Man explores California's Forbidden Highway to see what it's like after being closed for over 40 years
Published on Oct 26, 2025 at 10:15 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Oct 23, 2025 at 4:57 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A man explored the now-closed ‘Forbidden Highway’ in California, 40 years after it had been shut down, to see what it was like after years of disuse.
YouTuber Sidetrack Adventures visited California State Route 39, where the last few miles have been closed since the 1970s, resulting in the rest of the route seeing little use.
The highway was once considered one of the most scenic in California as it wound its way through the Angeles National Forest.
There is something incredibly eerie about seeing a road this size in the United States being left for nature to reclaim.
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The Forbidden Highway has been shut for decades
California State Route 39 runs into the mountains north of Azusa, with it beginning near the Pacific Ocean.
It runs north for 22 miles before abruptly ending and then restarting after a gap.
The last 4.5 miles of the highway have been shut since 1978, stopping it from connecting to State Route 2.
The highway has another claim to fame, with a section of it used in Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
There is some gorgeous scenery on the road, and only a handful of cars use it at a time.
However, the San Gabriel Road section has been shut since 1978, with massive barriers blocking the way.
The question is, why is this part of the road closed?
Why has this highway remained shut?
A small car park signifies the end of the road.
The closed section is 4.5 miles long and prevents motorists from connecting to State Route 2.
In 1978, there was a massive rock slide that made the road impassible.
This is what led to its closure, and it has remained shut ever since that day.
There have been attempts to secure the funding to repair this section of the road, most recently in 2009.
But the funding allocated then was reallocated at the last minute, and the highway remains shut.
Weeds are growing through the cracks in the road, yet it looks to be in remarkably good shape.
It’s not impossible that it may reopen, so perhaps all is not lost for this forbidden highway.
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
