Driving the paved road to Westgard Pass in California

Driving the paved road to Westgard Pass in California

Usa, north-america

Length

60.35 km

Elevation

2,236 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Westgard Pass! Nestled high in Inyo County, California, this beauty clocks in at a cool 7,335 feet above sea level. You'll find it tucked away in the eastern-central part of the state, winding its way between Big Pine and Oasis.

This stretch of California State Route 168 is just over 37 miles long and named after a highway visionary, Anton L. Westgard. The road itself is paved, but hold on – it’s a twisty, turny adventure! Think narrow roads and hairpin turns with serious drop-offs. If you're all about straight, easy driving, this might not be your jam. But trust me, take it slow the first time, and you'll be itching to come back. And for those feeling adventurous, there’s a slightly rougher gravel road south of the pass, the White Mountain Road, with some incredible views.

Just a heads up: this pass is a no-go zone in winter, usually opening up again around mid to late April. But when it’s open? Prepare for pristine scenery and seriously grand vistas. Located within the Inyo National Forest, you'll be treated to views of the White Mountains and the Sierras that just don't quit. Basically, the whole drive is a photo op!

Where is it?

Driving the paved road to Westgard Pass in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 34.7406, -96.4404

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
60.35 km
Max Elevation
2,236 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
34.7406, -96.4404

Related Roads in north-america

Is the Road to Dunckley Pass Unpaved?moderate

Is the Road to Dunckley Pass Unpaved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, let me tell you about Dunckley Pass! Perched way up high in the Colorado Rockies, this pass will take your breath away—literally, considering you're climbing to a serious elevation. You'll find this gem snuggled within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forest in northwestern Colorado. Now, heads up: the road to the summit is all gravel and dirt. It’s part of the Flat Tops Trail Byway, so expect a bit of a bumpy ride! But don’t worry, most cars can handle it. The pass stretches about 80.7 miles between Rio Blanco and Routt Counties. You're in for some seriously killer panoramic views, especially when the fall colors explode across the landscape. Keep in mind, this road is seasonal. Plan your trip between Memorial Day weekend and mid-October, because once winter hits, Dunckley Pass closes down.

Bartlett Mountainhard

Bartlett Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Bartlett Mountain in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name, boasting a whopping 13,175ft elevation. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a gnarly, rocky, and uneven gravel road that winds its way up into the Rockies. Heads up: this beast is usually snowed in from September to July. When it’s open, it's a playground for serious off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely need a 4WD vehicle and some serious driving skills. Oh, and did I mention the steep climbs? And mud can make things extra dicey when wet. But if you're brave enough, the views are totally worth it. Fun fact: this mountain used to be a massive source of molybdenum, and the road you're on? Carved right through the old mining operation! Get ready for an epic ride.

How long is the Smith Dorrien Trail?hard

How long is the Smith Dorrien Trail?

🇨🇦 Canada

Craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to Kananaskis in Alberta and discover the Smith Dorrien Trail (Highway 742)! This beauty stretches for about 70 km from south of Canmore to the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40), carving its way through the stunning Smith-Dorrien Valley. Fair warning: ditch the sports car. It’s a gravel road, so expect some dust and washboards. Most cars can handle it, though. This high-altitude route peaks at around 1,909 meters, so even in summer, be ready for some snow! Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving time if you don’t stop (but you *will* want to stop!). The scenery is incredible. Speaking of stopping, keep your eyes peeled for moose! The biggest thing to watch out for is dust, so keep a good distance between vehicles. The road gets pretty rough in spots, and near Canmore, there’s a narrow, steep, winding section. And remember, there's no cell service out there, so be prepared!

Where is Jones Pass?moderate

Where is Jones Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Jones Pass in Colorado is calling your name! This epic mountain pass sits at a whopping 12,480 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand Counties, west of Denver, in the Arapaho National Forest. The road to the top? It's Jones Pass Road (Forest Road 202), a totally unpaved dirt road with some seriously steep sections. You'll want a vehicle with medium to high clearance to tackle some of the tougher spots, but in good conditions, most vehicles can make it. Don't let the winding turns and grades scare you off, though! Think hairpin turns with incredible views, and be prepared for a bit of a thrill if you're not a fan of heights – some of those switchbacks are right on the edge. But the road is generally well-maintained. Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so aim for a late summer adventure. Starting near Berthoud Falls off Hwy 40, it's a 5.4-mile climb to the top with an average gradient of 9.14%. It's a steady climb, then a steep drop on the other side. Factor in about an hour from the highway to the summit, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely stunning! Think wildflowers, alpine vistas, and glimpses into Colorado's mining history. Plus, there's parking at the top so you can soak it all in. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery!