Cahuenga Pass

Cahuenga Pass is a mountain pass in the Hollywood Hills that links the Los Angeles Basin with the San Fernando Valley. The U.S. Route 101 and Cahuenga Boulevard run through the eastern section of the Santa Monica Mountains, forming the main corridors that travelers use to cross this area.

Two military clashes took place at this pass: one in 1831 between settlers and Mexican guards, and another in 1845 known as the Battle of Providencia. These conflicts marked pivotal moments as the region transitioned from Mexican to American control.

The name Cahuenga comes from the Tongva word Kawé'nga, meaning "at the mountain" and referring to an ancient Native American settlement. This name reflects how the area served as a gathering place for the Tongva people before later arrivals transformed the region.

The pass is easily accessible via U.S. Route 101, making it a straightforward route for drivers traveling between the two valleys. Expect heavy traffic during peak hours, as this corridor handles a significant volume of daily commuters.

During construction work in the area, workers occasionally discover cannonballs from the 19th-century battles that took place here, serving as tangible reminders of the pass's turbulent past. These chance finds emerge from the ground and connect visitors directly to the military history embedded in this landscape.

Location: Los Angeles

Elevation above the sea: 227 m

Shares border with: Hollywood Hills

GPS coordinates: 34.12450,-118.34300

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:22