Beale's Cut: A Slice Through Time
Discover Beale's Cut: A historic stagecoach pass and iconic film location in Santa Clarita, California, offering a glimpse into the Old West and early transportation.
Beale's Cut, a historical landmark near Santa Clarita, California, is a testament to 19th-century engineering and a silent film icon. Carved through the mountains in the 1860s, it served as a crucial passage for stagecoaches and wagons heading north from Los Angeles. General Edward F. Beale deepened an existing cut to create a 90-foot-deep passage, facilitating trade and travel. Though bypassed by the Newhall Tunnel in 1910 and partially collapsed during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Beale's Cut remains a visible reminder of early transportation challenges and ingenuity. Its dramatic landscape made it a popular filming location for Westerns, featuring in movies by John Ford and D.W. Griffith. Today, visitors can explore the area, reflect on its historical significance, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, while imagining stagecoaches and cowboys traversing this iconic cut.
A brief summary to Beale's Cut
- 22580 Sierra Hwy, Sylmar, Sylmar, California, 91342, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for the short, uneven trail leading to the cut.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities nearby.
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting for photography.
- Read the historical markers to learn about the cut's significance and its role in transportation and film history.
- Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions in Santa Clarita, such as the William S. Hart Museum or the Walk of Western Stars.
Getting There
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Driving
From central Santa Clarita, head north on Sierra Highway. Continue for several miles. Beale's Cut will be on your left, between Sierra Highway and the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). Look for a small parking turnoff on the side of the road. Be aware that parking is limited. There are no tolls or parking fees.
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Public Transport
From the Santa Clarita Transit Center, take the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line towards Los Angeles Union Station. Get off at the Sylmar/San Fernando Station. From there, head south on San Fernando Road, then turn right onto Sierra Highway. Walk approximately 1.2 miles north on Sierra Highway to reach Beale's Cut. A one-way Metrolink fare from Santa Clarita to Sylmar/San Fernando is approximately $7-9. There are no additional costs for accessing Beale's Cut from Sierra Highway.
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Walking
If you are near the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station, exit the station and head south on San Fernando Road. After about 0.3 miles, turn right onto Sierra Highway. Continue on Sierra Highway for approximately 1.2 miles. Beale's Cut will be on your left. The walk will take approximately 30-40 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking to Beale's Cut.
Discover more about Beale's Cut
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