Coyote Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highway
Usa, north-america
159 km
1,710 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously out-of-this-world drive! I'm talking about Coyote Summit, perched way up at 5,610 feet in the heart of Nevada's Lincoln County. You'll find it along the legendary Nevada State Route 375 – yep, the Extraterrestrial Highway! Keep your eyes peeled; folks have reported some seriously strange UFO sightings and other odd happenings along this stretch.
This lonesome paved road winds for almost 100 miles (159km, to be exact) through the vast Nevada desert. Starting near the ghost town of Crystal Springs (off State Route 318) and heading northwest to Warm Springs (on U.S. Route 6), it’s a real escape. Just a heads up, this climb can get pretty steep in sections, and desert weather can be unpredictable, so stay alert!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 159 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,710 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is the drive on Lundy Lake Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lundy Lake, nestled high in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada at 7,805 feet, is a total gem! You'll find it in Mono County, a stone's throw north of Lee Vining. This 100-acre lake is perfect for anyone itching to explore the wild beauty near Mono Lake. But, heads up, drivers! The road changes as you climb into the canyon. Seriously, the drive into Lundy Canyon is stunning, think towering slate cliffs and waterfalls that change with the seasons. The start of the drive is pretty tame, easy for most cars, but it gets trickier past the campgrounds. Knowing where the smooth road ends and the gravel begins is key if you're heading for the Lundy Canyon Trailhead. Okay, so Lundy Lake Road starts at Highway 395, a major road in the Eastern Sierra. From there, it snakes west into the canyon for roughly 6 miles. The first part is a breeze, winding through the foothills with awesome mountain views. The road's well-kept to the Lundy Lake Campground, so a regular car can handle it in the summer. Here's the deal: the road is split in two. The lower part's paved, easy access to the main lake spots. But after the campground, it turns to gravel for about 2 more miles, all the way to the Lundy Canyon Trailhead at 8,208 feet. Keep in mind, while the paved part's usually open, the gravel section to the trails and smaller lakes can close seasonally due to snow or damage. Driving Lundy Canyon? Pay attention to the seasons! Spring can bring road flooding from snowmelt, and winter means no plowing past the homes. The gravel road gets bumpy and narrow, so a high-clearance vehicle is smart if you're going to the trailhead. It's a dead-end road, no through access, so you gotta go back the way you came, down towards Highway 395. Always check Mono County road conditions before tackling that upper gravel stretch. Heads up, Yosemite fans! Lundy Lake is just north of Lee Vining, the east entrance to Tioga Pass. If you're cruising the Eastern Sierra, taking the detour to Lundy Canyon is a killer escape from the Yosemite crowds. Just head north on Highway 395 from the Tioga Pass junction for about 7 miles, then take Lundy Lake Road west to start your climb to the trailhead.
moderateDriving the unpaved Bajada a Zirupa in Chihuahua
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the wild ride that is Bajada a Zirupa! Nestled in the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement; this is 18.33 miles of pure, unadulterated gravel. Starting near the town of Madera (aka Ciudad Madera) at a cool 7,200 feet above sea level, you'll descend to the tiny village of Zirupa (or Sirupa), which sits pretty at around 4,900 feet. The views? Stunning. The challenge? Real. Word to the wise: this road laughs in the face of anything less than a 4x4, especially after a rain shower. If you're up for an off-the-beaten-path experience with incredible scenery, Bajada a Zirupa is calling your name.
moderateBig Sur Coast Highway is an epic coastal drive in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Big Sur Coast Highway, California dreamin' in real-time. This legendary route hugs the coastline from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, and trust me, it’s a ride you won't forget. We're talking 123 miles (that’s about 198 kilometers) of pure, paved bliss along the iconic California State Route 1. Officially an All-American Road, it strings together the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway into one epic adventure. Give yourself around five hours each way to soak it all in. You’ll want to, because the scenery is next-level. Seriously, this is one of the most breathtaking drives in the US, with mind-blowing views of the rugged Pacific coastline. Just a heads up: it can get a little crowded with slow-moving RVs during holiday weekends. The road is fine for most cars, and it's been twisting and turning since way back in 1937. But keep your eyes peeled – some sections have narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs. RVs and larger vehicles, be extra careful! Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting here, too. Landslides and washouts after big storms and wildfires can cause closures. Also, remember you're heading into the wild: cell service can be spotty at best.
moderateHoosier Pass in Colorado: enjoy a drive among the clouds
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Colorado State Highway 9, winding your way up Hoosier Pass. This baby sits way up there at 11,542 feet, right on the Park and Summit County line, west of Denver. Seriously, the views are insane! This paved road is a real treat – smooth sailing on the south side, but get ready for some switchbacks and a punchy 8% grade as you head north. It's about 21.4 miles from Breckenridge to Fairplay, so buckle up for a scenic ride. Word to the wise: this pass is usually open year-round, but Colorado winters can be wild, so keep an eye on the weather. Most cars can handle it, but snowstorms can shut things down. Now, for the adventurous souls! Just west of the paved pass, a rugged dirt road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to a whopping 12,112 feet. We're talking four-wheel-drive territory here, folks. All-wheel drive just won't cut it. The payoff? Unbelievable views of those jagged Rocky Mountains. Charge your camera, you'll thank me later! This is one of the highest roads in the state, and trust me, it's an unforgettable experience.