A chairlift access road to Rainbow Summit in California
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,046 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Rainbow Summit! Nestled high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, near Yosemite, this peak sits at a cool 9,993 feet. Getting there is a *real* adventure: we're talking unpaved roads, the kind that demand a 4x4 vehicle. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, folks!
This is a chairlift access road, and the views are absolutely worth the effort, but be warned: weather can change on a dime, so check the forecast before you head out. Summer's your best bet for accessibility, and trust me, you'll want daylight to navigate this beauty. Night driving? I wouldn't recommend it. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, but remember to respect the mountain!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,046 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeDecker Canyon Road is a drive you'll never forget in Malibu
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising around Malibu and looking for an epic drive? Decker Canyon Road is calling your name! This baby is located south of Thousand Oaks, snaking through western LA County. Think you're ready for one of Malibu's most scenic (and unforgettable) routes? This 4.7-mile stretch, part of Highway 23, winds south-to-north from the PCH near Trancas up to Mulholland Highway. Named after the OG Decker family from the 1800s, the road climbs fast, with some serious elevation changes (we're talking up to 10%!). The views? Insane. You'll get glimpses of the Pacific and the Santa Monica Mountains... if you can tear your eyes from the road. Decker Canyon is paved, but super narrow with non-stop twists and turns, running parallel to Encinal Canyon Road. Heads up: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Expect hairpin turns right off the bat, so leave the trailer at home. Seriously. Even in a car, it’s a workout. Keep it under 30 mph, watch out for rocks and sand (especially after a storm), and remember those guardrails are few and far between, so keep your eyes on the road! Locals call this the most deadly stretch of road in California with the technical corners, decreasing radius sweepers, elevation changes, and half-mile straights. But if you’re a confident driver or a motorcyclist with a GoPro, this could be your new favorite thrill ride. Just... be careful out there!
easyWhere are Lanfair Road and Ivanpah Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in southeastern California, right near the Nevada border, twisting through the Mojave Desert on Lanfair and Ivanpah Roads. Think epic high desert vibes! We're talking about a 45.9-mile (73.86 km) stretch starting from the cool, historic spot of Goffs and heading north. You'll climb to some serious elevation, soaking in views that go on forever. Now, here's the thing: while parts of this road are paved, the majority is graded dirt. Usually, a regular car can handle it, especially in dry conditions. But, watch out! After storms, it can get a little gnarly with washouts and sandy patches. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended, and honestly, 4x4 is your best friend out here. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! And get this: this road even made a cameo in the opening of the cult classic film! If you're looking for a scenic desert adventure, this one's a must-do. Just be prepared for a bit of off-road fun!
hardLa Plata Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about La Plata Pass in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there at 10,183 feet in Lake County, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. You'll be cruising on CO-82, a paved road with some seriously steep grades that will test your engine (and maybe your nerves!). Nestled in the majestic Sawatch Range, La Plata Pass offers stunning scenery, but heads up: it's usually closed from October to May due to snow. Plan accordingly!
hardWhere is the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway in Arizona – it's a wild ride! This section of U.S. Route 191 (once known as "The Devil's Highway") carves through southeastern Arizona, hugging the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on its way from Apache County to Greenlee County. Named after explorer Coronado, who searched for the mythical Seven Cities of CÃbola, this paved road stretches for 129 miles between Springerville and Clifton, a historic copper town. What makes it so thrilling? Try 460 curves! This narrow, winding road is a real driver's dream, dipping and diving with amazing views at every turn. It's not super crowded, so you can really enjoy the experience. Be warned, though: there are some serious drop-offs and very little shoulder in places, so maybe not the best choice for beginner drivers. The Coronado Trail tops out at a cool 9,383 feet, south of Hannagan Meadow, in the White Mountains. It's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather! Snow and ice are common in winter and during the shoulder seasons. Weekday snowplowing is usually in effect from 8 AM to 5 PM. Allow 4-5 hours to drive the whole thing, but you'll definitely want to stop for photos and to soak it all in. Expect snowy mountains, lush valleys, tons of wildlife, and scenery that'll blow you away. Just a heads-up: fill up your gas tank in Alpine, as there are no gas stations along the way!