Granite Pass, the highest point of Kelbaker Road

Granite Pass, the highest point of Kelbaker Road

Usa, north-america

Length

109.43 km

Elevation

1,233 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Granite Pass, nestled in the Mojave Desert in California's San Bernardino County, is a must-see if you're craving wide-open spaces and dramatic landscapes. This high mountain pass tops out at 4,045 feet, offering some seriously stunning, desolate beauty.

The road itself, a classic two-lane highway, stretches for about 68 miles, taking you from I-15 near Baker down to historic Route 66, east of Ludlow. Keep an eye out for summer storms, though – monsoonal thunderstorms can sometimes cause flooding along the road.

Just a stone's throw north of the I-40 exit, you'll find the pass. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a short, steep gravel track heading east that climbs to some communication towers at 4,117 feet. It's only about 1,000 feet long, but you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it! The average gradient is 7.09%. Worth it for the views, though!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
109.43 km
Max Elevation
1,233 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Is the road to Cebolla Pass in New Mexico paved?hard

Is the road to Cebolla Pass in New Mexico paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through northern New Mexico on NM-94, a sweet stretch of paved road that climbs up to Cebolla Pass. We're talking a lofty 7,670 feet above sea level! This isn't some white-knuckle, cliff-hanging drive, though. The road's in good shape, mostly straight, but be ready for a few steep climbs. This gem is nestled right in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, straddling the Mora and San Miguel county line. The whole shebang is about 18.4 miles long, running north to south from Mora (the Mora County seat) down to Sapello. Get ready for some killer views!

Ultimate 4wd destination: Libby Flatsmoderate

Ultimate 4wd destination: Libby Flats

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Wyoming, Rocky Mountains all around, and you decide to ditch the pavement for a bit of adventure. That's where Libby Flats comes in! Forest Service Road 336 takes you up to a whopping 10,669 feet above sea level – one of the highest points you can drive to in Wyoming. Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive in your sedan. We're talking about 1.8 miles of unpaved road that usually isn't clear of snow until late June or even July. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically a requirement! You'll find the trailhead off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 130). Plus, being in the Medicine Bow National Forest at that altitude, you should prepare for some serious wind. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. Think wide open vistas and that feeling of being on top of the world. If you're up for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience, Libby Flats is calling your name.

How long is the Sterling Highway?easy

How long is the Sterling Highway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising the Sterling Highway in south-central Alaska is an absolute must-do! This beauty, part of Alaska Highway 1, carves its way for 138 miles through the western Kenai Peninsula. Starting from the Seward Highway at Tern Lake Junction (south of Anchorage), it winds down to Homer, a cool little town on Kachemak Bay. And get this – it's named after Hawley Sterling, an engineer who worked on the Alaska Road Commission back in the day. This paved two-lane road opened in 1950 and is generally open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to the weather. The curves can be tricky when it’s wet or snowy. Summer is super busy, so plan accordingly. Trust me, though, it's worth it! The views are insane – think epic mountains, shimmering lakes, rivers fed by glaciers, and those incredible coastal inlets. Prepare to be wowed!

Lost Trail Roadhard

Lost Trail Road

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Lost Trail Road, tucked away in the stunning Crested Butte area of Gunnison County, Colorado! Picture this: you're cruising through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, deep in the White River National Forest. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute must. This trail gets steep! Keep an eye on the sky, too—thunderstorms can turn those unpaved sections into a 4WD nightmare or even make them impassable in a flash. But trust me, the reward is worth it. Once the snow melts, Lost Trail explodes with wildflowers and panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless. Just don't go it alone! The road winds and climbs for about 6.7 miles, twisting through hairpin turns all the way up to a staggering 10,905 feet above sea level. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!