Devil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountains

Devil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountains

Usa, north-america

Length

27.03 km

Elevation

2,292 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Devil's Gate Pass! This beauty sits way up in the Eastern Sierras of California, at a cool 7,519 feet. You'll find it smack-dab in Mono County, acting as the divider between the East and West Walker Rivers.

It's called Devil's Gate for a reason—there's this gnarly rock formation nearby, and legend has it, some seriously bad stuff went down there back in the day. Spooky!

The good news is the whole thing is paved, so no need for the off-road beast. You'll be cruising on U.S. Route 395.

Clocking in at just under 17 miles, this stretch of 395 runs from Sonora Junction to Bridgeport, the Mono County seat. And get this, at that crazy elevation, Devil's Gate Pass is actually the highest point on the entire U.S. Route 395. Talk about a scenic drive!

Where is it?

Devil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountains is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.0974, -99.6271

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
27.03 km
Max Elevation
2,292 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
38.0974, -99.6271

Related Roads in north-america

When was McCarthy Road built?moderate

When was McCarthy Road built?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the McCarthy Road is about to become your new obsession. Tucked away in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, deep in the Alaskan wilderness, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Originally a mining railway from way back in 1909, it got a gravel makeover in 1971 after the mining boom went bust. We're talking 59 miles of unpaved adventure cutting right through the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, tracing the old Copper River and Northwestern Railroad line. Don't expect a smooth ride, though conditions have improved over the years. Mother Nature still throws curveballs. Think potholes, the occasional rogue railroad tie or spike, and slick mud after a good rain. Keep an eye out for narrow bridges too. Most cars can handle it in summer with a spare tire (or two!) and a decent jack. The road's usually open from mid-May to mid-September. Keep your speed around 35mph and be mindful of other drivers, especially on the tighter sections. Budget about 2 to 2 ½ hours for the drive. This road's more than just a way to get from A to B, it’s a portal to stunning scenery, epic hiking, prime fishing, and the historic charm of McCarthy and Kennecott. Just remember: this area is REMOTE. Limited cell service, no gas in Chitina, and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. And get this: the Kuskulana River Bridge. At 238 feet above the gorge floor, this historic steel truss bridge is a nail-biter. Built in 1910 as a railway bridge, it's 775 ft long. Adrenaline junkies, this one's for you! So, if you're craving a real Alaskan adventure, the McCarthy Road is calling your name!

Schultz Passmoderate

Schultz Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for a scenic Arizona adventure on Schultz Pass Road (aka FR 420)! This backcountry drive climbs to a cool 8,097 feet, offering incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks and a refreshing escape into ponderosa pine forests. The road itself is gravel, but usually fine for regular cars in good weather. Just be aware that parts might close due to fire or winter snow, so check conditions beforehand. Think picnic spots galore, amazing hiking trails, and camping heaven. A high-clearance vehicle isn't essential for this maintained road, but it might give you a smoother ride on certain sections. Overall, expect an easy, scenic cruise with epic views!

Where is Fisher Mountain?moderate

Where is Fisher Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Fisher Mountain in Montana is calling your name! This beast of a peak sits high up in Park County, scraping the sky. You'll find it south of Livingston, nestled in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, practically hugging the Wyoming border. Think rugged because you're trading pavement for a seriously bumpy, old mining road. We're talking high-clearance, 4x4 territory only! It’s just over 6 miles from the trailhead to the top. You’ll probably want to avoid this one from November to June, as snow makes it impassable. What's the payoff for all this off-road madness? Epic views! And a little bit of history as you explore the ruins from the New World Mining District. Get ready for some steep climbs and scenery that'll blow your mind. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.

Where is Granite Pass in Wyoming?moderate

Where is Granite Pass in Wyoming?

🇺🇸 Usa

Granite Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.757m (9,045ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Where is Granite Pass in Wyoming? The pass is located on the boundary between Big Horn and Sheridan counties, in the north central part of Wyoming. Is Granite Pass in Wyoming paved? road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Route 14 (also known as the Big Horn Scenic Byway). The road is pretty steep, hitting a 7% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. How long is Granite Pass in Wyoming? The pass is 76.12km (47.3 miles) long , running from Burgess Junction (in Sheridan County) to Greybull (a town in central Big Horn County). Is the road to Granite Pass in Wyoming open? Set high in the Bighorn Mountains, within the Bighorn National Forest, the scenic road can close for short periods of time due to heavy snows during winter or early spring, but summer and fall travel are normally not interrupted by inclement weather. Is the Big Horn Scenic Byway worth it? This scenic route leads through alpine meadows. It’s a breathtaking drive with fields full of deer, elk, and moose. The pass marks the apex of this scenic route that switchbacks through a canyon on the western side and descends more gradually on the eastern slope of the mountains. A remote paved road to Gore Pass in Colorado A steep unpaved road to Mount Graham in Arizona 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.