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
extremeWhen was the road through Cajon Summit in California built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cajon Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.301m (4,268ft) above sea level, located in the County of San Bernardino, in the US state of California. It is a critical transportation route that connects the high desert region with the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles Basin. When was the road through Cajon Summit in California built? Tucked away in the southern part of California, in Spanish, the word cajon means "box". The pass has been an important route since the 19th century, and it has always been an important gateway to southern California. It was used by early settlers and pioneers traveling westward. The first road through the pass was built in the 1880s. It has been paved with macadam since 1916. The road was widened further to 20 ft with 5 ft. shoulders, eliminating curves (1932 - 34). In the modern era, it has been the site of significant transportation infrastructure, including the development of highways and railroads. How long is Cajon Summit in California? The road to the summit is fully paved. It’s called Interstate 15 (I-15) and links the Los Angeles area ports to the Midwest and eastern US. The road through the pass is about 96km (60 miles) long, running south-north from San Bernardino to Barstow. It serves as a major corridor between the high desert areas of Southern California and the more populous areas to the west. How steep is Cajon Summit in California? Its steepest grade is 6 % for 4 miles. Using a low gear, it is extremely important to conserve the truck's brakes. Speed limit is 70 mph (45 mph for trucks). The pass can be challenging for drivers due to steep grades and potentially hazardous weather conditions. Is Cajon Summit in California open in winter? Located between the San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Gabriel Mountains to the south, the area is known for high wind, turbulence and fog. The weather over the pass can vary, from foggy days with poor visibility to clear afternoons. The road occasionally gets snow, which can sometimes be enough to close the pass temporarily How to drive the rugged and rocky Old Ore Road in Big Bend NP? A road you'll never forget to Sheep Mountain in Park County of 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.
hardWhere is Bull Creek Road (Burma Grade Trail)?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Just outside Yosemite, near the tiny town of Briceburg, lies a hidden gem: Bull Creek Road (aka Burma Grade Trail). This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 15.4-mile 4x4 rollercoaster that'll leave you breathless. Starting from Briceburg, you're immediately launched into a series of switchbacks, clawing your way up 1,500 feet in just 5 miles. Talk about a wake-up call! The views from this shelf road are insane as you quickly leave the Merced River Canyon floor far below. After the initial climb, the trail chills out a bit, hugging the canyon for a while before venturing into oak and pine country. Be warned: this road is narrow! It's mostly single-track, so keep your eyes peeled for other vehicles and be prepared to do some backing up. The surface is rough and tumble – think sand, gravel, the occasional rock patch (up to 6 inches!), and maybe even some mud if it's been raining. Speaking of rain, things can get rutted out, so check conditions before you go, especially during the wet season. Oh, and watch out for rattlesnakes, poison oak, and mosquitos. One last thing: RVs or trailers longer than 18 feet? Probably best to skip this one – that "unique part of the road" isn't very forgiving! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeWhere is Hell's Backbone Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on Hell's Backbone Road in Garfield County, Utah! This dirt road slices through the stunning Dixie National Forest, connecting Boulder and Escalante with a hefty dose of adrenaline. Built way back in the Great Depression, it's a 38-mile (61 km) stretch of unpaved adventure. It's usually fine for regular cars when it's dry, offering a backcountry alternative to the paved highway. Just take it slow and soak it all in – you won't regret it. Now, let's be real: this road's not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, winding, and hugs a ridge with some serious drop-offs. You'll be climbing to a cool 9,232 feet (2,814m), so it's closed during winter due to snow. Plus, it's remote, so come prepared, especially since cell service is non-existent. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! You're rewarded with insane panoramic views. Make sure to stop at the famous Hell's Backbone Bridge, which spans 109 feet, offering a dizzying peek into the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area below. Give yourself 2-3 hours to drive the whole thing, but plan on more to really explore. This road is a must-do for those craving scenery and a touch of adventure.
extremeHow difficult is the road to East Lone Cone Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: East Lone Cone Pass, Colorado. We're talking serious off-the-beaten-path stuff in Dolores County. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Think rugged, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. Tucked into the San Miguel Mountains, a hop, skip, and a jump northwest of the old mining town of Dunton, this pass gives you a front-row seat to Teton Peak, that killer volcanic spire that just dominates the horizon. The whole area's got that classic Colorado vibe: endless evergreens, meadows bursting with wildflowers (when it's not snowed in!), and views for days. So, the road – Forest Service Road 616, aka Middle Creek Road – isn't kidding around. It's gravel and rocks all the way as it snakes west to east, linking up to Middle Creek Road. The real kicker? A set of 7 super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure. Forget your sedan; this road chews them up and spits them out! Now, timing is everything. East Lone Cone Pass is usually buried under snow until late spring. We're talking avalanches and landslides – not exactly ideal for a relaxing road trip! Even in summer, expect surprise ice patches and crazy afternoon thunderstorms. Your best bet is late June through September when the mud dries up, and the views are insane. But always, *always* check with the local forest service before you go. This place can shut down on a dime!