Driving the paved road to Tehachapi Pass in California
Usa, north-america
92.85 km
1,241 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let me tell you about Tehachapi Pass! This beauty sits in Southern California's Tehachapi Mountains, clocking in at 4,071 feet above sea level.
You'll find it smack-dab between Mojave and Bakersfield, stretching for about 57.7 miles of paved road (it's State Route 58, if you're mapping it). The asphalt's a bit rough in places, but totally doable. This route's been around since the 30s, so it's got history!
Heads up – expect some company, as it can get pretty busy. The town of Tehachapi is right at the top, and you'll also cruise past one of California's biggest wind farms near the summit. Be ready for some steep climbs!
Good news is, it's usually open year-round. However, winter can throw a wrench in the works with closures, so keep an eye on the weather. Chains might be needed near Tehachapi when the snow flies between Bakersfield and Mojave.
Where is it?
Driving the paved road to Tehachapi Pass in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9178, -98.8578
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 92.85 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,241 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.9178, -98.8578
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is Lombard Street in San Francisco so famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: San Francisco, Russian Hill. You're cruising towards Lombard Street, specifically the block between Hyde and Leavenworth. What makes it so special? It’s famously the "most crooked street in the world!" Seriously, this one-block section has eight hairpin turns, making it a seriously fun (and slow) descent. Think stunning Victorian mansions, overflowing flower boxes, and incredible views of the city as you crawl down. Seriously bring your camera. This isn't a highway, it's an experience. The top speed is a crawl (5 mph!) and you'll be inching along as you navigate the twists and turns. Built back in 1922, those switchbacks weren't just for show. The natural grade of the hill was a crazy 27%, way too steep for cars back then (or even now, honestly). So, they zigzagged the road to make it manageable – and iconic! Sure, some say Vermont Street might be *even* more crooked, but Lombard is the real deal! Keep in mind, especially in the summer, there WILL be a line. But don't let that deter you. Even watching other cars navigate the street is entertainment. You may recognize the street from movies like ‘Vertigo’, ‘Driving in San Francisco’ or ‘The Simpsons.’ Lombard Street is a must-do San Francisco experience.
moderateHow To Travel The Challenging Mexican Federal Highway 131
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for Mexican Federal Highway 131 in Zacatecas – it's a wild ride! This south-to-north route stretches for about 42 miles (68.4 km) from Nochistlán to Jalpa, winding its way through Tlachichila. Word of warning: while fully paved, the road has definitely seen better days; watch out for those potholes! And hold on tight, because you're in for some serious elevation changes and hairpin turns galore. We're talking about topping out at over 8,350 feet (2,547m) above sea level! But the views? Totally worth it. Especially the stretch from Tlachichila to Jalpa – that descent gives you incredible panoramas of the Juchipila River and Jalpa city sprawled out below. Trust me, you'll want your camera ready! A traveler named Eblem Torres recommended this road — a person of great taste!
moderateEl Jonuco Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Just off the Monterrey-Saltillo highway, you'll find the turnoff for El Jonuco, a private residential area nestled high in the Sierra Las Cumbres mountains. While the actual neighborhood is off-limits, the access road itself? Totally worth the detour! Starting at around 1,170 meters above sea level, the road climbs to a cool 1,700 meters (that's over 5,500 feet!), giving you some seriously stunning panoramic views. Think dramatic mountain ranges, modern windmills dotting the landscape, and classic desert valleys stretching out before you. The road is a little rugged in places, so keep your eyes peeled, but the scenery more than makes up for it. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you!
moderateIs the road to Rainy Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Rainy Pass is calling your name! Perched high in Washington's North Cascades, right on the Chelan-Okanogan county line, this baby tops out at a cool 4,875 feet. The whole shebang is paved, so no need for the monster truck – just cruise along State Route 20, aka the North Cascades Highway. FYI, this is the northernmost way to cut across the Cascade Mountains in Washington. We're talking a solid 65 miles (104km) of pure driving bliss, from Diablo all the way to Winthrop. Picture this: stunning mountain scenery as you wind your way through the North Cascades National Park. Now, a heads up: Old Man Winter throws a serious tantrum up here. We're talking avalanche central. Seriously, this stretch is known for having a ton of avalanche paths. Usually, the highway shuts down sometime between late November and early December, and doesn't reopen until sometime between April and early May, between Ross Dam Trailhead and Silver Star Creek. So, plan your trip accordingly!