A road trip to Lobdell Lake in California is truly epic
Usa, north-america
17.05 km
2,827 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer off-road excursion for you in Mono County, California: Lobdell Lake. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a seriously scenic climb up to 9,274 feet!
You'll find this hidden gem nestled in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The road, appropriately named Lobdell Lake Road (or just Road 67 if you're feeling official), is 10.6 miles of unadulterated dirt. Definitely needs a 4x4, preferably one that isn't afraid of a few bumps and bruises.
Starting from US-395, east of Sonora Junction, you'll grind your way up some pretty intense inclines – think gradients hitting 13%! But trust me, the views as you approach the lake at 9,540 feet are worth every ounce of effort.
Perched in the Sweetwater Mountains near the Nevada border, this trail is usually open from May to November. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
Where is it?
A road trip to Lobdell Lake in California is truly epic is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.9778, -98.9690
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.05 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,827 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.9778, -98.9690
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs the road to Mount Diablo paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in the San Francisco East Bay, craving some killer views. Punch "Mount Diablo" into your GPS and get ready for Summit Road, a fully paved path leading to the top of this awesome peak. Starting in the sweet little town of Diablo, it's about 10.6 miles to the summit. Don't let the distance fool you – you'll climb over 3,350 feet on this winding adventure! The average grade is around 6%, but some spots crank up to over 10%, so hold on tight. Cyclists are all over this road, so keep your eyes peeled! Is it worth it? Totally! This road is generally open all year and the scenery is mind-blowing. Plus, the summit has a cool little shop, exhibits, and a parking lot. Check out the visitor's center, built in the 1930s, and keep an eye out for marine fossils. Trust me, the vistas from the top of Mt. Diablo are epic!
extremeYogo Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Yogo Peak in Montana! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly 4WD gravel track that climbs to a whopping 8,812 feet in Judith Basin County. Now, let's be real – this road's a wild card. Keep a close eye on the weather because Mother Nature throws tantrums up here. We're talking potential avalanches, surprise snow dumps, and landslides. And yeah, ice patches love to hang out and cause trouble. Expect some rocks and mud along the way to keep things interesting! But hey, if you're into epic scenery and a true off-road challenge, Yogo Peak might just steal your heart.
extremeCan you drive into Waipio Valley?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're on the Big Island of Hawaii, ready for an adventure. You've heard whispers of a legendary road leading down into the breathtaking Waipio Valley in the Hamakua District. But this isn't just any road trip, folks. Waipio Valley Road is a beast! Clocking in at a mere 1.4 miles, this paved path plummets from the Waipio Overlook (about 915 feet above sea level) down to almost sea level, into a valley so lush it looks prehistoric. "Waipi'o" means curved water in Hawaiian, and you'll see why as you descend into this dramatic landscape. But here's the kicker: this road is seriously steep. We're talking sections with a 40-45% gradient! It's so intense that some say it's the steepest road of its length *anywhere* in the USA. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Think of it as the opposite of a lazy river cruise. Word to the wise: This road is generally open only to 4x4 vehicles (the valley floor roads aren't paved, either!). Many rental car agreements ban this road, so read the fine print. And get this: Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic (because trust me, nobody wants to stall going *up*). Driving down in low gear to save your brakes is crucial. Unfortunately, this stunning road is currently closed to tourists while local residents take legal action. It is reserved for residents with agricultural businesses. But even if you can't drive it, you *can* still experience Waipio Valley. Hiking down is a popular (though strenuous!) option, and local tour companies offer rides. Just remember, safety first! Waipio Valley Road is an unforgettable experience, but it demands respect (and a very capable vehicle).
moderateWhere is Slide Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're headed to Slide Lake in Colorado? Awesome choice! Picture this: you're just north of Leadville, smack-dab in the heart of Colorado's San Isabel National Forest. First things first: ditch the sedan. You'll be tackling Forest Road 145, a completely unpaved adventure that demands a 4x4. Trust me on this one. The road clocks in at just under 5 miles. You’ll gain about 1,570 feet in elevation, so yeah, it’s a climb! The average incline is around 6%, so expect some steady uphill action. Along the way, keep an eye out for a parking area on the right. You can spot a 10th Mountain Division Hut nestled in the trees on the left. This is a cool piece of history honoring the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division. The road winds onward through some seriously dense forest before ending at the Slide Lake Trailhead. There's a picnic table, a dispersed campsite, and parking spots scattered among the trees. From there, it’s a leisurely half-mile hike to the lake. Keep in mind: this road is typically only open from July to October. Colorado snows are no joke! So plan your trip accordingly for the best views and safest travels.