How long is California's Pacific Coast Highway?
Usa, north-america
997 km
85 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a MUST-DO in California! This iconic stretch of State Route 1 hugs the coastline from sunny Orange County (near LA) all the way up to Mendocino County, just north of San Francisco. Clocking in at 620 glorious miles, get ready for about 10 hours of pure driving bliss, without stops, but who's gonna do that?
Picture this: you're winding along cliffs where waves crash dramatically below. You'll cross bridges that seem to defy gravity, like the insane Bixby Bridge soaring almost 300 feet above Bixby Creek Gorge in Big Sur! The views are incredible.
Word to the wise: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. Those views come with hairpin turns, narrow shoulders, and major drop-offs. Stay alert and use those vista points to soak it all in safely. It can get crowded, especially in July and August, so consider off-season adventures. Winter brings mudslide risks, so always check local advisories.
Pro-tip: drive north to south. You'll be on the ocean side of the road for the best views and easier access to those vista points. Make sure you have a full tank, gas stations are less frequent as you head north.
This isn’t just a drive; it's an experience! Explore charming seaside towns, quirky places like the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and amazing wildlife spots like the Elephant Seal Rookery. You’ll pass through Big Sur's majestic redwoods and might even spot sea otters in Monterey Bay. The PCH is pure California magic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 997 km
- Max Elevation
- 85 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Secret Pass located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay adventurers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Secret Pass in Arizona's Mohave County! Nestled in the Black Mountains, just west of Kingman, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking full-on Mojave Desert immersion. Where exactly? Think northwestern Arizona, chilling between Kingman and Bullhead City. You'll be carving through the southern edge of the Mount Nutt Wilderness, a land of crazy volcanic plugs and seriously rugged cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for desert bighorn sheep – this place is their sanctuary! The best part? It’s a loop! You jump off Highway 68 and eventually pop back out onto it, making it an ideal half-day escape if you're kicking it in Kingman or Bullhead City. The whole loop clocks in at about 12.4 miles (just under 20km). Be ready for a mix of hard-packed desert, some super sandy washes, and some rocky bits that'll test your skills. Speaking of skills... this ain't a Corolla cruise. You NEED a 4WD beast with some serious ground clearance to tackle this safely. Expect some short, steep climbs and rocky "step-ups" where you’ll need to choose your path wisely. Oh, and pro tip: NEVER hit this trail if there's rain in the forecast. Flash floods are no joke in the desert – those sandy washes turn into raging rivers FAST. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes while you're out there. Cell service is basically non-existent, so don't rely on it. History buffs and rockhounds, you're in for a treat! The area is littered with old gold mines from the mining boom days. And the volcanic geology? Prime for finding chalcedony and other cool minerals on the surrounding slopes. So, pack your sense of adventure, a sturdy 4x4, and get ready to explore the real Arizona!
extremeHighest roads of Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada's a beast of a country, right? Second-biggest in the world, and seriously showing off with those mountains. Head west, and BAM! The Canadian Rockies are all up in Alberta's grill, and British Columbia's hogging the Coast and Columbia ranges. We're talking glaciers older than your grandma, lakes so clear you'll think they're photoshopped, and canyons deep enough to swallow your car (okay, maybe not, but close!). Now, all that wild, untouched beauty means some serious road-building wizardry. We're talking about Canada's highest roads, carving through massive national parks and wilderness areas. Get ready for some epic mountain driving – the kind that'll make you grip the wheel and grin at the same time.
moderateA journey to the legendary Union Pass in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a truly wild Wyoming experience, you HAVE to check out Union Pass. Perched way up at 9,212 feet, it's a killer route through the northwestern part of the state, with views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll find this gem straddling Sublette and Fremont counties, nestled right between the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests. Hit the Continental Divide marker at the top – that's where the water flows either towards the Wind River or the Green River. Pretty cool, right? Union Pass Road, mostly unpaved, stretches for about 72.6 miles (116.83km) between Dubois (off U.S. Route 287) and Pinedale (U.S. Route 189). Budget around four hours for a one-way trip, not counting stops to soak it all in. Think wide-open pastures, mountain lakes, and seriously epic views of the Tetons, Wind Rivers, and Absarokas. Plus, you're basically at the source of three HUGE North American rivers – the Colorado, Mississippi, and Columbia. Word to the wise: this isn't a trip for your average sedan. You'll need an SUV with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The road's generally in decent shape, but expect some rough patches, especially on the Pinedale side. Trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride!
hardYellow Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Yellow Peak in northwestern Nevada! This bad boy sits at a lofty 7,185 feet in the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge. Forget the pavement, we're talking gravel and rock on State Rte 34A. Translation? You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Winter? Nope, she's closed. And if you're not comfy with steep, unpaved mountain roads, maybe grab a postcard instead. Heights a problem? This ain't your happy place. The trail is a real climb! But hey, the reward? A fire lookout tower rebuilt in '81 with views for days. Just a heads up: check that weather forecast! Lightning and lookout towers? Not a great mix.