Ridge Route – Swede’s Cut

Virtual Tour of the Ridge Route

Ridge Route – Swede’s Cut and Serpentine Drive

Swede’s Cut in December 2019

Swede’s Cut, otherwise known as the Big Cut or Culebra Cut, is the largest on the entire Ridge Route and was completed in mid-1915. It is 110 feet deep and very narrow. This was done to save money but turned out to be a big problem as the rock here does not hold up. The cut was dug using a steam shovels and horse-drawn scrapers.

August 1915 view of Swede's Cut.
August 1915 view of Swede’s Cut. Courtesy – Caltrans.
Swede's Cut being dug out in 1915.
Swede’s Cut being dug out in 1915. Courtesy – Caltrans
Looking north through Swede’s Cut
View of “Serpentine Drive” from Swede’s Cut. This is one of the locations the road loops around the ridgeline to attain elevation.
Map of Swede's Cut and Vicinity. The cut itself is just south of "Ridge".
USGS Map of Swede’s Cut and Vicinity. The cut itself is between “Ridge” and BM 3382.
Approaching Swede’s Cut from the south.
The Three Ridge Routes – 1915 (left), 1968 (middle), 1933 (right).
Original curbing still intact south of Swedes Cut
Original curbing still intact south of Swedes Cut
Looking southerly along at the original curbing section.
Postcard view from the 1920’s of “Serpentine Drive”
Similar view as the postcard in January 2020.

Go North on the Ridge Route to Gorman

Go South on the Ridge Route to Castaic

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