A gravel road to the top of Waterman Hills
Usa, north-america
2.57 km
1,025 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: Waterman Hills, a hidden gem in sunny Southern California, just north of Barstow, clocking in at a cool 3,362 feet. The road up? Oh, it's an adventure! We're talking unpaved all the way, so ditch the sports car.
The 1.6-mile climb kicks off from Irwin Road and it's a bit of a leg-burner, gaining 600 feet in elevation. That's a 7% grade, so hold on! Best tackled during daylight hours – trust me, you'll want to see where you're going.
Once you're up there, radio towers dot the peak but who cares? The 360-degree views are totally worth the trek. Seriously, breathtaking stuff. Get ready for some major photo ops!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.57 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,025 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyMirror Lake Highway: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Mirror Lake Highway! This beauty stretches from Kamas, Utah, all the way to Evanston, Wyoming, and it's a local and tourist hotspot for good reason. Yep, you guessed it, it’s named after the stunning Mirror Lake that you'll cruise right past. Officially known as State Route 150, this paved road rolls on for 77.2 miles (124.24km). The Utah section clocks in at about 56 miles, and then you'll cruise through Wyoming for the last 18 miles. Built back in 1933, this route meanders through the western Uinta Mountains, peaking at 10,734ft (3.272m) at Bald Mountain Pass - reportedly the highest paved road in Utah! Heads up, though: this road is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to early November. Outside of those dates, the highway is closed from the Soapstone Campground (15 miles past Kamas) to the East Fork Campground (33 miles from Evanston). Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it's one of the most popular mountain drives around. Set aside about two hours for the drive if you're planning a no-stop sprint, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time! You'll wind through farmland, climb into dense forests, and be surrounded by meadows and rugged mountain peaks. Plus, there are tons of spots to jump off into the High Uinta Wilderness. Trust me, the scenery is worth the pit stops!
extremeTravel guide to the top of Grey Creek Pass in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Wanna tackle one of Canada's highest roads? Head to British Columbia's East Kootenay region and find Grey Creek Pass, sitting pretty at 2,083m (6,833ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive – the entire 53.6 km (33.3 miles) route, known as Gray Creek Forest Service Road, is unpaved, connecting Gray Creek to St Marys River Road. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure! Built in the late 80s and opened in 1990 after a powerline went through in the 50s, this route offers stunning Kootenay range views. But be warned, it's typically closed from mid/late October to late June/early July due to snow. Road conditions are seriously variable. Expect it to be rough, narrow, and seriously steep in sections (up to 16% grades!). Lower gears are a must, and watch those brakes! While the signs might suggest high clearance, you can probably manage with most vehicles. But, when it's wet, it's DANGEROUS – think slippery mud on steep inclines. There are tons of corners, and no emergency services are available. Logging trucks frequent the road, and heavy rain can cause washouts, so keep your eyes peeled and drive carefully. This isn't a fast track; it's all about soaking in the scenery.
easyWhen was Lassen Volcanic National Highway built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California? You *have* to take the Lassen Volcanic National Highway! This beauty, built back in '26, winds for 34 miles right through the heart of the park between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Entrances. Get ready for some up-close encounters with the park's killer volcanic features. The whole road is paved, but be prepared for curves and twists galore as you climb! You'll peak at a whopping 8,543 feet above sea level near Lassen Peak itself. Word to the wise: this road is a no-go in the winter thanks to the Cascade Range's heavy snowfall. They usually start clearing the 30-mile main park road in April, but it takes a couple of months to dig it out. Plus, keep an eye on the weather – it can close down intermittently. Heads up – no guardrails here due to the massive snow removal efforts! As you wind through the mountains from CA-44 to CA-36, watch out for wildlife and falling rocks. The southern part gets especially windy with some serious switchbacks. And if you're in a rig longer than 45 feet, you might want to skip this one. Happy driving!
easyWhere is Frying Pan Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Colorado, west of Denver, in the heart of Pitkin and Eagle counties. You're on Frying Pan Road, baby! This isn't just any road; it's a 42.3-mile (68.07km) adventure that starts in the adorable town of Basalt and winds its way east towards the intersection of Forest Road 105 and Forest Rd 527 by Ivanhoe Lake. The road is mainly paved (31.7 miles of smooth asphalt) as it dances alongside the Fryingpan River, leading you to the stunning Ruedi Reservoir. Trust me, that shoreline stretch is the highlight reel. But hold up, the last 11 miles turn to gravel, a well-maintained old railroad grade. You might even want to bring a 4x4 to make this trip easier! Expect a twisting, turning canyon drive with red rock walls and plenty of blind curves. It is a well-maintained two-lane road that serves as the main route to Ruedi Reservoir. Keep your eyes peeled for gravel on some of the 25-35 mph marked corners and a good change in elevation. The surface is fantastic through the entire route but deteriorates past the reservoir with less use. Oh, and did I mention you'll be way up high? We are talking about topping out at 10,708ft (3,264m) above sea level. Just a heads up, this road is a no-go in winter due to heavy snowfall and blowing snow. But, if you go in the summer, pack your camera and get ready for some epic views!