslides and fires. Be extra cautious.

Pic: PYoung90012