Barker Dam Road
Usa, north-america
2.4 km
1.301 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through Joshua Tree National Park? You HAVE to check out the Barker Dam Road! It's a quick 1.5-mile detour into a landscape straight out of a movie. This little desert gem takes you right to Barker Dam (aka Big Horn Dam), a cool piece of history built way back in the early 1900s.
The road itself is a bit rough and tumble, totally open for two-way traffic, and climbs to about 4,270 feet. You'll find it nestled between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks, not far from the Wall Street Mill. The dam has been reopened to the public after some repair work. Seriously, bring your camera! This area is a photographer's dream.
A heads-up: desert conditions are no joke. Summer means scorching heat, blazing sun, and super dry air. Storms can roll in fast, so avoid canyons and washes if it's raining. Watch for water on the road! Plus, keep an eye out for wildlife – including those precious desert tortoises. Drive slow, respect the speed limits, and you're in for an unforgettable ride. Oh, and a few critters with stingers and fangs call this place home, so watch where you step!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.301 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardUncle Bud's Hut
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road challenge with killer views, Uncle Bud's Hut in central Colorado's Lake County is calling your name. Nestled at a staggering 11,397 feet, getting to this memorial hut via FS Road 107 is no picnic. We're talking a super steep, rough-and-tumble gravel road that demands respect (and 4WD!). Expect tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. The window to tackle this beast is usually June to October, but remember, this is high-altitude Colorado – be ready for a sudden snow squall, even in the middle of summer. This trek isn't just about the drive; it's a journey to a place honoring a 10th Mountain Division hero. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and grind!
moderateCan you drive around the rim of Crater Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a breathtaking road trip? Cruise along Rim Drive in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, a 33-mile loop that hugs the caldera of the stunning Crater Lake. This isn't just any drive; it's one of the highest roads in Oregon, climbing from 6,500 feet to a dizzying 7,877 feet at Cloudcap! Built between 1926 and 1941, this road is a testament to engineering ingenuity. Heads up: Rim Drive is usually only open from July to October because winter brings serious snowfall – we're talking over 20 feet in most places, with drifts up to 60 feet! Keep an eye on conditions; things can change fast. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. It can be a bit narrow and winding, with no shoulders in places, and you might find some rocks on the road. Those afraid of heights might find it challenging as the road sometimes lacks railing and the hillsides are steep. However, the views are SO worth it! Plan for about 1.5 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. With around 50 turnouts, you’ll have ample chances to soak in the lake views, panoramic vistas, and gorgeous forests and meadows. Each viewpoint offers something unique. Rim Drive is also a highlight along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route connecting Crater Lake with Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Get ready for a drive you won't forget!
easyWhy is it called Mirror Lake Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Mirror Lake Highway is a very scenic mountain road running from Kamas (in Utah) to Evanston (in Wyoming). It’s a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Why is it called Mirror Lake Highway? It is named for Mirror Lake, a picturesque lake that the highway passes along the way. How long is the Mirror Lake Highway? Mirror Lake Highway, also known as State Route 150, is totally paved. It’s 124.24km (77.2 miles) long, heading east from Kamas (in southwestern Summit County) to Evanston (the county seat of Uinta County). It was built in 1933. The drive, also known as Mirror Lake Highway scenic drive, is around 56 miles in northern Utah and around 18 miles in southwestern Wyoming. Is the Mirror Lake Highway closed? Running through the western portion of the Uinta Mountains, the road tops out at 3.272m (10,734ft) above sea level at is said to be Utah's highest paved road. The road is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to early November, depending on the weather. The highway is closed from the Soapstone Campground, 15 miles past Kamas, to the East Fork Campground, 33 miles from Evanston, Wyoming. Is Mirror Lake Highway worth the drive? Tucked away within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it is one of the most popular mountainous driving routes in both states. Plan 2 hours to complete the drive without any stop. Make sure you leave enough time to make plenty of stops along the way because the road winds through farm and ranch lands and rises to heavily forested, mountain terrain, accented by meadows and rugged peaks. There are numerous access points into the High Uinta Wilderness along this byway. A drive to the top of Henness Pass in California How to get by car to Carson ghost town in Colorado? 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.
hardWhere is Black Rock Reservoir?
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in Fresno County, California, and bordering Kings Canyon National Park, is the seriously secluded Black Rock Reservoir. This beauty sits at a cool 4,133 feet above sea level, and getting there is half the adventure! So, how do you reach this hidden gem? From Fresno, head east on CA 180, hook onto Piedra Road, then Trimmer Springs Road until you see the split at the bridge to Balch Camp. Black Rock Road is your path, winding past the PG&E facility and onward to the reservoir. Now, a heads-up: Black Rock Road, all 11 miles of it, isn’t for the faint of heart. We're talking a super-narrow, paved road clinging to cliff faces with some serious drop-offs – like, 1,000-foot drop-offs. Think single-lane wooden bridges and practically no guardrails. Leave the RV at home, and if you're scared of heights, maybe skip this one. And watch out for falling debris from the cliffs! Being remote means no cell service. So, be prepared! It's also bear country, and raccoons are notorious food pilferers, so store your snacks properly. Mosquito repellent is a must. You can fuel up near Fresno on Highway 180, or in Prather and Shaver Lake. Want the best experience? Late winter or early spring is magic. Wildflowers explode in color, and you might catch some stunning waterfalls. The paved road ends at the reservoir itself, with a small campground ready for you. The road’s usually open year-round, but snow can shut it down, especially during winter storms. Even if it's passable, maybe skip it in snowy conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!