Decker Canyon Road is a drive you'll never forget in Malibu
Usa, north-america
7.56 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Cruising around Malibu and looking for an epic drive? Decker Canyon Road is calling your name! This baby is located south of Thousand Oaks, snaking through western LA County. Think you're ready for one of Malibu's most scenic (and unforgettable) routes?
This 4.7-mile stretch, part of Highway 23, winds south-to-north from the PCH near Trancas up to Mulholland Highway. Named after the OG Decker family from the 1800s, the road climbs fast, with some serious elevation changes (we're talking up to 10%!).
The views? Insane. You'll get glimpses of the Pacific and the Santa Monica Mountains... if you can tear your eyes from the road. Decker Canyon is paved, but super narrow with non-stop twists and turns, running parallel to Encinal Canyon Road.
Heads up: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Expect hairpin turns right off the bat, so leave the trailer at home. Seriously. Even in a car, it’s a workout. Keep it under 30 mph, watch out for rocks and sand (especially after a storm), and remember those guardrails are few and far between, so keep your eyes on the road! Locals call this the most deadly stretch of road in California with the technical corners, decreasing radius sweepers, elevation changes, and half-mile straights. But if you’re a confident driver or a motorcyclist with a GoPro, this could be your new favorite thrill ride. Just... be careful out there!
Where is it?
Decker Canyon Road is a drive you'll never forget in Malibu is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.3817, -103.0401
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.56 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.3817, -103.0401
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Sundance Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you’re heading to northern Idaho? Sundance Mountain is calling your name! This peak, nestled in Bonner County near the Washington border within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, tops out at 6,279 feet. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is about 7.9 miles long, and boy, does it climb! You're looking at an average gradient of nearly 9%, gaining over 3,700 feet in elevation. Translation? Steep! The road is unpaved and gnarly. We're talking fallen trees, overgrown brush, and enough rocks to make you question your life choices. High clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable unless you fancy walking. And forget about it in winter – snow makes it impassable. Why go through all this trouble? The views, people, the views! Think sweeping panoramas of Priest Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. It's seriously Insta-worthy. Plus, there’s a fire lookout tower built back in '35 waiting for you at the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too – you might just spot a deer or even a moose along the way. Just remember, this mountain has a history. A massive wildfire swept through here in '67, so expect to see a landscape still recovering, with ghostly, fire-scorched trees dotting the slopes.
extremeDriving the truly epic Big Pine Death Valley Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an epic desert adventure? The Big Pine Death Valley Road carves its way through the heart of Death Valley National Park in California's Inyo County. Just a heads up - you might find it closed after big storms. This wild ride stretches for about 70 miles (112 km), linking Ubehebe Crater Road to Highway 168, near the tiny town of Zurich. You'll be cruising along Eureka Valley Road, Loretta Mine Road, and Waucoba Road. Prepare to climb! You'll hit a max elevation of over 7,600 feet (2,334 meters). Winter can bring snow, so pack those chains. Flash floods can happen anytime, so be prepared for anything! Most of the road is unpaved, but the last stretch from Eureka Valley to Highway 168 is smooth sailing. This is the main backcountry route from Scotty's Castle to Owens Valley, a well-maintained gravel road that snakes through northern Death Valley and Eureka Valley. Keep an eye out for the turnoffs to Eureka Dunes and North Pass into Saline Valley. A high-clearance vehicle is a must if there's been flooding. Get ready for dust, washboard roads, and some bumpy bits. This is one of Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads. Remember, this area is remote, so come prepared. Death Valley is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park, so expect extreme conditions. The road's condition is always changing, depending on recent weather. Also important to know: there are no services along the way, and Eureka Valley can see some serious washouts. Camping is not allowed on this road.
moderateTake An Unforgettable Drive to Richland Balsam in NC
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, fellow adventurers! Nestled way up high in the Great Balsam Mountains of North Carolina, you'll find Richland Balsam. We're talking serious elevation here, 6,053 feet to be exact! This beauty straddles Haywood and Jackson counties, deep in the southwestern part of the state. Yep, you can totally drive it! The road is paved, winding right up to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 431). You'll be cruising through the Nantahala National Forest on a nineteen-mile stretch from Balsam to Beech Gap. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a climb. Some parts get pretty steep, with gradients hitting 7%. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! The overlook has a huge parking area where you can soak in those panoramic vistas over a forest of amazing-smelling balsam firs. Plus, you can't miss the sign proudly announcing you're at the "Highest Elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway." Word to the wise: while it's usually open year-round, winter weather can shut things down. Check the forecast before you go, especially during the colder months.
extremeWhere is Chute Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Emery County, Utah, lies a seriously epic backcountry route: Chute Canyon Road (aka CO 1016). Get ready to rumble through the southern edge of the San Rafael Swell, a mind-blowing landscape of tilted limestone fins and stark desert beauty. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road surface is a wild card – think deep, soft sand, jagged rocks, and dry wash beds. Translation? You NEED a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Seriously. Passenger cars will be crying for mercy. And if there's been rain? Forget about it. The clay and sand turn into a treacherous sludge that even the toughest rigs will struggle with. Clocking in at roughly 10 miles, the route climbs to around 6,000 feet. Don't let the short distance fool you; the going is slow and technical. Plus, you're in the middle of nowhere, so never go solo. Pack extra water, fuel, and a full-size spare tire. Cell service? Nope. Help could be hours (or days!) away. History buffs, take note: this area was once buzzing with uranium mining activity. You'll spot remnants of the past – old mine entrances, rusted equipment, and piles of tailings – telling tales of those brave (or crazy?) miners who sought their fortune in the Swell. Heads up! Summer in Chute Canyon brings two major threats: scorching heat (easily topping 100°F) and flash floods. This area is notorious for sudden deluges, so always check the weather forecast and avoid the canyon if there's even a hint of rain in the San Rafael Swell area. Seriously, a storm miles away can send a wall of water ripping through the canyon in minutes. Before you head out, load up on supplies. Aim for at least a gallon of water per person, per day. If you break down, stay with your vehicle. Wandering off into the San Rafael Reef without a plan is a bad idea. And don't forget a shovel and traction boards; getting stuck in the sandy washes is practically a rite of passage if you don't air down your tires.