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
moderateQuartz Mountain Pass is a drive worth taking in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Oregon Route 140 through Quartz Mountain Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Lake County, this beauty tops out at 5,508 feet. The entire route is paved, so no need to worry about those pesky gravel roads. Just a smooth ride as you climb through the Fremont-Winema National Forest. This pass, named for a quartz ledge, is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow can cause temporary closures, so check conditions before you go. Clocking in at about 42 miles, the road connects Bly to Lakeview and it’s the highest point on Route 140. Expect stunning views and keep an eye out for wildlife. Get ready to cross this one off your bucket list.
moderateWhere is Kerr Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, adventure seekers! Kerr Lake, nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a stunner sitting pretty at a serious elevation. Getting there? That's part of the fun! You'll cruise along Kerr Lake Road (#257), a gravel path that's nicely maintained for the first couple of miles. But hold on tight, because the last two miles get real! We're talking rough terrain, folks. You'll definitely want a vehicle with some ground clearance and beefy tires. Think rocky sections, dips that'll test your suspension, and maybe even a mud bath or two, depending on the weather. If it's been raining, be prepared to get dirty! Some of those mud holes can be surprisingly deep. Just a heads up: during the winter, this road's usually a no-go due to the massive amounts of snow. But when it's open? The views are SO worth it!
easyHow long is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway in western North Carolina is an absolute must-do! This fully paved route stretches for 64 glorious miles, winding its way from Highlands (nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains) all the way to Almond. You'll be tracing along U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), and U.S. 19, soaking in the views. Heads up though – some sections are a bit narrow and seriously twisty, so keep your eyes on the road! And definitely fill up the tank before you go. Speaking of thrills, the drive past Cullasaja Falls is unforgettable, but it has a *major* drop-off with limited space to pull over. Those falls are gorgeous, but respect the power of nature: wet rocks are super slippery. This byway is open year-round, but keep in mind that winter weather can bring temporary closures and maybe even require chains or 4WD. But enough about the details, let's talk about the *views*! Prepare to be blown away. You'll be winding through the Nantahala National Forest, passing hardwood forests, dramatic river gorges, and charming countryside. Waterfalls galore! Plus, tons of spots for recreation. Honestly, this drive is like a highlight reel of the most incredible scenery the Nantahala National Forest has to offer. Don't forget your camera; this is one road trip you'll want to remember!
hardItalian Pass, a Most Tricky Scenic Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Italian Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.584m (11,758ft) above the sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, within the Gunnison National Forest, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Italian Creek Road FR759. The road is muddy sometimes and impassable from September to July. 4WD vehicle with high clearance required. It passes through an area that had a lot of mining activity. Along its way you will pass by the overgrown Last Hope Mine. There are a few remains here. To your left is the road leading to the summit of American Flag Mountain The road is pretty steep. Starting from Co Rd 742, the ascent is 11.42km (7.1 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 586 meters and the average gradient is 5.13%. 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.