Can you drive to Barcroft Field Station in California?
Usa, north-america
45.5 km
3,801 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of California's highest roads? Head to Mono County, smack-dab in the Inyo National Forest, and find the start of the road to Barcroft Field Station. We're talking serious altitude here - the weather station sits at a whopping 12,470 feet!
The fun starts where the paved CA-168 ends. From there, it's 28.3 miles of winding, unpaved road. Sure, it's rough and rocky, but don't let that scare you off. Even a 2WD can make it with some careful driving.
This isn't just a drive; it's a trip through history! The station itself was built way back in 1951. Once you get to the top, you'll spot a little hut and an astronomy dome perched proudly on the peak. For the seriously adventurous, a lonely gravel road even leads to the White Mountain Research Station Summit Laboratory at an insane 14,261 feet on White Mountain Peak!
Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from June to October, depending on the weather. Winter's no joke up here, with over 13 feet of snow! This road, nestled in the stunning White Mountains near the Nevada border, is steep with views that'll knock your socks off, but also requires you to take it seriously. Not for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 45.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,801 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
easyDriving the historic Silver Thread Scenic Byway in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Highway 149 in Colorado, on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, and it's pure magic. This totally paved road stretches for 117 miles through the southwest region of the state, winding through not one, but *four* national forests – Rio Grande, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison. Think stunning! You'll roll through cute towns like Lake City, Creede, and South Fork, traveling from near Gunnison all the way to US-160 in Rio Grande County, right in the heart of the San Juan Mountain Range. Word to the wise: this is a two-lane road, so stay alert, especially in winter. While it’s maintained year-round and snowplows keep it clear, conditions can get dicey. You'll climb to Slumgullion Pass, a whopping 11,574 feet above sea level! Give yourself at least 3 hours to drive, but honestly, you’ll want way more time. This route is packed with panoramic vistas, wildlife sightings (elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep!), and a rich history of Native Americans, early explorers, and Victorian mining towns. Seriously, the old mining camps are incredible, and the surrounding wilderness is just breathtaking. Follow the road as it traces the old toll routes, stagecoach lines and railways! Look out for North Clear Creek Falls, the Slumgullion earth slide, and Uncompahgre Peak. The heights around Creede and Lake City remain strewn with abandoned mining structures, most of them accessible via rugged backcountry roads. Grab a Silver Thread Guide at the Lake City Visitor Center and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeUnraveling the Secrets of Kern Canyon Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an epic California road trip? Buckle up for Kern Canyon Road (CA Highway 178) in Kern County! This 40-mile stretch from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella, snaking through the Southern Sierra Nevada, is not for the faint of heart. Built way back in the day (think late 1890s to 1924) to support a powerhouse, this road is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and seriously steep drop-offs right alongside the Kern River. You’ll be gripping the wheel through narrow lanes, especially in the first half, before things open up to a four-lane stretch. Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – this road can be dangerous. It’s known for its fair share of accidents, so keep your eyes on the road and drive smart! Be extra careful of rock slides, especially after rain. The canyon walls expand and contract with the weather, so rocks can come loose. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. Despite the hazards, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Think rocky cliffs, dramatic vistas, and the (dam-controlled) Kern River rushing alongside. Just a word of caution about that river – swimming is HIGHLY discouraged. The currents are strong, the water's cold, and there are hidden hazards like fallen trees. Stay well back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and definitely don't underestimate the river’s power. If you do fall in, don't fight the current – float on your back with your feet downstream until you can reach the bank. And leave the inflatables at home, they’re no match for the Kern River! This drive is a mix of thrills and chills, but with the right precautions, you're in for a memorable ride!
moderateWhere is Oldman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Oldman Pass! You'll find this beauty tucked away in Skamania County, Washington, about 45 minutes from Stevenson, chilling out near the Oregon border inside the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It's right by the Indian Heaven Wilderness too, which adds to the whole mystical vibe. Locals say it's named after this mysterious "Old Man" figure from the area's past, maybe a hermit, maybe a guardian spirit – who knows! The route itself, also known as Wind River Road, stretches for about 37.4 miles (60.18km) from Carson all the way to the Berry Fields Interpretive Site. The entire road is paved, so no need for a heavy-duty rig, but get ready for some seriously scenic views and playful curves! There are some steep climbs too, with grades hitting 10-15% in places. Pro tip: There's a cute little parking lot up top, perfect for snapping those summit pics. Heads up though: This is the Cascades, and snow happens! They plow it, but only once a day if needed, and only after the other county roads get the all-clear. So, winter adventures are possible, just be prepared for potentially slow going.
moderateDriving the 3 tight hairpin turns on the W Road of Chattanooga
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the W Road in Hamilton County, Tennessee! This isn't just a drive; it's a mountain rollercoaster squeezed into 3.2 miles. Starting from East Brow Road and winding down to Mountain Creek Road, this fully paved path throws you into a series of switchbacks so intense, they actually resemble the letter "W." Trust me, after the gentle start, it gets wild near the top. We're talking hairpin turns so tight, you might catch a glimpse of your own taillights! Built way back in 1892 (can you believe it?), this road has seen upgrades over the years, but its core design – those crazy turns – remains untouched. This road demands your full attention. It’s steep, with gradients hitting a whopping 17.6% in places. Go too wide, and you're playing chicken with oncoming traffic; cut it too close, and your car's undercarriage might just kiss the asphalt. Many drivers find this road intimidating, and trucks longer than 22 feet are strictly forbidden. So, if you're cruising near Chattanooga, make sure your GPS isn't playing tricks on you – you don't want to end up stuck on this beast!