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
extremeWhere is the road to Oreana Ridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located in the rugged heart of Lemhi County, Idaho, is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of above sea level. Situated within the massive Salmon-Challis National Forest , the drive to the summit is a classic Idaho backcountry experience, combining a technical 4x4 climb with a trip back in time to the era of mountain fire surveillance. Road facts: Oreana Ridge Lemhi County, Idaho, USA FR-067 (Forest Road 067) Gravel / Dirt 4x4 Track Where is the road to Oreana Ridge? The road to the summit is designated as Forest Road 067 (FR-067) . It branches off from , deep within the northern Idaho wilderness. The geography is dominated by steep, timbered ridges and deep canyons that characterize the Salmon-Challis region. This is a remote area where you are far more likely to encounter local wildlife than other travelers, and the isolation requires that you carry full self-recovery gear before leaving the main forest routes. Is the road to Oreana Ridge unpaved? FR-067 is a gravel 4x4 track that is not maintained for standard passenger cars. The surface is a mix of loose mountain gravel and dirt that can become extremely slick after a rain shower. The track is narrow and snakes along the ridge with significant exposure. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential, as the road often features deep ruts and rocky sections that will catch low-hanging underbodies. If the weather turns severe, the track can transform into a muddy slide, making it impossible to maintain traction on the steeper ramps. How long is the road to Oreana Ridge? Starting from the junction with Spring Creek Road, the climb to the summit is 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long . While the distance is short, it is a constant upward pull that gains significant elevation in a very few miles. The road leads directly to a historic fire lookout built in 1934 , which still stands at the peak. Driving this stretch requires a slow pace to pick the right lines over the rocks. The final few hundred yards toward the lookout are often the most technical, where the wind-scoured soil leaves the larger stones exposed. What are the hazards at the Oreana Ridge lookout? The biggest hazard at Oreana Ridge isn't just the road surface, but the extreme exposure to lightning . Because the peak is a high point in the forest, it acts as a natural lightning rod. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, you should stay away from the lookout and the ridge entirely. High winds are also a constant factor at 2,470 meters, which can make steering a high-profile vehicle tricky on the narrowest parts of the FR-067. Always check the Lemhi County weather forecast before committing to the climb, as the ridge is no place to be when the Idaho mountain weather breaks. An old mine road to Ball Mountain Take An Unforgettable Drive to Deadwood Mountain in ID 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.
extremeLong Tom Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Long Tom Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.493m (8,179ft) above the sea level located in Lemhi County, in Idaho, USA. The peak is located within the Salmon - Challis National Forest. The road to the summit is called FR-166. It’s a gravel 4wd track. Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls and landslides can occur anytime, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice. At the summit there’s a fire lookout built in 1921. https://idaholookouts.weebly.com/long-tom.html# 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.
extremeCedar Canyon Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits at Cedar Canyon Summit! This epic mountain pass tops out at a cool 9,917 feet above sea level, nestled in Utah's Iron County within the stunning Cedar Breaks National Monument. You'll be cruising on UT-14, a paved road that definitely throws in some steep grades to keep things interesting. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather forecast! This area can get hit with avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – and patches of ice can pop up unexpectedly. So, be prepared for some seriously stunning scenery, but also remember to drive safely!
extremeTwin Lakes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! We're heading to Twin Lakes, two absolutely stunning sub-alpine gems tucked way up in south-central Utah's Wayne County. I'm talking serious elevation here, folks – 11,161 feet! So, yeah, altitude is a real thing, and Mother Nature calls the shots year-round. Getting there is half the adventure, as it's nestled within the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, a part of the amazing Thousand Lake Mountain. Forget your sedan – you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Forest Road 1324 is your path, a gravelly, rocky, and let's be honest, downright treacherous trail. Typically, it's open from mid-June to the end of October. Pro Tip: Only attempt this trek when it's dry! And seriously, even in summer, pack for winter. These mountains are notorious for sudden, massive thunderstorms. If you see one brewing, bail and find shelter ASAP. Trust me on this one. But all that effort? Totally worth it. Think rocky climbs, insane views, plus some incredible hiking and fishing once you arrive. Twin Lakes is a total package deal for those who crave a raw, unforgettable outdoor experience.