Granite Pass, the highest point of Kelbaker Road
Usa, north-america
109.43 km
1,233 m
moderate
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 109.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,233 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyIs North Cascade Highway paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is a very scenic drive located in North Cascades National Park, in the US state of Washington. The road is part of the Cascade Loop, a 436-mile (702 km) driving tour through the Cascades in the northern areas of Washington. Is North Cascade Highway paved? The road is totally paved and traverses the U.S. state of Washington, traveling from Discovery Bay to the Idaho state border in Newport. It tops out at at an elevation of 1,669m (5,477ft) above sea level. Is North Cascade Highway open now? The road is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. The road closes every winter when weather, snow conditions, and avalanche danger threaten safety. Avalanche hazard usually closes the highway sometime in late November/early December, and it usually reopens sometime between April to early May. The normal winter closure is between MP 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead) and MP 171 (Silver Star Creek). How long does it take to drive North Cascades Highway? The drive offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas. Each year, thousands of drivers travel Washington State's breathtakingly beautiful North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), observing the region's alpine flora and fauna and its dramatic geological features . Prepare for sweeping vistas, alpine meadows, wildlife watching opportunities, and recreation galore. This mountain scenic drive begins in Sedro Woolley. The North Cascades Highway provides a unique experience of a striking landscape that is also a rich, interwoven system of living things, climate, and geology. Plan a couple of days to complete the Cascade Loop. Mengel Pass in California: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico 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.
moderateWhere is Methodist Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an off-road adventure to Methodist Mountain! This baby sits way up there in central Colorado, straddling Chaffee and Saguache counties, clocking in at a cool 11,709 feet. The road in? Forest Road 108A, also known as Methodist Mountain Road, departing from Salida. Forget pavement, we're talking pure, unadulterated dirt and rock. Think washboard sections and a seriously bumpy ride. Word to the wise: leave the sedan at home. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with 4-wheel drive, to tackle this beast. Space to turn around is limited, so commitment is key! Oh, and timing is everything. This route is typically snowed in from late October until sometime between late June and early July. Plus, be prepared for some serious wind at the top. But hey, the views from up there? Totally worth it, especially after you pass all those comms towers on the summit. You will be able to view all of Salida and the surrounding peaks.
extremeHow long is the road to Ojuela?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ojuela, a spooky, abandoned mining town, sits way up in the northeast of Durango, Mexico. Getting there? Well, that's half the adventure! You'll peel off Federal Highway 30 near the historic village of Mapimí and start climbing. The road is about 7km (4.3 miles) of gravel and cobblestones twisting up the mountain. The views are insane! You'll be surrounded by cool desert plants and crazy rock formations the whole way. Now, here's the kicker: this road is NARROW. Like, seriously narrow. If you meet another car, be prepared to test your reversing skills – you might have to back up for up to 3 kilometers to find a wide spot! And Ojuela itself? It's famous for the Puente de Ojuela, a suspension bridge also known as the Mapimí Bridge. It was designed by the same masterminds behind the Brooklyn Bridge, hanging almost 100 meters (327 feet) above a ravine! At nearly 305 meters (1,000 feet) long but only 2 feet wide, crossing it is a wild experience. Built in 1898 and restored in 1991, it’s now for pedestrians only, connecting the ghost town to its old mine. Ojuela itself was discovered in 1598. After thriving during the late 1800s as a mining town (silver, gold, you name it!), a massive storm in the 20th century pretty much destroyed the place, forcing everyone to leave. Now it’s an eerie, must-see spot if you're in the area.
easyHow 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!