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Airport Road, Avalon to Middle Ranch Road

Photos taken April 27, 2008. Last updated May 9, 2008

Leaving Avalon is a steep uphill climb on a scenic, eucalyptus-lined road. Unless you are a bicyclist with advanced hill-climbing skills, you will need to walk up the grade which is 2-3 miles long. Once you are at the top, the road is on a ridgeline with only moderate up-and-downs to Middle Ranch Road, where these images stop. The views are outstanding.


These views start at Avalon and proceed to the junction with Middle Ranch Road, a distance of 5 miles.


Looking down on Avalon as the climb begins.


There is a one-way road leaving Avalon.


Just outside Avalon there is a gate which blocks vehicles. Bikers need a special permit, although enforcement appeared to be lax.


View of the ocean.


The road follows the trees in the middle right of the photo.


Typical view of the tree-lined road.


Looking down a ravine toward the ocean.




Avalon is in the distance




Looking back toward Avalon


View of the mountains on the south side of Avalon.


Looking toward the ocean with the red tile roof of the Avalon casino visible.


View of the coastal mountains. Airport road is now on the ridgeline.


Here we can see evidence of the 2007 fire.


Road view. The road surface is generally in mediocre to poor condition, with pervasive patches.




Looking down a ravine to the ocean.



This mountain appears to have burned.


Looking toward the ocean at Middle Ranch Road.