A Desert Trip: The Scenic Pinto Basin Road in the Joshua Tree NP
Usa, north-america
47 km
1,197 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through Joshua Tree National Park? You absolutely HAVE to take Pinto Basin Road! This fully paved, two-lane beauty stretches for nearly 30 miles (47km) and is essentially the main artery slicing through the heart of the park.
This recently revamped road (Park Route 11) whisks you from the Mojave Desert to the Sonoran Desert, showcasing the incredible diversity of the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is STUNNING!
But remember, safety first! Watch your speed, especially with those gradients hitting up to 5.3% in places. Sadly, many animals (including desert tortoises) are roadkill victims, so drive responsibly.
Reaching a dizzying height of almost 4,000 feet (1,197m), the views are breathtaking. But the desert has its dangers. Be aware of rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widows if you're hiking. Summer brings scorching heat and intense sun, and flash floods can strike without warning – so pay attention to weather reports and never drive through standing water! Stay safe and enjoy this unforgettable desert adventure.
Where is it?
A Desert Trip: The Scenic Pinto Basin Road in the Joshua Tree NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.1719, -100.1810
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,197 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 42.1719, -100.1810
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Forest Road 640?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Forest Road 640 in central Utah! This beauty stretches for about 22.6 miles through Capitol Reef National Park and Fishlake National Forest. But here's the kicker: you'll be cruising *high*, I mean *really* high, entirely above 8,200 feet! At its peak near Niotche-Lost CR Divide, you'll hit a whopping 10,505 feet above sea level, making it one of Utah's highest roads. Expect some serious climbs, with gradients maxing out around 15%. Keep an eye out for Johnson Valley Reservoir along the way! The good news? It's usually open in winter, so you can potentially experience this wonderland dusted with snow. Get ready for breathtaking views, but be prepared for some white-knuckle moments!
extremeWalter's Wiggles in Utah: 21 short, very steep switchbacks
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Zion National Park, Utah, ready for a legendary hike. You're about to tackle Walter's Wiggles, 21 incredibly tight switchbacks carved right into the cliff face on the way to Angel's Landing. This isn't just a walk in the park; it's a relentless climb that will test your legs and maybe your nerves. We're talking a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) trek to the viewpoint, and this section? It's pure zigzag madness! Each wiggle is only about 20-25 feet long, but those turns are what gets you up the seriously steep north face. The trail, built back in 1926, is a pedestrian-only path with chains to help you along the way. It’s an absolute marvel of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity. Heads up: while it's incredibly rewarding, this trail has seen its share of accidents over the years. But the views from the top? Absolutely worth the effort, offering some of the most breathtaking vistas in Zion. It’s named after Walter Ruesch, the park's first superintendent. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateIs Soldier Pass Road in Sedona unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Just outside Sedona, where Coconino and Yavapai counties meet, lies Soldier Pass Road (aka Forest Service 9904 Road) and it is calling your name. We're talking a mile of pure, unadulterated, unpaved fun. Picture this: you, your high-clearance 4x4, tackling rocky ledges and obstacles like a boss. This isn't your Sunday cruise, folks. This is an off-road playground with seriously scenic views and access to cool spots like the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools. Word to the wise: this hidden gem gets popular, especially on weekends. Make sure to check the weather, as things can get dicey. The road is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but here's the kicker: you NEED a permit to drive it, and they only issue 12 per day. Parking is super limited (think 14 spots), so get there early or be prepared to hike. Trust me, the early bird gets the off-road worm on this one!
hardPegleg Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Lassen County, California, and itching for a thrill, Pegleg Mountain is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 7,106 feet! The road up there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta steepness. Definitely needs a 4x4 and some serious off-road skills. Winter? Forget about it – this road is a no-go zone when the snow flies. And if heights make your palms sweat, maybe grab a postcard instead. But, oh the views! Trust me, they're worth the white-knuckle drive. And up top, you'll find a fire lookout tower, perfect for soaking in the panoramic vistas. Get ready for an unforgettable climb!