Driving the truly epic Big Pine Death Valley Road
Usa, north-america
112 km
2,334 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for an epic desert adventure? The Big Pine Death Valley Road carves its way through the heart of Death Valley National Park in California's Inyo County. Just a heads up - you might find it closed after big storms.
This wild ride stretches for about 70 miles (112 km), linking Ubehebe Crater Road to Highway 168, near the tiny town of Zurich. You'll be cruising along Eureka Valley Road, Loretta Mine Road, and Waucoba Road.
Prepare to climb! You'll hit a max elevation of over 7,600 feet (2,334 meters). Winter can bring snow, so pack those chains. Flash floods can happen anytime, so be prepared for anything!
Most of the road is unpaved, but the last stretch from Eureka Valley to Highway 168 is smooth sailing. This is the main backcountry route from Scotty's Castle to Owens Valley, a well-maintained gravel road that snakes through northern Death Valley and Eureka Valley. Keep an eye out for the turnoffs to Eureka Dunes and North Pass into Saline Valley. A high-clearance vehicle is a must if there's been flooding. Get ready for dust, washboard roads, and some bumpy bits.
This is one of Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads. Remember, this area is remote, so come prepared. Death Valley is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park, so expect extreme conditions. The road's condition is always changing, depending on recent weather. Also important to know: there are no services along the way, and Eureka Valley can see some serious washouts. Camping is not allowed on this road.
Where is it?
Driving the truly epic Big Pine Death Valley Road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.2433, -101.1880
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 112 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,334 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.2433, -101.1880
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Alamo Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Alamo Road is a wild 70-mile ride through the heart of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada, north of Las Vegas. Think classic, rugged desert scenery meets serious solitude. This isn't a Sunday cruise for your sedan, though. We're talking a totally unpaved, bumpy dirt track that climbs to 5,039 feet. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here, and even then, be prepared for sandy stretches, potential water crossings, and maybe even a bit of mud. Word on the street is one section can get seriously gnarly during the wet season, so maybe skip it if the weather's looking dicey – flash floods are a real thing out here. Plan on around two hours to soak it all in. Close to the start, it's usually graded, but once you get past Hidden Forest Road, watch out for rocky spots and washouts that could ruin your day. Sticking to the 25 mph speed limit is a smart move to save your axles. This road is *remote*, like, really remote. No gas stations, no services, nada. Cell service is spotty at best. You're basically venturing into pioneer territory. Seriously, picture this: if you get stuck past Sheep Pass, it could be days before someone rolls by, and you might be looking at a 50-mile hike back to civilization. So, pack accordingly! Water, food, spare tire, shovel, tools, tow rope… the works. Basically, everything you need to survive a night or two under the stars. Despite the isolation, the scenery and the sense of adventure are incredible. Just be smart, be prepared, and respect the desert. It's an amazing drive, but it demands your full attention and a healthy dose of caution.
moderateWhere 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.
hardWhere is Cal-Barrel Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Cal-Barrel Road, tucked away in Humboldt County, California, inside the Redwood National and State Parks. This isn't just a road, it's an experience – a super narrow, unpaved track winding its way through a cathedral of redwood trees. Heads up, it's only open in the summer! Seriously, this road is NARROW. Think "squeeze by" narrow. Forget about taking your RV or trailer; even passing another small car can be a challenge. Clocking in at just under two miles from the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Cal-Barrel Road packs in a climb of about 800 feet. That's an average incline of 8%, ending up at around 1,000 feet above sea level at a small parking area. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is unreal, weaving through those giant redwoods. You can even ditch the car and wander on foot. Just keep your eyes peeled for other adventurers! It’s a slow, winding journey that really lets you soak in the majesty of the redwoods. The end of the road is a trailhead parking area, a perfect spot for a picnic before heading back. It gives you a feel for what driving through these forests was like way back when.
moderateDriving through the challenging River Road in TX
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the River Road – a legendary 4x4 adventure in the wild heart of West Texas! Seriously, this is supposedly one of the most gorgeous drives in the Lone Star State. Nestled inside Big Bend National Park, this 51-mile (82.07km) dirt ribbon stretches across the park's southern edge, keeping the Rio Grande company (sort of!). It's your backroad connection between Rio Grande Village and Castolon. Word is, the western side gets a lot less love and is definitely rougher. You can even snag a permit and camp at primitive sites right along the road – hello, extended exploration! Be warned: River Road is a real challenge. You'll be bouncing through tons of desert washes, and after even a little rain, things can get tricky (or impassable!). A high-clearance vehicle isn't just recommended; it's a must-have. Plan your time carefully, too, as it takes a while to drive from end to end. Be prepared for anything – this is remote country! But trust me, it's worth it. Along the way, you'll find side roads to hidden campsites, trailheads leading to the park's most secluded spots (like the Mariscal Canyon Trail), and unforgettable scenery most visitors completely miss. Get ready for an off-road adventure you won't soon forget!