
Coyote Flat is a steep rocky road for high clearance 4X4's in California
Usa, north-america
25.74 km
3,061 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Coyote Flat! This hidden gem, perched high in California's Inyo County, clocks in at a whopping 10,042 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled within the Inyo National Forest, Coyote Flat isn't just any road; it's one of California's highest!
Originally carved out as a mining road back in the '40s, this 16-mile unpaved beauty (aka Coyote Valley Road) kicks off near Bishop and throws you straight into the wild. Heads up: winter shuts this place down hard. Think late October to late June/early July impassable. So plan accordingly, and pack everything you need – there are zero services up here.
But the views, oh the views! Think grazing deer, maybe even a glimpse of the majestic Palisade Glacier to the south. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, bears, and even elusive mountain lions!
Now, let's talk terrain. Expect a steep and rocky ride, with some sandy sections thrown in for good measure. Most of the trail is manageable, but those rocky parts definitely require a high-clearance 4x4. As you climb out of Bishop, the road snakes through canyons and pine-covered ridges. Pro tip: if you're hitting this spot in mid-summer, mosquito repellent is your best friend.
Where is it?
Coyote Flat is a steep rocky road for high clearance 4X4's in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.2705, -96.2289
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.74 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,061 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.2705, -96.2289
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDenali Highway in Alaska is one of America's top drives
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Alaska and craving off-the-beaten-path beauty, you HAVE to check out the Denali Highway (Alaska Route 8). This isn't your average smooth ride, though – it's a 135-mile (217km) adventure from Paxson (on the Richardson Highway) to Cantwell (on the Parks Highway), and a whole lotta it is unpaved! Think gravel, not mud, with some potentially sharp rocks thrown in for good measure. Expect some 'washboard' road stretches and plenty of dust, especially after rain. They recommend sticking to 30 mph (48 km/h), and trust me, you'll probably want to. Parts of the road are well-maintained, others… well, let's just say they're "character-building." Opened way back in 1957, the Denali Highway offers gentle climbs and great visibility. But pro tip: bring a spare tire (or two!), as flats are pretty common. A lot of rental companies freak out about this road, but some will let you take their cars on it, so do your research! Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late May because, you know, Alaska. You'll climb from the forest into stunning tundra and taiga, with the majestic Alaska Range as your backdrop. Starting at 2,750 ft in Paxson, you'll eventually hit Maclaren Summit at 4,101ft (1.250m), one of the highest passes in Alaska! Seriously, this drive is unforgettable. Give yourself 4-5 hours *without* stops, but honestly, you'll want more time to soak it all in. Consider an overnight stay! And the best part? You might only see a few other cars the entire time – talk about escaping the crowds!
hardWhere is Buck Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, ready for a wild ride up Buck Mountain? This peak punches way up to 6,128 feet in Washington's Okanogan County, smack-dab in the North Cascades. The payoff? Killer panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding peaks. But the real star? The Buck Mountain Lookout perched right on top! It's got history, dating back to a simple crow's nest in 1919. Now you'll find a rad 14' x 14' cabin with a catwalk, built way back in the day. It's still kicking, used by the DNR for emergencies, and even made it onto the National Historic Lookout Register. Heads up: getting there is part of the adventure! Buck Lookout Road, all 5.6 miles from Highway 20, is pure, unadulterated dirt. It gets pretty gnarly about two miles from the top, so a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. A 4x4 is your best friend for those rough patches. Be prepared for a climb, too – you're gaining 2,648 feet with an average gradient of around 9%. There's a small dirt parking area near the summit. Get ready for a thrilling climb and a big dose of natural beauty.
extremeRed Mountain Pass in Colorado is a treacherous drive in the wintertime
🇺🇸 Usa
Red Mountain Pass, chilling at 11,018 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a must-do for thrill-seeking road trippers! This stunning stretch of the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) links Ouray and Silverton, treating you to unbeatable views of the "American Alps." Named for the rusty-red peaks that dominate the landscape, this high mountain pass is paved, but don't let that fool you. Expect steep sections, hairpin curves, and drop-offs that demand your full attention. Avalanche season is a real thing here, so be prepared for potential closures. Black Bear Road, known for its extreme danger, kicks off right here. The climb can be intense, featuring an 8% grade on the north side near Ouray and sheer cliffs. But even with winter weather, crews generally keep the road open. Just remember: chains or snow tires might be required, and you definitely want to avoid this drive in the dark or in wet conditions! The lack of guardrails allows for snow plowing, but makes things interesting! Come prepared for one of the most visually stunning, edge-of-your-seat drives in the country! Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe not the drop-offs!).
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Gunsight Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Gunsight Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado is calling your name! Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, this beast of a road climbs to a staggering 12,112 feet. Starting near Crested Butte, Gunsight Pass Road (aka Trappers Way) throws you into a 7.4-mile off-road adventure. Think rugged terrain, loose rocks, and switchbacks galore as you wind through Wolverine Basin, hugging Mount Emmons. The lower part of the trail treats you to killer views of Crested Butte, while the higher you climb, the more the northern vistas explode! Now, a heads-up: you can't actually *drive* all the way over the pass. The final switchbacks are closed to ATVs and 4x4s due to some serious erosion. So, dust off that mountain bike or lace up your hiking boots to conquer the final stretch. This old mining road isn't coddled—it's raw and untamed. Landslides are a real possibility thanks to a seriously unstable shale slope. The upper section? Let's just say it's seen better days and involves a sketchy scree slope that isn't safely passable. This bad boy is usually snowed in from November to May. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions: think thunderstorms, freezing temps, and the feeling of being wonderfully isolated. Watch out for snowfields—they can be treacherous! The road is steep, with sections hitting an 18% gradient. You'll gain a whopping 3,218 feet from Crested Butte, averaging an 8.24% incline. Gunsight Pass is a Colorado classic that demands respect and rewards you with views you won't soon forget!