Driving the lovely Glendora Mountain Road in Southern California
Usa, north-america
34.76 km
1,383 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Glendora Mountain Road, or GMR as the locals call it, is calling your name. Tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, a stone's throw from the buzz of Los Angeles, this isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
Spanning just over 21 miles from Glendora to Mount Baldy, crossing both San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, this fully paved beauty is a winding ribbon of smooth asphalt. Think perfect conditions, minimal potholes, and enough elevation to keep the snow away most of the year.
Prepare for some serious gradients, though! You'll hit some ramps with up to a 10% incline, enough to make it interesting. And those blind turns? They'll keep you honest, so stay sharp and avoid hugging the center line – you never know what's coming around the bend.
Trust me, you'll want to pull over and soak in the views. This is Southern California at its finest, with mountain panoramas that will knock your socks off. Allot an hour to savor the journey, and take advantage of the plentiful turnouts.
Word to the wise: weekends can get crazy with motorcycles and cyclists, so if you want a more relaxed experience, aim for a weekday morning. You might even encounter the occasional speed demon, so keep your wits about you.
The road crests at a cool 4,537 feet, guaranteeing breathtaking views year-round. What are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the GMR!
Where is it?
Driving the lovely Glendora Mountain Road in Southern California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.0289, -99.8024
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.76 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,383 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 40.0289, -99.8024
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Bullion King Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway. We're talking about a serious elevation gain here – almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds. This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardRelay Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Relay Peak in Nevada's Washoe County is calling your name. This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a serious climb to 10,177 feet! You'll find this beast of a road, NF-051, nestled inside the Mount Rose Wilderness of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Forget smooth asphalt, it's all about that rugged gravel and rocky terrain. Definitely a summer-only kind of trek, unless you're rocking a snowmobile! If unpaved mountain roads give you the jitters, maybe skip this one. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this steep climb. And if heights aren't your thing? Well, let's just say the views are breathtaking...in more ways than one! Your reward at the summit? A microwave station and some seriously epic scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!
hardWhy is it called Mount Princeton?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Mount Princeton Road, deep in the heart of Colorado's San Isabel National Forest. This isn't just any drive; it's a 6.2-mile climb from County Road 321 to a whopping 12,137 feet above sea level! We're talking serious elevation gain here – 3,520 feet to be exact, with some sections hitting a 14% grade. The road, also known as Forest Service Road 322A, is mostly unpaved and pretty narrow. Good news is, the lower sections are smooth sailing for most cars. But that last half-mile? That's where things get real. You'll want a 4x4 with some decent clearance to tackle it. Otherwise, park down by the Young Life Camp and hike the rest. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in from November to June (sometimes even July!). So, aim for a mid-summer adventure. Trust me, it's worth it! The top has plenty of parking and killer views. You'll find yourself at an old weather station and a cute little cabin called Bristlecone Park Chalet. Seriously, the scenery alone is worth the trip.
moderateA scenic unpaved road to Buffalo Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Buffalo Pass, sitting pretty at 10,321 feet in Colorado, is a must-do if you're exploring the northern part of the state! You'll find it chilling on the Routt and Grand County line, nestled in the Routt National Forest between Steamboat Springs and Walden. This roughly 15-mile dirt road, known as Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38 and Forest Service Road 60), isn't too scary – most SUVs can handle it, and even some regular cars if you pick your lines carefully. The lower sections are usually fine for 2WD, but the last few miles get a little rough, so high clearance is your friend. Keep in mind this beauty is usually snowed in from December to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly! Speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Sunshine can turn into a blizzard in minutes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so have an exit strategy. Sunscreen is a must at this altitude, and watch out for falling trees – they're not always polite enough to wait for the wind. Oh, and pack your bug spray – the mosquitoes are legendary! But it's all worth it! The views of the Yampa and North Park valleys are insane. Plus, you've got alpine lakes within walking distance, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness to explore, and plenty of campsites, including Summit Lake Campground. Summit Lake itself is super easy to get to from the top of the pass. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!