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Santa Monica Mountains Leg Burner – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood & Corral Canyon

Posted: June 8, 2010 at 3:52 am | Tags: Corral Canyon Rd, Fernwood, Saddle Peak Rd, Santa Monica Mountains, Tuna Canyon Rd

It’s been too long since I hit the Santa Monica Mountains, so it was about time for me to get back out there. Tuna Canyon was high on my list from reading about it on bikeforums and from having driven down it, so that was on the must-do list. The community of Fernwood is up there as well and, having driven through Fernwood, I knew a super steep climb there that I wanted to do as well (Grand View, specifically). This road is even tough in a car – I saw an SUV almost eat it coming down around a corner and almost going off the side. Finally, to round out the climbing, I found some threads on bikeforums mentioning Corral Canyon as a really tough climb in the area. With this in mind, I figured I could get in a 40-50 mile ride with 4-5k of climbing.

Starting out, you can either park near Tuna Canyon (lots of roadside parking) as I did, or you can park at Malibu Bluffs Park (at the intersection of Malibu Canyon Rd and PCH). I would actually recommend parking at Malibu Bluffs Park as this will give you some relatively flat warm-up before starting to really climb. The rest of this assumes Malibu Bluffs as the starting point (by the way, there are water fountains at the park for those needing water). From here, you head east along PCH for just under 7 miles until hitting Tuna Canyon. Note that it will be easy to miss the turn. Tuna Canyon is one-way downhill, so there are few markings for the road from PCH.

Important Note: As mentioned in the comments section, there is concern about descending cyclists running into ascending cyclists around the blind curves (as you might not be able to hear them). If you do decide you must climb Tuna, please keep this in mind and stay as far right as possible on the curves. And, if you descend Tuna (or any other road, for that matter), don’t assume a blind curve is free from obstacles.

Anyway, moving on. The intersection:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

The start of Tuna Canyon:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Do note that this is technically one-way downhill, so I cannot really recommend that you ride up this. However, if you do decide to ride Tuna, keep a couple of things in mind. First, downhill traffic (very light, thankfully) will not be expecting to see you. Ride as far right as you can and try not to zig-zag. Second, traffic is light – and audible. You will be able to hear any approaching cars or motorcycles. If coming to a blind corner, exercise caution if you hear a vehicle. This might involve pausing for a few seconds until the vehicle has passed. Basically, use some common sense and put yourself in the shoes of a driver not expecting uphill traffic. With that said, traffic is extremely light (expect anywhere from a couple of vehicles to a dozen on your ride).

Anyway, the first part is very skinny, rather sheltered and easy:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

This quickly changes and the climbing really ramps up:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Escaping from the fog (I wished the fog had stayed around though…this climb is tough in the sun with no wind):

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

One of the steep switchbacks along Tuna:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Continuing up the canyon:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

This last section is really, really tough. While the initial lead out is perfectly sane, the same cannot be said for Tuna for the 1.5 miles after the first sharp curve. Averaging about 12.4% for those 1.5 miles and a staggering 14.2% for the first mile after the curve, your legs and lungs will be hurting. There also seems to be a lack of wind along this stretch so, on a sunny day, you will sweat profusely yet not cool down.

That said, you will eventually overcome the staggering steepness of the first section and start to enjoy the beauty of the road:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Finally you come to some civilization (and a two-way road):

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Some amazing houses in the area:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Looking back on the ridge you just rode:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Yay, finally the top of this climb!

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Elevation here is about 1900 feet – over 1800 feet climbed from the intersection of PCH and Tuna. Tuna is one tough climb. The first section is insanely steep. The middle section is mellow, giving you a respite. The last section, however, reminds you that this is the infamous Tuna Canyon. The last half mile, at 9% or so, is a sober reminder of the difficulty of the climb. Sure, it isn’t as tough as the first section. But, with your legs already wrecked from that section, that 9% will make you take notice.

Finally, though, a true descent. Fernwood Pacific is a relatively steep, twisting descent that passes through the quaint town of Fernwood and is definitely appreciated after climbing Tuna..despite having to use the brakes a fair amount. Once descended to Topanga Canyon and turning right, you will pass by Fernwood Market:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Before beginning the ridiculous ascent up Grand View Drive:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

This picture doesn’t really do justice to the wall that you climb:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

While this 1.1 mile stretch averages only 10.2%, that is not truly representative. Some stretches are relatively flat, while two ~tenth of a mile stretches are in the 20-30% range. I really don’t know how steep they are. I can, however, say that they were some of the steepest sections of road I have ever climbed (and this is coming from someone who seeks out – and enjoys – the absolute steepest roads around).

Needless to say, I didn’t take many photos here as I was focused on simply making it up without falling over. The latter part of this climb is back along Fernwood Pacific – a worthy and popular climb on its own. This climb starts at about 740 feet elevation (intersection of Topanga Canyon and Grand View), climbs to about 1320 feet at the top of Grand View, takes you to about 1900 feet at the intersection of Tuna Canyon and Saddle Peak before finally climbing up Saddle Peak to a high point of nearly 2500 feet. Not a bad climb. The scenery along Saddle Peak is not too shabby either:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

And finally, Saddle Peak itself:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Nice rock formations back along Schueren:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Time for a sweet (and fast) descent down Stunt:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

No photos along the way due to a most excellent descent. Sorry.

Connecting with Mulholland Highway…one rather nice house:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

The road itself:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Rather representative of this section. Rolling hills, high speed and easy curves. From here, you eventually hit Las Virgenes Rd/Malibu Canyon Rd. At this intersection there is often a hot dog stand. You may find this rather awesome after riding this far. I did, that is for sure.

Once you turn left onto Las Virgenes, the traffic gets much heavier:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Fog creeps in over the mountains at the intersection with Piuma Rd (a famous climb in the area):

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

The tunnel you pass through along the way:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Malibu Canyon is actually quite scenic..would be an incredible ride if not for the cars:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Descending to the bottom and you hit Pepperdine:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Yeah, it got foggy. And it was only to get worse…

Heading west on PCH, you hit Corral Canyon Rd in just a couple of miles. After a brief flat section, you cross a creek and round a bend and start climbing:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Ok, not so bad. Not that steep. But, as you continue climbing, you see that the grade only increases:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Climbing up and up into the fog:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

These pictures do absolutely no justice to the grade.

One of the steep switchbacks (sorry for the sucky stitching on the panorama):

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

The first community you come upon:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Some more steep stuff right above that:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

Cool spot for a house:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

At this point, sadly, I had to turn around. It was getting dark and I still had over 10 miles of riding left to get back to my car. The road itself goes up further (and steeply as well I believe). That said, it seems that it is this first section that is known as the tough climbing section, so I am glad I got to tackle it.

Looking back:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

And finally, after descending Corral and riding back along PCH, then driving home, I treated myself to a well earned reward:

From 2010-06-06 – Santa Monica Mountains Cycling – Tuna Canyon, Fernwood, Saddle Peak, Corral Canyon

So, so yummy.

Ok, now some maps! The whole route:

Note that, if you prefer to skip Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon in order to avoid traffic, you could descend Schueren/Rambla Pacifico/Las Flores. Doing so will give you about 4 extra miles along PCH.

And now, here are the specific climbs conquered on this route..

Tuna Canyon:

Tuna Canyon – the steepest 1.5 mile stretch:

Tuna Canyon – the steepest 1 mile stretch:

Definitely click the elevation profile for those. They are rather insane.

Here is the Fernwood-Grand View ascent to Saddle Peak:

And here is the super steep Grand View portion:

The elevation profile does it no justice. You just need to get on your bike and try it.

Finally, here is the steep climbing section of Corral Canyon:

Definitely check out the elevation profile on that one as well. Yes, it is that tough.

A few stats – some repeated from above:

Tuna Canyon:
Steepest 1 mile: ~14.2% (~750 feet elevation gain)
Steepest 1.5 miles: 12.4% (970 feet elevation gain)

Fernwood – Grand View Ascent:
581 feet in 1.08 miles – 10.2% average
2 separate tenth of a mile sections in the 20-30% range (estimated, but really steep and tough)

Corral Canyon:
741 feet in 1.19 miles – 11.8% average
First section is easier…meaning the rest is even tougher than that 11.8% average 😉
Specifically…Steepest 1/2 mile: Over 14.2% (360 feet in ~0.5 miles)

If you are getting bored with your standard mountain climbs and need some steep climbs, give this route a try. These are some of the steepest climbs in the Santa Monicas…and some of the steepest in the country. The only knock is that they are somewhat short..however, this is partially overcome by combining 3 separate, solid climbs into one ride. The views and scenery are also not too bad.

Cheers to riding!