California's

One Lane Wonders

In the following page, I will introduce you to California's single lane highways. From Humboldt County in the northern part to San Bernardino in the southern section. You wouldn't think in a state with multi-lane freeways, expressways, and wide two lane highways there would be highways with only one travelable lane for your automobile. You will be surprise to see what I have found during my travels over California's state highway network.

In California the standard lane width is 12' . Any width which is less than 10' per lane with no yellow (Gold) stripe running down the center, I would consider this to be a single lane highway. In the descripitions below divide the roadway length by two.

Maps of each single laned highways can be viewd by double clicking on the Shield on the left-hand side.

  Photo available Summer 2000

Scott/Trinity Mountain Highway

Between Callahan and Parks Creek Road over Scott Mountain elevation 5409', near the town of Peanut, and at the Shasta/Trinity County line. State Route 3 narrows down to 14-18'  wide roadway along with several switchbacks and steep grades,  through the Trinity Alps.

Ebbetts Pass Highway

From Lake Alpine to Silver Creek Campground over Ebbetts Pass elevation 8732'. State route 4 narrows down to a 18' roadway (Photo left) this section of highway 4 is closed in the winter. In the winter months skiers and snowmobiles use this section of highway for recreation, but after the snowplows clear the roadway around Memorial Day hikers, campers, boaters use this same section of highway

Skyline Highway

South of the Saratoga Gap (Jct. SR-9) Skyline Blvd from SR-17 to SR-9 narrows to a 18' roadway. This section of highway provides spectacular views of the Bay Area and Monterey Bay on clear days. This section of Highway 35 is milemarked but not signed south of Highway 9.

Van Duzen River Highway

Between Alton and Red Bluff Highway 36 narrows to a 14-18' roadway in serveral locations along the Van Duzen River and over South Fork Summit Elevation 4090 ft also near Red Bluff. In the photo on left of a 1925 concrete thru arch bridge over the Van Duzen river near Bridgeville notice the narrow lanes, and railing with a beautiful open arch above the roadway. This section of Highway 36 has been bypassed by a newer bridge over the Van Duzen River.

San Gabriel Canyon Highway

Highway 39 wind its way through San Gabriel Canyon passing by San Gabriel Reservoir north of Azusa . In the early 70's slipouts and slides closed a section of SR-39 from Crystal Lake to Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2). In the photo of the closed section(1978), notice the lack of striping and narrow set of roadway.

    Photo available  Summer 2000

Sonora Pass Highway

From Kennedy Meadows to US 395 Highway 108 climbs the eastern slope of the Sierra on a narrow 16-18' roadway. With a steep grade of 26% with several switchbacks and a summit elevation of 9624 ft (Sonora Pass)

Pinnacles National Monument Highway

On the western approach to Pinnacles National Monument Highway 146 narrows to a 16-18' roadway in the photo on the left you can see the how narrow the right-of-way and roadway widths are.

In the small town of Colma a few miles north of Placerville off Highway 49. You will find State highway 153 California's shortest route (0.55 miles) which takes you to Marshall's Monument. Highway 153 16' roadway and shortest length makes this route one of California's most interesting routes.

Westgard Pass Highway

Between Big Pine (US-395) and Junction SR-266 near the Nevada border highway 168 near Deep Springs Maintance Station   and over Gilbert Pass narrows to a 16-20' roadway. In the photo you can see as SR-168 enters Payson Canyon. Notice the sign on the right (One Lane Road).

Lake Silverwood to Lake Arrowhead Highway (California's only non-paved state highway)

Lake Arrowhead Toll Road was ceded to the state in 1932. Highway 173 starts at Lake Silverwoood and SR-138 heads east passing by the proposed Mojave River Forks Reservior, after passing the spillway the dirt section begins . The dirt section of Highway 173 ends a few miles north of Lake Arrowhead Road turn off from here to the junction with State 18. Highway 173 is paved with two full 12' lanes   

Creston/Webster Highway

The entire length of highway 229 (9.160 miles) connects state highways 41 near the town of Creston and 58 near Santa Margarita has a roadway width from 12' to 18'. An example of this can be seen in the photo.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Highway

Passing through giant redwoods, ridge tops with spectacular views of the Pacific Highway 236 twist and winds its way through Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Entire length of highway 236 (17.72 miles) roadway width adjust from 22' to 18'. In the photos above are examples of sections of highway 236. Photo on the left taken near Governor Campground notice this section has striping, where as the photo on the right at the entrance of Big Basin Redwoods State Park has no striping at all.