Driving the wild Antelope Mountain (in Lassen County, CA)

Driving the wild Antelope Mountain (in Lassen County, CA)

Usa, north-america

Length

8.69 km

Elevation

2,343 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about a killer drive up Antelope Mountain in northeast California’s Lassen County. We’re talking serious elevation here – this peak tops out at 7,687 feet!

You'll find this gem tucked away in Lassen National Forest. The road's a decent forest road, but trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind, this route is a no-go in winter; the snow usually hangs around until late June or even July.

The climb is a real workout. From Eagle Lake Road, it's about 5.4 miles to the summit, and you gain a whopping 2,434 feet in elevation. That’s an average grade of over 8%!

And the payoff? A fire lookout tower awaits you at the top! Built in '78, it was actually the first solar-powered lookout in the US. Usually, there's someone up there during fire season. The views? Absolutely incredible. Get ready for some serious photo ops!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
8.69 km
Max Elevation
2,343 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

How long is the road to Greenie Peak?extreme

How long is the road to Greenie Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Nestled high in Taos County, New Mexico, you'll find Greenie Peak, topping out at a cool 11,259 feet. Seriously, this spot boasts some killer views of snow-capped peaks. The road to the summit? It's a short but sweet 2.29 miles. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll climb 715 feet, making for an average gradient of almost 6%. Weekends and holidays? Expect company! Now, for the nitty-gritty: This road is *unpaved*. We're talking rocky, rough, and not exactly pampered. Proceed with caution, folks! It's narrow, so meeting oncoming traffic can be a bit of a dance. Summer brings loose rock to the party, while winter? Forget about it – completely impassable, often until July! Tight switchbacks will keep you on your toes, and 4x4 is an absolute must. Expect some mud puddles too. Oh, and keep an eye on that New Mexico weather – thunderstorms and lightning can roll in quick!

Is Norris Canyon Road in Yellowstone paved?moderate

Is Norris Canyon Road in Yellowstone paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Yellowstone, right? Forget the crowds for a sec and hop onto Norris Canyon Road. This hidden gem winds through the park's heart in Park County, Wyoming, connecting Norris Geyser Basin to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. First things first: yes, it's paved the whole way! This 11.5-mile stretch climbs high, always above 7,500 feet! You'll gain even more altitude, topping out at a cool 8,257 feet above sea level. Be ready for some seriously steep sections, we're talking gradients up to 10% in spots! Now, heads up: cell service is spotty at best, so download those maps beforehand. The road also gives you access to Virginia Cascade Drive. Keep in mind that because of its high elevation, Norris Canyon Road is typically closed during the winter months due to snow. So, plan your visit for the warmer seasons, pack your camera, and prepare for stunning views you won't soon forget!

How long is Apache Trail?extreme

How long is Apache Trail?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for the Apache Trail (aka Route 88) in Arizona, a 39-mile blast from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake. We're talking Gila, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, all rolled into one epic drive! Built way back in 1904 to help construct the Roosevelt Dam, this baby winds its way through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest, giving you killer views of canyons, crazy rock formations, and classic desert vibes. Think cacti, trees, and a whole lot of stunning desert scenery. Now, here's the deal: parts of it are currently closed due to landslides and floods (since 2019), especially between Fish Point and Apache Lake Marina. But don't worry, you can still hike from the marina to Roosevelt Dam! The road itself is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, so most cars can handle it. Just remember, this isn't a highway cruise. We're talking slow and steady (max speed is only 15 mph!) through some seriously rugged mountains. Word of caution: this ain't for the faint of heart! Some sections have some seriously steep drops and not a lot of safety barriers. Some say the drive up is easier than the return because at least you'll have the mountain at your side on the way up. Keep your eyes on the road. RVs and caravans should probably skip this one, and watch out for flash floods. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive it without stopping. If you love driving, you'll have a blast. Spring is gorgeous with the wildflowers, but summer can be scorching, so make sure your AC is pumping. And yeah, the lakes get crowded. But hey, those views of the mountains and lakes are worth it!

Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highwayextreme

Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highway

🇺🇸 Usa

Ever heard of a road to nowhere? Head to the Angeles National Forest, just above Azusa, California, and check out Shoemaker Canyon Road! This abandoned route, nicknamed "Armageddon Highway" and "Convict Road," has a wild history. Back in the Cold War days, the plan was to build an escape route out of Los Angeles in case of a nuclear attack. The road stretches for about 4.4 miles from East Fork Road and features two seriously cool, abandoned tunnels. You’ll be surrounded by classic California chaparral and some pretty awesome canyon views. Imagine this: Inmates started building this road in 1956, but construction stopped in 1969 due to budget cuts. Today, you can drive the first 1.8 miles on pavement. Then, it's time to hike or bike the rest on a well-maintained dirt path. The road gradually climbs uphill to those awesome tunnels, which are located 1.8 and 2.6 miles past the closed gate. Be warned, they're pretty dark inside and can be a bit spooky! And remember, this is the San Gabriel Mountains, so the weather can be extreme. Avoid the midday sun (virtually no shade except in the tunnels), let someone know your plans, and be prepared for heat in the summer or winter storms. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!