Tuna Canyon is 70 Turns in 4 Miles, Hidden in the Malibu Hills

70 Turns in 4 Miles

Tuna Canyon is a downhill twisty road paradise consisting of 70 turns in 4.1 miles.

You must ride Tuna and it will scare you. But only the first time down.

For those who love climbing and descending a twisty road paradise that can be ridden year-round, we give you Tuna Canyon. In the Malibu Hills the question of speed is not answered by how fast you ride but rather by how little you brake before and in the turn. Because great descending is a matter of Zen, not hooliganism; this drop require nerves of steel.

From the Pacific Coastal Highway, you'll see a 'Malibu' sign just west of Hwy 27. This is the exit for Tuna Canyon Road. A downhill glorious 4.1 mile ride that drops an astonishing 1,800 feet for with occasional drops at 15% and 18% in off-camber or decreasing radius turns. Luckily, most of the road is one-way (due to a previous mudslide) and that makes it all the more interesting to ride.

It is said, The California Department of Transportation considered a bid from the Otis Corporation to install an elevator but instead settled on a plan that included more than 70 turns top to bottom. Ripcords are tested on Tuna. Via redkiteprayer

Don’t worry, all the descents are not that gnarly. Topanga, Piuma and Stunt can be descended without as much skill. But if a rider stays in 2nd gear on the first decent, anyone can do it.

Stay and Ride

Hotels in Malibu are hard to come by. If you go, stay with Todd Eagan and his wife Gretchen in their ocean view, Malibu Villa in the Malibu Mountains. Todd will set you up with your choice of a super tuned Moto Guzzi and give you everything you need to explore the spectacular hills. This is heaven. More at http://rentaguzzi.com/

Watch Todd Eagan descend Tuna Canyon