Hidden History - The Forgotten and Historic Beale's Cut on the Newhall Pass

Before Beale's Cut was made on San Fernando Mountain, the path between Los Angeles and California's Central Valley was a long and difficult path. The opening of the cut in 1854, was a vital link between LA and the north, and was one of the most important infrastructure projects in Southern California for it's time.
The opening of the Newhall Pass (Fremont Pass) helped turn Los Angeles into the metropolis it would become. From 1854 to 1910 it was the primary means of stagecoach then automobile travel between the city and Central California. After Beale's Cut was bypassed in 1910, it then became a frequently used filming location for early Hollywood films.
The days of it's use have long since passed, and despite Beale's Cut being a registered California landmark, it is hidden from view of the current roads through the area, and largely forgotten. Even the historic markers were stolen long ago and never replaced.
In this video we head down Sierra Highway, taking a detour through the abandoned Newhall Oil Refinery, and explore the history the history of Beale's Cut.
For more information on Beale's Cut check out the SCV Historical Society; scvhistory.com...
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[@kathysmith4274]

The efforts you put into your videos is appreciated immensely. And the travel time by foot is grand. Love learning about old history and trying to imagine how many people trekked rough country. Which makes us where we are today. Thank you dearly for your thoughtfulness ❤ ❤

[@markmark2080]

Thanks for posting this historic tidbit. It's sad that such important sites of the past are left to decay. You've done a fantastic job of researching and presenting this information...

[@Group_Anonymous]

Humans won’t inhabit this earth forever

[@climateanxiety2825]

@@Group_Anonymous And the earth won't inhabit the universe forever. Your point?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks.

[@loumontcalm3500]

It was closed off because the brass plaques were stolen by metal thieves. The old parking area with the plaques became a spot for illegal trash dumping. Therefore, it was fenced off.

[@bobbyharris2302]

Thank you for posting such a wonderful video. Actually all your videos are amazing. I watch them all. Thank you for doing such an amazing job.

[@garthbutton699]

Forgotten Gateway to Los Angeles pretty much says it all,thanks for another historical video🤗😎🤗😎

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@tech9803]

My grandma grew up in Newhall. There was a railway but no real road to the San Fernando Valley at the time, so this was the travel path walking or by horse. She was in the crowd in 1913 when Mulholland opened the dam gates bringing Aqueduct water to LA.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Oh wow, so yeah she would have definitely travelled this road.

[@juliogonzales5441]

THANKS FOR THE HISTORY STEVE 😊

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Thanks again for taking me back home to a place i used to go a long time ago. The place hasn't changed. Hiked over the mountains to Mission Peak down into the San Fernando Valley from there. Had a friend pick me up when I got down. Good Times.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Its great that even in Los Angeles county there are a few places that haven't changed in awhile.

[@rockyroad-hq7hz]

Great research in finds old stills and movie footage to our American history. I give you thumbs up 👍 for your homework.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

Thank you once again for a nice sidetrack into history. Travellers back in that day didn't get out of there that easily. From Newhall, as I understand it, the stage went up one of the canyon routes to the desert, and then had to cut back toward Gorman and Fort Tejon. The Ridge Route cut miles and miles off that route. For those interested, a search of "Newhall Pass plaques" brings up photographs of at least one or two of the old plaques. You mentioned the highway US 6, too. From LA it traveled through this area, and on up the east side (currently US 395 ), turned right at Bishop, and went all the way (with different numbers occasionally) to Massachusetts.

[@briang70]

The "canyon routes" you speak of is most likely Soledad Canyon which the 14 follows more or less to the Antelope Valley where you can then cut back west to Gorman. I think so as it is also the route of the first railroad connecting the SCV to the AV.

[@skylinegtr-gd2lg]

Steve ... you sir, are a true historian! Another superfino video trip thru time - - most enjoyable!

[@rockinrobinguitarsmusic5285]

Thanks, Steve, another great adventure to a cool obscure place, , Bart

[@DavidMartinez-cq3hx]

Keep up the awesome videos, since I live up here in San Jose I would never of known about Beales Cut. I have a soft spot for Southern California since my dad's family has been in Ventura since the 1860's and every time we go down there it feels like home, Keep up the great work!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. I plan on it.

[@rogertemple7193]

I really enjoyed seeing this look at Newhall Pass and Beale's Cut especially the many films and television shows that filmed on location here and this was really nice hearing the history of it and until next time Thank You. 🤠🖖🇺🇲

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@steveyoung9951]

Thanks Steve ! I never knew about the Beale's pass .

[@joerich9636]

Thanks for the information on the Butterfield Overland Trail. I have hiked this trail along Lee's Creek in Arkansas and have followed it in places all across the country. I need to make it down and check this spot out. Great history.

[@scottsmith6932]

Thank you, Steve for taking me on your sidetracked adventures. I am disabled and can’t get out of the house much and I really enjoy your programming

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm glad I can be of help.

[@stevenweiss2148]

Thank you Steve for taking my mind off of Hurricane Milton

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Stay safe if you are in it's path. This one looks bad.

[@scottpearce8772]

... Thanks again Steve, your videos are the main reason I set my alarm on Wednesdays...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks!

[@rickkaylor8554]

Great video. You always come up with the most interesting esoteric pieces of history. I always enjoy your videos and find them to be entertaining as well as educational. Great job!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@boomtownrat5106]

Before Beale and Pico cooperated with the cut, they found themselves on opposing sides during the US/Mexican War. Andres lead his Californio Lancers against a contingent of the Army of the West lead by Stephen Kearney at the battle of San Pasqual in 1946. Beale along with Kit Carson were scouts for the AofW. Excited for this episode since I grew up in the northeast region of the San Fernando Valley. We use to go crawling around that area.

[@nesleinf]

Being guided through Americas first settlers history by you is so amazing! Well done Steve- Love from Denmark

[@gus473]

🇩🇰 🇸🇪🇳🇴🇦🇽 😎✌️

[@cattlerepairmancattlerepai9414]

I am nowhere near California, but find your well researched and well told stories very interesting to watch!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@ChrisW-17]

I've walked through Beals Pass once before, and its amazing to think this was "the" road in and out of the Los Angeles area. What I've never figured out is where the tunnel was in relation to this location. I believe it was filled in, so it definitely would be hard to identify the area now.

[@Dbusdriver71]

Once, there were pics of these plaques in downtown LA. Its because there was so much vandals that it was removed and no longer replaced. The history of these areas are still on line and there are pics floating around for all to see. Great Video!

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

BEAUTIFUL SHOW!!!!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you!

[@ericbrooking]

That oil on the ground is not pollution it’s actually natural. Oil was discovered here as a natural oil spring. In January, 1865 Ramon Paria, a Mexican hunter, while hunting for deer he wounded, he followed a trail and found it dead near the spring. The quality of the oil in the spring attracted his attention. Per Wikipedia.

[@gus473]

Plausible, because a lot of what we saw in Steve's video has that "raw asphalt" look. Probably the aroma too.

[@climateanxiety2825]

Yeah, I don't think that oil coming out of the pipe was a spring.

[@albusmackinficker]

Not sure if the oil leaking from the pipe is natural or not, but there are natural oil seeps all over California. There are written records of this as far back as the 1700s.

[@bobbys4327]

That's the thing, people talk about this pollution and that pollution, but, they do not realize ( or know ) that at one time it was all in the ground to start with.

[@AbnEngrDan]

West Texas oil guy here. Some remediation will need to be done on the site of the old refinery. But you'd be surprised: what comes out of the ground, Nature reclaims. The oil being one. Probably the worst thing to impact from oil production is the salt water that comes with. It's re-injected normally, but spills of salt water tend to be worse than oil. Since there was plenty of vegetation, doesn't appear there were any major spills of salt water, as it kills everything around and near it. Prevents anything from growing in the future unless you till and treat it. FYI!

[@briang70]

I grew up in the SFV then later the SCV. I took Sierra Highway many a time and passed the historical marker for Beale's Cut when there were still markers. If you know where to look and what to look for, you can spot Beale's Cut from Sierra Highway. It's a taste of home and childhood. Thanks for the video, Steve!!

[@General_Confusion]

I hear the supervisor at the National Historic Landmark office is still trying to figure out why people keep stealing the solid silver plaques they keep putting up.

[@alanhelton]

I’m truly grateful for these videos you post. A few have hit very close to home. Others are in places I probably will never reach. It’s those ladder videos that I have such a fondness for. This is likely one such place. However, with the prior you still tend to provide information I didn’t even know.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@davidclark9150]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Your funny remarks add so much to the story. Thanks Steve.

[@Turbinator-mk9of]

Pretty close to me so I’ve been down after learning about its movie mythos. Sad to say that it’s pretty common to see dumped tires, the camper, ripped out seats, and last summer I also saw a canoe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen another person hiking it while when I’m over here. There’s also a longer trail under the freeway that leads to the mountains.

[@larrybenson902]

Thank you this video - I've heard about this for years. I'm born and raised in So Cal. Sad how everything seems to be trashed now.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You're welcome.

[@rael5469]

I enjoyed the Newhall refinery as much as Beale's Cut. That refinery was still in operation when I got my current job. I wonder how many refinery workers even realized they were working near a piece of history.

[@garypfalzbot]

I remember the 6.6 earthquake said to be centered in Newhall from 1971. They now refer to it as the San Fernando quake but it was a real jolter. Great video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It's been awhile since I've felt one. There was on Easter about 14 years ago I really remember though.

[@harveyfreed6342]

Fabulous research. I didn't know my own backyard.

[@expfighter5112]

Love your videos Steve! Thank you!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

That was a really good trip today, thanks a lot. And so many historical details, I loved it! Being a retired Refinery worker myself I love the photograph of the old refinery! And you're correct and assuming background is saturated with waste oil! They didn't care in those years! BTW, in early refining kerosene was the only product they were interested in, gasoline was a waste product thrown on the ground!

[@ronaldmacrae1208]

Great editing!!

[@gus473]

Nice drone work too!

[@BrawndoDrinker]

I grew up a couple miles away from this spot. My home was just off Sierra Hwy. The entire area has changed so much.

[@thejll]

Your videos are interesting - matter of fact. Thanks.

[@genestratton2822]

Excellent report. Thank you.

[@eaglerare1273]

“Side” note here Steve, lol, not far from there in the town of Newhall in the 1950’s, there was a tragic CA Highway Patrol shooting, I believe 4 troopers were killed and it sparked a huge training transformation in how police approach felony vehicle stops. Pretty sure there was a ceremony years ago and the passerby citizen who tried to assist the cops was honored as well. There is a plaque near the spot. Oh well when I saw the town I instantly thought of this incident. Cheers and go Padres!!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Is the plaque still there? Down the street I saw where they had an acrylic marker up, I guess its less likely that would be stolen, but it was for something else that used to be in the area.

[@darrellsimms8331]

Thank you Steve for another intesting video. I used to pass by Beale's Cut regularly as I commuted to work but not knowing about it. I really enjoy learning about the history. As usual, very well done video.

[@Bossladyone2]

Oh getting a little homesick. Miss my friends in southern CA. I lived in a small community 20 or so miles up the road.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Which town? Nothing seems so small in the area anymore until you reach Gorman.

[@Bossladyone2]

We have 2 small communities north off the 14 and Sierra Highway. Acton and Augua Dulce. They are little Western Nuggets. Bedroom communities for folks working in the movie industry. We were part of the horse community. Augua Dulce boasts it's local vineyards and winery. Vasquez Rocks Park was named for Vasquez the notorious outlaw. We have a nature center there. Montie Montana entertained us with stories and roping tircks.

[@peterschorn1]

The tires mysteriously return to the headwaters where they were spawned...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

No matter how remote you get, tires will be there.

[@ronr7623]

Wow, another super interesting video! You are keeping history alive. I would have never know about this had it not been for you. Thanks

[@itsaposcj5]

Great videos. Love the history you provide. Thanks. 😊

[@marklewis2744]

I love this!.... I had no idea this existed. Thank you!.... I wish you had the ability to do spots like this all over the country! That'd be awesome!! I truly enjoy your videos.

[@heyoldman2003]

i watched the movie with Buster Keton not long ago that showed the cut .. i love his movies . thank you Steve for taking us along 😎

[@tonyfranks9551]

Another Oscar Winner....cheers.

[@adadwhodraws]

Great video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@rockville34]

Excellent videos, always look forward in seeing them. Herer's an "atta boy"

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks.

[@darranbrown270]

Thanks for another really interesting video.

[@kylesimington9166]

Awesome video SideTrack Adventures team! Easily in my top three favorites you have produced. St Francis dam is still my #1!

[@TNT_FPV]

Thanks Steve 👍👍

[@stevenkaskus6173]

It's crazy when I heard you say in one of John Ford's movie's they were in Monument Valley then going through the Cut, not even in same State. I love when I can identify places and catch stuff like that. Thanks Steve for the very interesting history, never knew this. Somewhere in the past I've seen that still shot of the horse and rider jumping over the gap, now I know where it was taken.

[@jeeper5264]

Another great adventure ...thank you...oh and your Hat is KILLING me today...last two games have been ROUGH

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I don't know, I've enjoyed those games much better than the first...

[@mindeloman]

I grew up in the oil fields of east Texas long after the oil boom was over. I'm VERY much aware of what exploring old oil refinery and containment sites looks and smells like. I could almost smell this video.

[@ronaldmacrae1208]

Great info….

[@ahummerich2751]

Your videos are so educational. I do hope you arm yourself when exploring.

[@johnhallford239]

Thank ya' sir. Informative and interesting, as always

[@cheryldolence6596]

I really enjoy your channel. I also like the historical information as well as the directions to get to the places. It’s all so very fascinating.

[@uliparedes4877]

Thanks bro for sharing and I bet you felt the energy around that place , hello from Dallas Texas 🤠

[@robertfansler7800]

My first B&W photographs were made at the Old Newhall Oil Refinery, back in 1964 when I was kid studying California history in grade school. It was a cold rainy day during Easter vacation.

[@BubblePuppy.]

STEVE - Have you considered getting an E-Bike to get into these type of areas quicker and easier? I explore this type of stuff myself and use my E-Bike with a stout rack on back for equipment and such. I use a 500 watt bike, but have a 2000 watt bike on the way with much better suspension. The 500 watts can't do very steep hills.

[@michaelberger8137]

Very interesting. Thank you!

[@ericbingham-kumpfcomposer5293]

Your videos are very informative and educational! I have learned so much about California and the other western states.

[@rv6amark]

Thank you for posting this video. I hiked up to Beal's Cut many times starting in 1984, but never from the north because it would have forced me to walk through the still operating refinery. I started to go through it from the north in approximately 1994, but the refinery was just too spooky for me to pass through alone. I moved away from the area in 2020, and hadn't given it a thought until your video popped up. Best time to explore this area is after the temperatures cool down in the late fall, winter, or very early spring. Be careful, the rattlesnakes love the hills around Santa Clarita/Newhall. Cool temperatures and awareness are your best defense.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The refinery is very creepy for sure, especially with so many places people could be camping out in.

[@henrydunbar397]

Thanks for another history adventure. US Highway 6 runs clear across the US and through my home town. 😀

[@j.b.a.124]

Hi Steve, always wanted to visit Beale's Cut but never did. Used to live down the road in Stevenson Ranch. Thanks for the video. Greetings from Florida.

[@daveolssonmusic]

Man, I love "Seven Chances"! One of my all-time favorite silent films. It's great that you find out about these movie locations. I loved your earlier video on the Old Tucson Studio. If you get a chance, go visit the old Empire Ranch near Sonoita AZ. They filmed 100s of movies and TV shows there. You can see the distinctive profile of the Mustang Mountains in lots of old movies, most notably "Red River". The ranch itself is very nicely preserved as well. Might even be worth a video!

[@rustypugh123]

Another excellent video

[@PhillyB322]

Thanks Steve, always love the videos man. I have learnt so much about the areas you visit since I moved here 6 years ago from the east coast. Side note, since the Phils are about get bounced go Padres!

[@timber240]

Nice video. I grew up there and lived in Granada hills and worked in Newhall Saugus . I would take the old road to work.

[@Bigfoot14000]

On a motorcycle ride with a friend, I visited Beale's Cut in the mid 1970s. At that time it was significantly deeper than shown in your video, more like the images shown in the old movies.

[@jakebrakebill]

drove by that almost once a week for 13 years and wonder what was down there, thanks.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

No problem!

[@kurtvanluven9351]

Loved this. you are correct, most of the silent Westerns were thrown away and not saved. My grandfather appeared in a few Tom Mix films as a boy. He pained himself and rode bareback, playing an Indian. He made $3 a day, good money then. I buy every one of them I can find, but probably will not be able to see gramps.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It's a shame so many were lost.

[@ryerichards4885]

You have awakened the wanderlust in me --- to return to the outer wastes of L.A. once more. I am a fourth generation Los Angeleno and though I live in New Mexico now, am still drawn to those tortured landscapes with their obscure and fading secrets.

[@jimward8025]

Hope these have been taped and you got a chance to go a Pads playoff game

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I haven't been to a playoff game yet, but yeah this was filmed last weekend.

[@BobU2b1]

My dad pointed out Beale's cut as we drove from Lancaster to LA, in 50s/60s. So it was visible from, I guess, Sierra Hwy then. I haven't been able to spot it in recent years.

[@kenbearsley8322]

Thank you Steve for the history lesson. We complain of how tough we have it in todays time, it's no where near as tough as it was back then. That oil refinery. I'm a little surprised no government officials haven't been out there to see if it was cleaned up properly, not leaking oil (which it obviously is by your video) etc.

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Steve

[@N-Scale]

Wow , That is amazing !!!

[@TroutWest]

Lot of history in that area. Looks like there's a large crack forming, Beale's cut will likely be blocked again sometime in the near future

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It would probably need some type of support or it will be gone before too long.

[@skyedog24]

I have finally made it from the past I am now caught up to where I see your videos just coming out 39 seconds ago 👋👋👋 Edit::; why not leave the area just as it is its historic like you say 👍

[@brads.3674]

The aeriel footage really exposes how beautiful this area is or can be. I love the old maps (I know, I always say that but I really do love 'em!). I kept wondering, what had you so spooked on this walk? Thanks for taking us along.

[@loucatozzi7656]

"The area here is both remote and heavily populated..." Say what?!? Great video though. I'd love to have the time and energy to explore these types of places. Thanks for all you do.

[@kmath50]

I grew up in So. California. We traveled through this area many times to visit family in Nevada and Utah. We traveled the Sierra Highway until CA 14 was built The first segment between Solemint and and Lancaster was completed first. The section between Solemint and the SF Valley would not be done until a few years later.

[@rickymarshall4102]

LOL "God I hope I don't find a dead body in here."

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Seems like the type of place one might get dumped.

[@tackysum]

Appreciate the horror movie reference for October. The Hills (do indeed) Have Eyes.

[@2nd_of_3]

Another spot to add to my adventures ❤ Thanks for sharing places most of us can enjoy too. First with you, then with our friends and family in person 🤗

[@SidetrackAdventures]

My pleasure.

[@jeff8ball]

Good story. Thanks

[@johnbulger8044]

hidden in plain sight - I've probably driven past this area 100s of times on the 14 when I lived in Canyon Country. Never knew this historical site was even here

[@coyoteodie4458]

I definitely jumped the cut on a horse. Took three tries, and wrecked three horses, but I did it!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm in the same boat. Rattlesnakes are predictable.

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

It is sad that the monument plaques are missing. Wonder if the one removed by CalTran is on display in one of their offices/buildings. Thanks for sharing.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'm not sure on that. I tried to search to see if it was on display, but couldn't find any info aside from them removing it.

[@CarsandCats]

The furthest Harry Carey ever jumped was a footlong at Wrigley Field!

[@gus473]

⚾ "Holy cow!" 😂

[@WildDieWoodard]

Another great video! Maybe that initial concrete area on the road in was a guard shack at one point?

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

I am surprised this oil leak is off the EPAs radar. You are braver than us. Nancy

[@IceLynne]

Great adventure! ❤