US 6 – Mint Canyon Road

Mint Canyon

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Mint Canyon Road

Mint Canyon Road concrete with the Sierra Pelona Mountains in the background.
Mint Canyon Road concrete with the Sierra Pelona Mountains in the background.
Another one of the "Seven Sisters" curves.
Another one of the “Seven Sisters” curves.
Northbound view of the 1933 concrete alignment that bypassed the Mint Canyon Road section.
Northbound view of the 1933 concrete alignment that bypassed the Mint Canyon Road section.
1956 aerial photograph showing the Mint Canyon Road and Sierra Highway. The 1921 concrete is quite visible in this photograph.
1956 aerial photograph showing the Mint Canyon Road and Sierra Highway. The 1921 concrete is quite visible in this photograph. Courtesy – Caltrans

In 1921, the Mint Canyon Road was paved with a 20 foot slab of unreinforced concrete. This section of highway was bypassed in 1933. The newer alignment was far straighter than the old. The old alignment had seven reversing curves known as the “Seven Sisters” and were quite dangerous. In July 1997, the concrete on the Mint Canyon Road was paved over to “smooth” the roadway. This marks the passing of another era of US 6 history. In February 2001, this highway received a final coat of asphalt. Now, no trace of the concrete can be seen.

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