Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in California
Usa, north-america
31.7 km
1,186 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're hitting Cajon Pass! This epic mountain pass, sitting at a cool 3,891 feet in sunny Southern California's San Bernardino County, is a must-see.
Find it just east of Cajon Junction, nestled between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. This route, carved out by the infamous San Andreas Fault (history, people!), has been used for centuries.
The road? Paved perfection! We're talking about a nearly 20-mile stretch of California State Route 138 that winds its way from Cajon Junction to Crestline. Open year-round, this pass can get a bit wild. Expect high winds, swirling fog, and the occasional snow dusting that might shut things down temporarily. The weather can flip from pea-soup fog to crystal-clear skies in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything.
Now, let's keep it real: this road demands respect. Vegas dreams (or nightmares) can be distracting, and the mix of speedy cars and governed trucks creates a bit of a frenzy. Plus, those steep ramps can hit a gradient of 15%! Still, the views are killer, and the thrill of conquering this iconic pass is totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road, and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.0837, -101.7509
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,186 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.0837, -101.7509
Related Roads in north-america
hardOso Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico's Cibola County, Oso Ridge is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 8,727 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. Now, let's be real: the road to the top (Forest Service 187A) is *not* for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of "tippy" moments. Think of it as a rugged massage for your 4x4 – because, trust me, you'll need one! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and you'll want some off-roading experience under your belt. Mother Nature usually shuts this route down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Your reward for conquering this beast? Stunning views from the summit and a cool fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1965.
moderateWhere is Peavine Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna check out Peavine Peak in Nevada? This spot is killer! Perched high up in Washoe County, not too far from Reno and the California border, this peak hits an elevation of 8,257 feet. The payoff? Amazing views. The peak itself is plastered with radio towers, which, admittedly, isn’t the *most* natural scenery, but it definitely adds to the vibe. Now, here's the deal about getting there: it's all on Peavine Road, which is unpaved. It's about 6.9 miles of wide, rutted dirt. Most cars can make it when it's dry, but a 4WD is never a bad idea. Expect some steep climbs too – the road gains over 3,000 feet, averaging an 8% grade, so be ready for a bit of a grunt. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. Usually from December until March or April, the road is buried in snow. The snow comes and goes, so it is possible to catch it clear, but definitely check conditions before you head up!
moderateWhere is Kings Hill Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about Kings Hill Pass! Nestled in the heart of Montana's Lewis and Clark National Forest, this beauty straddles a county line, clocking in at a cool 7,385 feet above sea level. Want more elevation? A side trip on a dirt road just west of the pass will get you up to 8,202 feet! The top boasts a huge parking area, plus a hotel and ski resort for those who want to linger. Don't miss the observation tower – the views of the surrounding national forest are unreal! The whole route is paved and known as the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. This 71.2-mile stretch winds north-south from White Sulphur Springs, carving its way through pristine lakes, streams, and the rugged Little Belt Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife – they love this place! Good news – Kings Hill Pass is generally open year-round. The caveat? Winter can be a bit dicey up there, so definitely check the road conditions before you head out.
moderateIs Brazos Summit in NM paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! If you're cruising through northern New Mexico, you HAVE to check out Brazos Summit. We're talking Rio Arriba County, nestled in Carson National Forest, with the road topping out at a cool 10,528 feet. This beauty, also known as U.S. Route 64, stretches for almost 50 miles between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras, winding through the San Juan Range (or the Tusas Mountains, depending on who you ask). Give yourself about an hour to drive it straight, but honestly, you'll want to budget more time to soak in the views. The road itself? Paved and pretty easy, with a manageable 7% gradient at its steepest. Don't expect any crazy hairpin turns or cliff-edge driving here. It was built in 1926, and it's only second to Sandia Crest Scenic Byway as the highest in the state. What makes it special? The scenery, duh! Think endless groves of aspen trees – a total dream in late September and early October when they explode in vibrant yellows. Summer's awesome too, escaping the heat as you climb up. Seriously, if you're craving solitude and killer mountain vistas, this is your jam.