Can you drive to Steel Pass in Death Valley NP?
Usa, north-america
73.7 km
1,565 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Steel Pass, a proper wild ride nestled high in California's Inyo County, deep inside Death Valley National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks.
Steel Pass Road stretches for about 46 miles of pure, unadulterated, unpaved fun, winding north to south. Word to the wise: most find it easier to travel this route southbound. The scenery is epic, but the road is seriously challenging, so only experienced 4WD drivers should attempt it. We're talking narrow sections, tricky silt beds, canyons, and constantly shifting washes. High clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Bring your buddies and their rigs, this is no solo mission!
Expect some rock crawling—you'll need to navigate narrow, sharp dry falls. Sidewall cuts are common, so pack at least one spare tire (if not more). Rain can make this pass impassable, so check conditions before you go. The waterfalls in Dedeckera Canyon will test your skills, and the Saline Valley wash features tight turns with rocks on both sides.
Factor in about 2.5 to 3 hours of drive time if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll want to!), and remember—zero cell service out here. Plus, gas is a concern, so plan accordingly.
This is a remote and rugged experience with ever-changing conditions.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 73.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,565 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateNorth Star Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a Colorado thrill, you HAVE to check out North Star Mountain. We're talking serious altitude here - a whopping 12,992 feet! Located in Summit County, this is one of the highest drives in the state. Fair warning: this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. This is a proper 4x4 kinda adventure. Co Rd 2 is a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes bumpy old mine trail that winds its way up through the Mosquito Range. Expect high winds pretty much year-round, and even in summer, be prepared for a potential snowy surprise. Keep in mind that access can change due to private mining claims, so stay alert! This road is generally impassable between October and June, weather depending, of course. But trust me, when you finally reach the top (or Zenobia Peak along the way), the views are absolutely worth it. Get ready for some seriously scenic backcountry beauty!
extremeRoute 61 in Centralia is consumed by an underground fire since 1962
🇺🇸 Usa
# Pennsylvania Route 61: The Graffiti Highway Buried beneath the abandoned mining town of Centralia in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, sits one of America's most eerie road stories. A 1.18 km (0.73 mile) stretch of Route 61 has been literally consumed by an underground coal fire that's been burning since 1962. Nobody's entirely sure how it all started, but the most likely culprit was a landfill fire near an old strip mine that eventually reached an exposed coal vein. From there, the inferno spread like wildfire through the maze of coal mines underneath the town. Today, the blaze continues to rage at depths of up to 300 feet across an eight-mile stretch covering 3,700 acres—and at its current pace, it's got another 250+ years of burning left to do. When things got too dangerous, locals packed up and left in 1984, and Centralia transformed into a genuine modern ghost town. The original highway section got so badly damaged by subsidence (that's fancy speak for the ground literally sinking and cracking) that they had to reroute traffic via Byrnsville Road instead. What's left of the old road? A buckled, cracked strip of asphalt that's constantly sinking, with smoke regularly pouring from widening fissures in the ground. The "Graffiti Highway," as it's become known, has become a magnet for urban explorers and photographers drawn to its apocalyptic vibe. But here's the thing—this place is genuinely dangerous. We're talking unstable ground prone to sudden collapse, toxic gases venting from below, and minimal warning signs. A car won't protect you much if the road gives way beneath you. Seriously, this isn't an official tourist spot, and visiting isn't recommended. The risks aren't worth the Instagram shot.
hardWhere is Steens Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Steens Mountain Loop Road in southeastern Oregon, a 27.1-mile unpaved adventure starting near the charming town of Frenchglen (right off OR-205). This isn't just any drive; you're tackling Oregon's eighth-tallest mountain! The road winds its way up, gaining a whopping 5,541 feet in elevation. While most of the gravel surface is in great shape and totally doable in a regular car, there's this one short, narrow, and steep section near Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges that'll keep you on your toes. Typically, you can hit this route from mid-June to October, but keep an eye on the weather. This mountain is no joke – expect rapid temperature swings, potential snow anytime, and those classic high-desert winds. But trust me, the views are *insane*. We're talking massive gorges, endless panoramas, and stunning spots like Wildhorse Lake and Keigor Gorge. You'll gain access to Steens Summit, but fair warning, the top has cell towers and such. Still, this area offers incredible volcanic landscapes, wild rivers, and a crazy diverse range of wildlife. Just watch out for ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes during the warmer months! Seriously, this is a rugged, off-the-beaten-path Oregon experience you won't soon forget.
moderateHow long is the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington's Snohomish County! This scenic gem stretches for about 52.5 miles from Granite Falls to Darrington, nestled between the Pilchuck and Stillaguamish rivers. Most of the road is paved, but get ready for a little off-the-beaten-path action! A 14-mile gravel section winds around Barlow Pass, offering a taste of adventure as it takes you past old town sites and historic claims. Prepare to be wowed by rushing rivers and views of glacier-covered peaks! Heads up: This beauty is a seasonal treat. Sitting high in the Cascades, peaking at 2,355 feet, the highway closes each winter from Deer Creek to Bedal, typically reopening in May. And remember, mountain weather is unpredictable, so even outside winter, snow and ice can happen. Good news: You probably don't need a super-rugged ride. Most cars can handle Forest Route 20, just take it slow and easy, especially on that gravel stretch. This road has some history, too. Construction started way back in 1936 and wrapped up in 1941. Get ready for some serious Pacific Northwest beauty!