A tough desert road to Towne Pass in CA
Usa, north-america
88.5 km
1,515 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park on CA-190, a completely paved road slicing through the west side. This is Towne Pass, peaking at a cool 4,970 feet in Inyo County, California.
The road links Panamint Valley and Stovepipe Wells, serving up some seriously breathtaking views. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's windy with a ton of curves, so daylight is your friend here. Plus, it gets steep, with grades hitting 15% in spots. Keep your speed in check – even though the limit's 55 mph, you'll want to drop it down to 30 mph for those tight turns. Word on the street is they're even planning some road work to straighten out the twistiest parts and make it safer. Basically, Towne Pass is a stunning drive, just keep your wits about you and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 88.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,515 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs Katy Freeway in TX paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, y'all, buckle up 'cause we're cruising down the Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas! This ain't your average highway; it's a Texas-sized spectacle of asphalt and steel. We're talking up to 26 lanes wide in some spots, making it one of the broadest freeways on the planet! This stretch of I-10 west of Houston clocks in at about 23 miles, connecting the 'burbs of Katy with the heart of downtown. Paved from start to finish, it's a smooth ride – if you can handle the sheer volume of cars. Seriously, we're talking over 219,000 vehicles *every single day*. Originally built back in the '60s, the Katy Freeway has been beefed up over the years. The biggest change came between 2008 and 2011 when it got a major expansion. Now you've got your 12 main lanes, 8 access road lanes, and even 6 managed lanes. It is definitely a sight to behold (and navigate)! Heads up though — the West Loop Freeway north of the West Loop is even wider, sporting 28 lanes at the Hempstead Road intersection. So, watch out if you end up there!
extremeJacks Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Millard County, Utah, and craving a serious off-road experience, Jacks Peak is calling your name. We're talking a leg-burning climb to 10,029 feet! Forest Road 096 is your rugged, unpaved chariot to the top. But fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer the gravel and potentially rocky, muddy sections. Keep an eye on the weather, because this road can get NASTY. Think avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – plus, ice patches love to play hide-and-seek. Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted by a forest of radio towers. It's not the prettiest summit, but hey, you earned it!
hardSlate Peak is the highest road of Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
# Slate Peak Road: Washington's Ultimate High-Altitude Drive Want to experience the highest maintained road in Washington State? Slate Peak Road is calling your name. This unpaved gem sits right on the border between Okanogan and Whatcom counties, just 15 miles northwest of Mazama and practically kissing the Canadian border. The adventure starts at Hart's Pass and stretches just 2.6 miles to a locked gate near the summit, with a short quarter-mile walk to reach the 7,450-foot peak. It's a beast of a climb—expect grades up to 17% as you gain 368 meters of elevation, though the average gradient sits around 8.8%. Your regular vehicle can handle it (as long as you've got decent clearance), but leave the RV and trailers behind. The road's not for the faint of heart. It narrows considerably in spots, hugging a scree cliff with only pullouts for passing. That one-lane section without guardrails? Yeah, there's a few hundred feet of straight-down drop-off. It's legitimately hair-raising, but honestly, that's half the thrill. Fair warning: this road's only open from early July through early October. Snow blankets the peak most of the year, making it impassable outside the brief window. Pick a clear day—trust us on this one. The payoff? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll find the highest fire lookout tower in Washington (built way back in 1924) and jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascades. Bring your camera and grab the peak identification signs to help you spot all the major mountains stretching out before you. Few places offer views this spectacular without requiring a serious backcountry hike.
hardKingston Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Kingston Summit in Nevada's Lander County is calling your name. We're talking about a wild ride up to 8,684 feet! Situated in the heart of the Toiyabe Range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. NF-012, or Kingston Canyon Road, is a gravelly, rocky, and at times downright bumpy path that demands respect. Think 4x4 or bust. Winter? Forget about it! This road is usually snowed in. Aim for late June to late September for your best shot. Be warned: it's steep! Not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not a fan of heights. Muddy conditions after rain can make things extra challenging. But, oh, the solitude and stark desert beauty you'll find are worth it! It's a trail for experienced off-roaders who crave a little peace and a whole lot of amazing scenery.