Can you drive to Mauna Loa Observatory?
Usa, north-america
28.1 km
2,001 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're on the Big Island of Hawai’i, ready for an adventure up the slopes of Mauna Loa, a massive active volcano. The road you're about to tackle? Mauna Loa Scenic Drive, also known as Mauna Loa Observatory Road. It’s about 17 miles of narrow, paved road carving its way through a seriously otherworldly lunar landscape made of solidified lava.
"Mauna Loa" means "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian, and this road lives up to the name! Built in the 1950s, it climbs from around 6,500 feet to over 11,000 feet, all the way to the Mauna Loa Observatory, a super important research facility studying climate change.
The road is steep, gaining over 4,600 feet in elevation – that's an average gradient of almost 5%. A 2WD vehicle can handle it, but be ready for some rough patches and potholes, especially at the beginning. Keep an eye out for that thin white "fog line" down the middle – it's your guide when the clouds roll in. The pavement can be barely wider than a car, and the shoulder is basically jagged lava rock, so straddle that line whenever you can to protect your tires.
This road can be hazardous, with blind hills and turns. Go slow, be careful around corners, and fill up your gas tank before you go – there are no services at the top!
The views are worth it, though! On a clear day, you’ll see Mauna Kea, Kohala, Haleakala (on Maui!), Hualalai, and the saddle at Pohakuloa. You might even spot other islands!
But a word of caution: weather changes fast up here. If fog or clouds start to roll in, bail immediately! This road is NOT where you want to be in low visibility. Winter can bring blizzards, high winds, and whiteouts – snow is possible any time of year. High-altitude storms can pop up without warning. And remember, Mauna Loa is an active volcano, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1984. Volcanic eruptions are possible at any time. Be smart, be prepared, and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,001 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs the road to Adams Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously stunning alpine escape, Adams Lake in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up high in Garfield County at a whopping 10,872 feet, this beauty is a bit of a trek to reach, but trust me, the solitude and views are SO worth it. Now, let's talk about the road. It's Forest Road 601.2C, also known as Adams Lake Road, and it's a rugged 0.88-mile stretch of unpaved glory. Expect a bumpy ride—we're talking super rocky and steep in sections. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must-have. Keep in mind, you're up in the White River National Forest, and this route sits entirely above 10,000 feet, with some parts even hitting 11,000! That means Old Man Winter likes to hang around for a while, so aim for a mid-summer visit for the safest passage. But let’s talk about the good stuff – the views. Prepare for mind-blowing alpine vistas the whole way! And once you reach the lake? It's breathtaking. Seriously, pack your camping gear and fishing rod because this place is perfect for a dispersed camping getaway. Trust me, Adams Lake is an absolute gem.
hardFreds Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Freds Mountain in Teton County, Wyoming is calling your name, but this ain't your average scenic drive. We're talking about a gnarly climb up to 9,855 feet! You'll find this beast within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and let me tell you, the road is ROUGH. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta "tippy and bumpy." This is actually the service road for the Grand Targhee Resort's chairlift, so conditions are constantly changing, and one wrong move could have serious consequences. Seriously, winter hangs around FOREVER up here, so mid-summer is probably your only safe bet. Scope out the road ahead before you commit, because things can get dicey quick. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 and some serious off-roading skills. Patience is key, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. This is an adventure for experienced drivers only – leave your Sunday drivers at home! But if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it.
hardIs Saskatchewan Highway 955 unpaved?
🇨🇦 Canada
Located in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Highway 955 is an adventure drive, not for the faint of lungs, heart, or legs. Is Saskatchewan Highway 955 unpaved? Built in 1979, the road is almost entirely unpaved (only the first miles are paved). How long is Saskatchewan Highway 955? It’s 270 km (167 miles) long, running south-north from Highway 155 on La Loche (on the eastern shore of Lac La Loche) to Cluff Lake Mine, closed since the early 2000s. The highway includes the challenging Semchuk Trail - a winter road created to take supplies to Uranium City and now maintained (sort of) up to Carswell Lake. How to drive Saskatchewan Highway 955? The road is very rough, and it is recommended to carry multiple spares for each vehicle. The rough gravel trail includes sharp protruding rocks, bone-jarring "rough spots," and patches of soft sand. How remote is Saskatchewan Highway 955? Due to the remoteness of the area, take special care to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. Drivers using the route need to carry extra fuel and other supplies, including spare tires, owing to the sharp gravel used on the road. Bow Pass is the highest road in Canada’s national parks Wapusk Trail is the longest seasonal winter road in the world 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.
moderateTravel guide to Corkscrew Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright adventure-seekers, buckle up for Corkscrew Pass! This wild ride is perched way up high in Colorado's San Juan County, clocking in at a breathtaking 12,244 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! You'll find this gem tucked within the Uncompahgre National Forest in southwestern Colorado. This route began as a rough-and-tumble trail back in the 1880s, designed to connect Silverton with the bustling mining towns around Red Mountain. The 5-mile Corkscrew Gulch Trail (aka County Road 20A and 11) is a proper off-road experience. Expect steep climbs, unpaved surfaces, and hairpin switchbacks that'll test your nerve. When it's dry, it's a fun challenge, but watch out when it's wet! The clay soil turns super slippery. While most of the road is wide and well-graded, those upper switchbacks can be a bit tight. And heads up: a wrong move could send you tumbling down a 500-foot cliff! Trust me, you'll want a short-wheelbase 4x4 with high clearance for this one. Keep in mind, this beauty is usually snowed in from November to June. Running west-southeast from the Million Dollar Highway to County Road 10, this trail carves right through the heart of historic mining country. The awesome thing about Corkscrew is that you can usually see the road ahead, which is great for anticipating oncoming traffic. Watch out for logging trucks at the lower end of the trail. The views from the top are absolutely unreal! You get an incredible bird's-eye view of Como Lake. This route is known for its amazing scenery and photo ops, plus you'll see tons of flora and fauna. Definitely bring a camera and extra batteries because you will want to document EVERYTHING. Fall is particularly gorgeous, overlooking the aspen trees in the Ironton valley. It's a popular spot, so expect to share the road with other adventurers!