
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
moderateGeorgia Pass is a long bumpy ride in the Rocky Mountains
πΊπΈ Usa
Georgia Pass is a real hidden gem nestled in the Colorado Rockies! This high-altitude pass sits at a whopping 11,598 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling the line between Summit and Jefferson counties, up north in Colorado. The road, aptly named Georgia Pass Road, stretches for about 20.9 miles from Breckenridge over to Jefferson. The Jefferson side is relatively smooth sailing and doable in a car with decent clearance, but the Breckenridge descent? Buckle up! It's a different beast altogether. Expect mud, rocks, and some seriously challenging terrain. We're talking OHVs or SUVs with good clearance only! The road can get narrow, and visibility can be limited, so keep an eye out for other adventurers. The average grade is around 6.2%, but you'll hit some steep sections up to 15.1%. Newbies might find it a bit tricky, so definitely shift into low gear to save those brakes on the way down. Tucked away in the White River National Forest, Georgia Pass is best explored during the summer. Usually, it's closed to vehicles from November to May. And even in the spring, a particularly soggy area on the north side might make it impassable. From the pass, a side road leads to even higher ground near Glacier Peak and Whale Peak. Seriously, though, bring your camera! The views are incredible β think up-close-and-personal perspectives of Mount Guyot, the Breckenridge mountains, and the South Park plains. You'll wind through pine forests, aspen groves, and open meadows with panoramic vistas galore. The summit itself is an open, grassy saddle offering stunning views, especially of Mt. Guyot to the west. Just be prepared for a long, bumpy ride to get there! Back in the 1860s, this pass was the main route into Breckenridge from the south.
hardWhere is Old Baldy Mountain?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Old Baldy Mountain in Montana's Lewis and Clark County! This peak sits pretty high up in the Big Belt Mountains, east of Helena, smack-dab in the Helena National Forest. Getting to the top isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a 1.31 km unpaved adventure from Basin Creek Rd. Forget your sedan; you'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this steep, rocky, and narrow track. The last stretch throws in a couple of hairpin turns just to keep you on your toes! Prepare for a serious climb! You'll gain some significant elevation over a short distance, resulting in a super steep average gradient. Heads up: this road is usually only open from mid-spring to late autumn. Winter brings heavy snow, making it impassable until the thaw. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the wait!
moderateHow to get by car to Moab Lake in Alberta?
π¨π¦ Canada
Alright, adventurers, let's talk about Moab Lake Road in Alberta, Canada! This gem sits pretty at 1,241m (4,071ft) in Jasper National Park, just east of Mount Edith Cavell. Moab Lake Road (aka Range Road 280B) is a 6.8 km (4.22 miles) unpaved adventure that winds alongside the Whirlpool River. Think gravel, think rugged β it's a slow and steady wins the race kind of drive. While you *can* technically do it in a regular car, I'd highly recommend something with a bit more clearance to handle the rough patches. Starting from the paved AB-93A, the road treats you to seriously gorgeous Canadian Rockies scenery. Keep your camera handy because you'll find some amazing spots to pull over and soak it all in. Heads up, though β this road is usually closed for the winter (think mid-October to around April/May), so plan your trip accordingly!
extremeWhy is it called Raton Pass?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Raton Pass! You'll find this high-altitude beauty straddling the Colorado-New Mexico border, clocking in at a whopping 7,841 feet above sea level. Fun fact: "Raton" is Spanish for "mouse." This pass was part of the old Santa Fe Trail. The road, which is Interstate 25, stretches for about 22 miles, linking Raton, New Mexico, with Trinidad, Colorado. The road is paved, so no need for off-road tires here, but hold on tight because there are some steep sections! Good news: Raton Pass is generally open year-round. But, pro tip, winter can throw some curveballs. We're talking extreme winds, ice rinks disguised as roads, and snowstorms that'll test your driving skills. Starting from Raton, you'll climb 11.6 miles, gaining 1,089 feet with an average gradient of 1.77%. From Trinidad, itβs a bit steeper: 13.9 miles, gaining 1,831 feet at an average gradient of 2.49%, with some sections hitting a max of 6%. Keep those winter tires handy!