The Forgotten Tunnels

The Guardian of The Tunnels

Old Tunnels that exist in The Cliffs of Ocean Beaches Cliffs.

Also Known as Rum Runners Cove.

Rumored to be Old Prohibition Tunnels, or possibly older tourist tunnels from around the early 1900s used to access the caves or maybe used for both. They seem to have been sealed off on one end by the Construction of a road and Parking Lot. The tunnels seem to be very stable though eroded in Areas, leading to Holes in several areas. These drop-offs can be a serious fall into one of the two caves the tunnels open from, This View is of the larger of the caves, looking out to the Pacific

Disclaimer Caves and and abandoned Tunnels, Mines are dangerous places to explore, I will not be giving directions to these places, if you decide to find these places on your own, we are not responsible for Injury, damage or death. You do this at your own risk

The Large Sea Cave

The photo to the right is of the upper opening to the large sea cave and is actually several feet off the floor of the cave. Notice the deep circular indentations, possible holes for posts or woodwork. These can be notice in several locations

Below is some wood work, possibly for lifting. There are holes that look to have held other pieces

At the back of the cave there is a stairway leading up into the tunnels, as seen in the photos there is no shortage of graffiti. The tunnels are carved into the sandstone of the cliffs. I shall refer to this cave as the large Cave. There is an Upper opening and Large fissure in this Cave. The fissure is large enough for a Boat and leads to an opening

The stairs to the right are to the small sea cave. Like the first set they are composed of concrete to last the waves coming into the opening

The Passages are quite well carved and if you look close enough there are niches carved into the walls for candles. They may be old or carved later

Above the small sea cave.

To the right is where the tunnel system ends.

you can see the fill rocks and dirt, and how the tunnel continued on. There is a hole you can squeeze through but not for the claustrophopic

Articles and Photos

Charles Jellison

I apologize for not give out directions to most of my trips, trails change and I do not have the time to keep the site always updated. My hikes also span from the easy to the extreme, a lot of places do not even have trails, as well as extreme conditions. Some sites need to be protected as they are fragile and historically sensitive. So if you decide to hike some of these areas, do your research and know your limits, have the proper provisions .Every year many hikers die from not understanding these Simple Rules. San Diego County and surrounding areas are diverse in climate and terrain. Remember if you do decide to Hike do your research, carry the essentials and do so at your own risk. An alternative is to join one of the many hiking groups such as meetup or on facebook ,as well as other social sites. Not only is there safety in numbers but a pooling of knowledge.