An old mining road to Mount Patterson in California
Usa, north-america
25.7 km
3,560 m
moderate
Year-round
Mount Patterson is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,560m (11,679ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
The peak is located in the east-central portion of California, near the Nevada border, within the Toiyabe National Forest. The area is dotted with many mines that were active in the 1880s. The 360-degree views from the top are incredible.
Set high in the Sweetwater Mountains, the scenic road to the summit, with fantastic views, is totally unpaved. It’s pretty rough and requires using a 4WD vehicle. The road to the summit is an old mining road to Montague Mine Cabin.
The peak is accessible from July to October due to snow. The opening and closing dates all depend on snowmelt and snowfall each year. High winds blow here all year long. The higher you get, the more exposed you are to the wind.
The road to the summit is very steep, hitting an 18% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at US395, the road is 25.7 km (15.96 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,568 meters. The average gradient is 6.10%.Pic: 4x4Husky
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
An old mining road to Mount Patterson in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 43.2856, -99.2928
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,560 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.2856, -99.2928
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is it called Steese Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a road trip idea that's pure Alaskan gold: the Steese Highway. This beauty winds its way from Fairbanks all the way to Circle, a quirky little town on the Yukon River practically knocking on the Arctic Circle's door. This 156-mile stretch, also known as the Steese Expressway, is named after a U.S. Army General, James G. Steese, who helped build it back in the day. What can you expect? Well, the first 81 miles are paved, smooth sailing. After that, it's a well-maintained gravel road – think of it as adding a little texture to your adventure! Just remember, it can get narrow and winding in sections. Don't worry about being stranded in the snow, though! The Steese Highway is generally open year-round. The road climaxes at Eagle Summit, a lofty perch sitting at 3,652 feet. And let me tell you, the views are insane! The road cuts through a whole buffet of Alaskan landscapes, from lush riverside forests along the Chatanika River to the windswept alpine tundra around Twelvemile and Eagle summits. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready for this one!
hardWhere is the Boulder Basin?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in central Idaho, about 15 miles northwest of Ketchum, ready for an adventure. You're heading toward Boulder Basin, way up in the Boulder Mountains. This ain't your typical Sunday drive, though. Forget the pavement! You're hitting Boulder Creek Road (aka County Road 158A and 158), a 5.7-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt-road fun. Starting from Highway 75, you'll climb a whopping 2,792 feet to nearly 9,800 feet above sea level. That's an average grade of over 9%! Trust me, this road is bumpy, rocky, and rough. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here – high clearance is a MUST, and airing down your tires is a smart move. The higher you go, the wilder it gets, with the road turning into shale rock and sometimes even a stream running right down the middle! Plus, the last mile is a narrow ledge clinging to the mountainside, so hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way. Keep in mind, this road's a no-go in winter thanks to the snow. Aim for July or August for the best shot at getting through. But trust me, if you make it, the views are epic. You'll reach the ghost town of Boulder City and a stunning, secluded alpine lake. Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardWhere is Antelope Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Antelope Pass! Nestled high in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, this pass tops out at a seriously impressive elevation. You'll find it west of Stanley, smack-dab in central Idaho. Now, fair warning: pavement? Nope! You'll be cruising on Cherry Creek Summit Road (aka Forest Road 135, or Challis National Forest Road 135 if you're feeling official). It's a killer drive, not too crazy difficult, but I'd definitely recommend a high-clearance 4x4 – things get a little rocky. And those gradients? Seriously steep in spots! Pro-tip: avoid it after a rainstorm, trust me on this. Plan about for this off-road gem. Keep in mind, you won't be doing this drive in the winter because the road is not passable.
extremeWhich are the most iconic drives in Capitol Reef?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is defined by the Waterpocket Fold—a 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust. This remote landscape features a cold semi-arid climate and a complex network of roads that range from scenic paved bypasses to high-clearance dirt tracks. For the off-road enthusiast and the professional traveler, navigating Capitol Reef is an exercise in desert logistics, where seasonal weather volatility and rugged terrain demand precise vehicle preparation. Road facts: Capitol Reef National Park South-central Utah, USA Autumn (Peak stability) & Spring Flash floods, extreme heat, and rocky washouts Technical Requirements High-clearance 4WD (for backcountry loops) Which are the most iconic drives in Capitol Reef? The park offers a diverse hierarchy of routes, each presenting unique technical challenges. The is the most accessible, providing 12.7 km of paved access to the park’s inner canyons. However, for those seeking a more rigorous experience, the runs parallel to the Waterpocket Fold for 52.3 km, transitioning from pavement to rugged unpaved surfaces that require constant monitoring of road traction. What makes the Cathedral Valley Loop a high-risk route? Cathedral Valley Loop is a 92.7 km (57.6 miles) dirt track that traverses some of the most remote sections of the park. This route is notorious for the , where vehicles must cross active water. Depending on seasonal runoff, the river depth can fluctuate rapidly, making it impassable for standard vehicles. High-clearance 4WD is a non-negotiable standard for this loop, as deep sand and bentonite clay can become impassable when wet. Is the Burr Trail Road suitable for all vehicles? Connecting Capitol Reef to the Grand Staircase-Escalante, the is a 106 km journey through massive canyons and steep switchbacks. While the western portion is paved, the segments within the park boundary remain unpaved and technically demanding. The switchbacks involve dramatic elevation changes over short distances, requiring a disciplined approach to braking and gear management to avoid mechanical stress in the desert heat. How dangerous is the South Draw Road for off-roaders? For the highly experienced off-roader, is a 13.03 km rough dirt track that provides a technical climb from the park’s scenic drive up to the slopes of Boulder Mountain. This is a high-clearance 4WD only route, featuring large boulders, deep ruts, and multiple stream crossings. It is frequently closed during winter and spring due to snow and mud, making it one of the most unpredictable and "breath-taking" segments for vertical navigation in Utah. Conclusion: Operational Readiness in Red Rock Country Capitol Reef is a park of extreme contrasts, where the beauty of the landscape is matched by its logistical complexity. Whether you are sticking to the paved Scenic Drive or venturing into the deep sand of Cathedral Valley, situational awareness is your best tool. Always check the weather forecast at the visitor center before departing; a dry wash can transform into a deadly in minutes. In this remote area of Utah, professional preparation is the key to a successful expedition. A paved road to Ibex Pass in Death Valley NP Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.