US 99 – Frenchman’s Flat

Virtual Tour of US 99
Piru Gorge / Osito Canyon

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Frenchman’s Flat
El. 2050′

End of highway at Frenchmans Flat.
End of highway at Frenchman’s Flat.
Looking north just beyond the barrier at Frenchmans Flat.
Looking north just beyond the barrier at Frenchman’s Flat.

Frenchman’s Flat was and still is a popular fishing and camping area. Sometime during the late 1980’s, this highway was closed here. Before that, one could drive all the way to Pyramid Rock. This section of highway was completed in 1933 and was widened to four lanes in 1948.

Culvert on an old alignment near the bottom of Three-Mile Grade.
Culvert on an old alignment near the bottom of Three-Mile Grade.

To continue from here, you must ride a bicycle or hike. The distance to Pyramid Rock is 2.2 miles and the climb is about 90 feet.

1930's map showing Piru Gorge and Frenchman's Flat (identified as French Flat).
1930’s map showing Piru Gorge and Frenchman’s Flat (identified as French Flat).

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