Hainoa Crater
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,406 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, Hawaii adventurers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a crater? Then point your 4x4 towards Hainoa Crater on the Big Island. This beast sits at a cool 7,893 feet above sea level, so expect some serious views.
Now, the road... let's just say it's an "experience." Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpin' and tippin'. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe sit this one out. And heights? Yeah, they're involved. Plus, things can get a little tight width-wise. But, oh man, the scenery will make it all worthwhile!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,406 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateFall Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Fall Mountain! This beauty sits high up in eastern Oregon's Grant County, clocking in at 5,941 feet. The road's mostly gravel, so your average car should handle it just fine. You'll find this gem within the Malheur National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 607. Fair warning: aim for summer, because snow usually shuts this down from October to June. Spring, early summer, and fall can get super rutted and muddy, so keep that in mind! While a regular car *can* make it, 4WD is a must in bad weather, and higher clearance is always a good idea. The payoff? A 1933 lookout tower at the summit that you can even rent! It gives you killer 360-degree views of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and the nearby towns of Seneca and Mt. Vernon. Trust me, you'll want your camera!
extremeCan you drive to Barcroft Field Station in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of California's highest roads? Head to Mono County, smack-dab in the Inyo National Forest, and find the start of the road to Barcroft Field Station. We're talking serious altitude here - the weather station sits at a whopping 12,470 feet! The fun starts where the paved CA-168 ends. From there, it's 28.3 miles of winding, unpaved road. Sure, it's rough and rocky, but don't let that scare you off. Even a 2WD can make it with some careful driving. This isn't just a drive; it's a trip through history! The station itself was built way back in 1951. Once you get to the top, you'll spot a little hut and an astronomy dome perched proudly on the peak. For the seriously adventurous, a lonely gravel road even leads to the White Mountain Research Station Summit Laboratory at an insane 14,261 feet on White Mountain Peak! Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from June to October, depending on the weather. Winter's no joke up here, with over 13 feet of snow! This road, nestled in the stunning White Mountains near the Nevada border, is steep with views that'll knock your socks off, but also requires you to take it seriously. Not for the faint of heart!
hardA truly epic road to Kennebec Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Kennebec Pass in southwest Colorado's La Plata County is a MUST for your bucket list. We're talking serious altitude here – 11,683 feet! You'll find it chilling northwest of Durango, beckoning you towards Snowstorm Peak. County Road 124, a totally unpaved path forged way back in the 1800s by prospectors, is your route to the top. Expect a wild 14.1-mile ride that begins near Hesperus, off US-160. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. The climb gets intense, with gradients hitting a whopping 15% in spots. You'll probably only need 4WD for the last couple of miles. And heads up: the drop-offs near the summit are HUGE. You’ll definitely want to be comfortable navigating these heights. Plus, traffic is super light, so come prepared with tools and repair kits, just in case. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, within the La Plata Range, Kennebec Pass flaunts panoramic mountain views that will blow your mind. Keep an eye out for relics of the past – abandoned mining equipment and structures scattered along the route. There’s a convenient parking spot about a mile from the top. The Rocky Mountain scenery from the summit is simply unforgettable. Word to the wise: This road is typically snowed in from late spring to late fall, so plan accordingly!
extremePajarito Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in north-central New Mexico, specifically Los Alamos County, and craving a serious off-road experience, then Pajarito Mountain is calling your name! This peak punches up to a whopping 10,360 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Nestled on the eastern flank of the Jemez Mountains, the road to the top is a beast – think gravel, seriously rocky, and downright treacherous in spots. You absolutely need a 4x4 to even consider this one. Keep a close eye on the weather, because things can change on a dime up there, and closures are common. Seriously, only attempt this when it's dry! A word to the wise: if you have any respiratory or heart issues, this isn't the drive for you. The altitude and extreme weather are no joke, no matter the time of year. And be prepared for wind – it’s a constant companion at these heights. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are probably insane!