
Big Sam
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,298 m
hard
Year-round
Big Sam is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.298m (10,820ft) above the sea level, located in Tuolumne County, California, United States. It’s
one of the highest roads of California.
This infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. The route is snow free from June to October. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer.
27 Lessons from 27 Films - Car Breakdowns
Road trip guide: Conquering Big Hole Pass in Montana
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,298 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSouth Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for South Grade Road! This insane stretch of asphalt is hiding in northern San Diego County, California, and it's a wild ride to the top of Palomar Mountain. Seriously, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're snaking your way up, up, up, through 21 hairpin turns! Yeah, you read that right. The road eventually crests at a whopping 5,465 feet, near the iconic Palomar Observatory. Keep an eye out, though – the observatory can close unexpectedly if the weather gets dicey. The whole route is paved, so that's a plus, and it clocks in at just over 11 miles. You’ll be cruising from CA-76 all the way to Palomar Divide Road. Normally, South Grade Road is open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw some curveballs. Winter brings snow and ice, so chain up when required. Fog can roll in, and rocks love to tumble onto the pavement, especially after a good rain. If it's pouring, maybe skip this one – closures and landslides are a real possibility. But let's talk about the views! South Grade Road is absolutely stunning, I mean seriously breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, especially on those hairpin turns. Sadly, there's a history of accidents here, so stay sharp and ride safe!
moderateWhere is Bull Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Bull Creek Pass in southeastern Utah is calling! Located inside the stunning Capitol Reef National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This is an unpaved, gravelly, single-lane path that stretches for a thrilling 65.8 miles. You'll climb to a serious elevation – one of Utah's highest! But be warned, this route is strictly for high-clearance vehicles only. Expect a bumpy ride with numerous hazards along the way. The road is generally open during the warmer months, but snow can shut things down, so plan your trip accordingly. Despite the challenges, you'll be rewarded with seriously breathtaking views! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!
hardDriving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Wyoming is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it in Carbon County, about 7 miles from the town of Elk Mountain (named after a Sioux chief, how cool is that?). Now, here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking totally unpaved, so your trusty 4x4 is a must. Starting near Rattlesnake Pass, the 8-mile trek to the top is STEEP – we're talking a maximum 15% gradient in places! Get ready to climb over 3,500 feet, with an average incline of 8.41%. The views from the top? Totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from late October until almost July, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and there's a radio station broadcaster (KBDY) at the summit, for some extra interesting scenery. Happy trails!
moderateTravelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre
🇲🇽 Mexico
Craving a scenic Mexican adventure from Guadalajara to the Pacific coast hotspots like Tepic and Puerto Vallarta? Buckle up for the Plan de Barrancas roads (that's Mexico 15 and the 15D toll road). These routes wind and weave like crazy through the Sierra Madre mountains! Expect narrow, paved roads with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll climb to about 5,400 feet near La Venta el Astillero before dropping down to around 3,000 feet in Tepic. Word to the wise: this stretch is known for being tricky. Stay alert, watch your speed, and take those curves seriously – it’s a busy route. But hey, the views are INCREDIBLE. Think lush tropical rainforests clinging to canyon walls and dramatic mountain vistas. Plus, you’ll cruise past fields of agave (hello, tequila!) and even get a peek at the lava remnants from the Ceboruco volcano, which last erupted in the 40s. The diverse scenery is unreal, with everything from rainforest and tropical plants to oak and pine forests.