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While driving in California, you’ll experience beautiful landscapes, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities. But beyond the glitz and glamor (and awful traffic and high gas prices), spooky stories lurk on its highways and byways. If you’re a thrill-seeker or paranormal fan, you’re in for a spine-tingling treat. Let’s embark on a journey along three of the most haunted roads in California, where you might encounter ghostly apparitions and mysterious phenomena.

Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Lookout Mountain Avenue, Hollywood, California

Haunted roads in California: Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Hollywood, California
A driver overlooks Laurel Canyon in 1913 | American Stock/Getty Images

Famous for movie stars and the entertainment industry, Hollywood also has its share of ghostly encounters. Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Lookout Mountain Avenue, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, are shrouded in creepy tales.

Legend has it that in the 1960s, Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, lived in a house near these streets. His spirit is said to wander here, and some claim to have heard his music echoing in the canyons at night.

But that’s not all. These winding roads are also said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who perished in a car accident on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. She’s often seen as an apparition, sometimes hitchhiking and disappearing as she’s offered a ride.

Ortega Ridge Road, Montecito, California

Heading south to Montecito, we encounter Ortega Ridge Road, a picturesque route that’s also home to eerie occurrences.

Local legends speak of a ghostly figure, a lady in white, who haunts this road. She’s often seen standing by the side of the road, and when drivers approach, she mysteriously vanishes. Some believe she might have met a tragic end here long ago, and her spirit cannot move on.

Ortega Ridge Road’s winding curves and scenic vistas make it a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts looking to glimpse this spectral figure, Commercial Truck Trader reports.

Prospector’s Road, Garden Valley, California

Venturing farther into the heart of California, we reach Garden Valley and the eerie Prospector’s Road.

This lonely road is steeped in Gold Rush history, but it’s also rumored to be the home of restless spirits. Prospectors who once searched for riches here are said to wander the area, searching for their elusive treasures.

Ghost hunters often report strange occurrences like flickering lights, unexplained noises, and even shadowy figures. It’s as if the spirits of these hopeful prospectors are still mining for gold in the afterlife.

Haunting adventures await on California’s mysterious roads

Exploring these haunted roads can be thrilling, but be forewarned: The goosebumps you’ll experience will be real. Whether you’re seeking the supernatural or simply appreciate a good ghost story, California’s haunted roads have plenty to offer.

But remember, as you navigate these spooky streets, stay safe and always be cautious. You never know what otherworldly encounters you might experience on these hair-raising journeys.