Driving the unpaved Navy Road in Santa Cruz Island
Usa, north-america
11.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of exploring a wild, remote island paradise? Navy Road, tucked away in California's Channel Islands, is calling your name!
This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about 7.14 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. The terrain is rugged, the weather can be unpredictable, and the road is entirely unpaved. This baby gets seriously steep, hitting a 22% gradient in spots!
While you can see some vehicles from the island, no public motor vehicles are allowed. You can only hike or kayak around.
But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Navy Road winds through canyons and over ridges, offering stunning vistas that have graced the silver screen in movies like Peter Pan and The Rescue.
Keep your eyes peeled for ticks, poison oak, cholla cactus, and scorpions, there are no poisonous snakes on the island. Remember that access to the island is restricted, so plan accordingly. If you're craving a truly unforgettable wilderness experience, Navy Road is where it's at!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhen was the Kern Canyon Road built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through California and craving a thrill? Kern Canyon Road (Highway 178) is calling your name! This 40-mile ribbon of asphalt stretches from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella in the Southern Sierra Nevada, and it's a wild ride. Built way back in the day (think 1890s to 1924!) to help construct the Kern River #1 powerhouse, this road is now famous for its curves, narrow lanes, and those heart-stopping drop-offs right next to the Kern River. You'll be hugging the turns and white-knuckling it until you hit that sweet four-lane stretch halfway through the canyon. Word of warning: this beauty can be a beast. Kern Canyon Road has a reputation, and not all of it is good. It's known for being dangerous, so stay sharp behind the wheel. Rock slides are a real possibility due to the canyon walls expanding and contracting with the weather. But oh, the scenery! Think rocky cliffs, the dam-controlled Kern River glistening below, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Just keep your eyes on the road! One last thing: the Kern River is gorgeous, but treat it with respect. Swimming here is seriously risky due to strong currents, cold water, and hidden dangers. Stay back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and never underestimate the power of the river.
hardDriving the scenic Whitney Portal Road in the Sierra Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a quick, stunning escape? Cruise up Whitney Portal Road, a 12-mile paved gem tucked away in Inyo County, California. This route takes you nearly halfway up Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states! Starting near Lone Pine, this road climbs into the Sierra Nevada, usually open from May to November (weather permitting, of course). The road isn't gated, but conditions can change fast, so check ahead! In just 25-35 minutes (without stops – but why wouldn’t you?!), you'll ascend to 8,389 feet at Whitney Portal, with a breathtaking view of Mount Whitney. Built in 1936, this road offers panoramic views as it winds through the surreal landscape of the Alabama Hills, a backdrop for countless western movies. It even stars in "The Long, Long Trailer" and "High Sierra"! Be warned: this route is narrow, steep (up to 14%!), and winding, with switchbacks and potential rock slides. But trust me, it's worth it. The climb is tough, especially in the second half, averaging a 9% grade, but the views are incredible. Think Col de la Madeleine, but with a touch of California sunshine. As you ascend, the mountains loom larger, until you're enveloped in their majesty. This road is an adventure!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Cronin Peak in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Nestled way up high in Colorado's Chaffee County, Cronin Peak is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here - this old mining trail climbs to a whopping 12,841 feet! You'll find it hidden in the southern Sawatch Range, deep within the San Isabel National Forest. The road, Forest Road 278, is a rugged, unpaved beast left over from the good old mining days. Forget your sedan – you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one. The road stretches for about 9.4 miles between Alpine and Browns Lake, snaking its way north-south. Be warned: it's STEEP, with some sections hitting a crazy 21% gradient. But hey, the views are insane! Expect breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding high peaks. Just a heads up, this route is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly.
hardTower Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits in northeastern Oregon's Umatilla County! Tower Mountain hits an elevation of 6,850 feet, so get ready for some views. You'll be cruising on NF-5226, a gravel road snaking through the Umatilla National Forest. Good news: most cars can handle it. Just a heads-up: this road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Up top, you'll find a lookout tower, a cool piece of history dating back to 1929. Fun fact: it used to be called Lookout Mountain, but the name changed back in '25. Get ready for panoramic vistas and a serious dose of mountain vibes!