How long is California State Route 17?
Usa, north-america
42.63 km
562 m
extreme
Year-round
Located in the U.S. state of California, Highway 17 stands out as one of the most dangerous roads in the country. Along the way, it presents drivers with a multitude of hazards – sharp turns, blind spots, narrow shoulders, changes in speed, and slick highway surfaces after rains or snow.
How long is California State Route 17?
State Route 17 is a scenic road that winds its way through the Santa Cruz mountains, connecting San Jose (the largest city in Northern California) and Santa Cruz (on the northern edge of Monterey Bay). State Route 17 (SR 17), commonly known as Highway 17,
stretches from Scotts Valley in the south to Los Gatos and San Jose in the north, covering a paved distance of 26.49 miles (42.63 km).
How challenging is it to drive on Highway 17?
The road, constructed in the 1930s, boasts narrow lanes and perilously tight curves, earning it ominous nicknames such as "Killer 17" and "Blood Alley." It has been designated as one of California's most dangerous roads.
The heightened risk is attributed to the abundance of sharp and blind curves, as well as sudden changes in speed along the route. Consequently, drivers often face difficulties negotiating unexpected sharp turns, sometimes careening off the median divider. Numerous accidents on this route can be attributed to sharp turns, blind curves, heavy traffic, and occasional wildlife encounters.
According to various sources, the number of serious and deadly crashes on Highway 17 has more than quadrupled in the last decade. For instance, in 2016, there were 983 crashes, compared to 420 in 2013. This increase has led locals and news outlets to label it as one of California’s most perilous highways.
Common Dangers of Highway 17
What To Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident on Highway 17
Highway 17’s treacherous curves, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather volatility are well-documented for causing frequent accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and sometimes pedestrians. Because of its well-documented unsafe driving conditions which endanger lives daily, the highway's numerous risks to travelers include collisions, property damage, substantial injuries and even fatalities.
If you're involved in a car accident on Highway 17, prioritize your safety and call Emergency Services immediately. Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Be sure to document the accident scene with photos and collect witness information. Then, report the accident to law enforcement, which is crucial for when you file a personal injury claim. To make the filing process easier, Highway 17 accident victims should hire a personal injury lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in California laws.
A skilled personal injury lawyer will:
Identify all recoverable Highway 17 accident damages
Protect you from insurance company lowball tactics
Negotiate for the highest compensation on your behalf
Offer you support, not only now but also long-term
Hiring expert legal representation, like that offered by the California-based law firm
Braff Law Car Accident Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawyers
, will ensure your rights are safeguarded and maximize your financial recovery during this challenging time. Whether you are the victim of a Highway 17 car accident, motorcycle accident or pedestrian accident, a skilled personal injury attorney brings extensive knowledge of California law and a compassionate approach to every case. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your accident on Highway 17, they build compelling cases to hold negligent parties accountable.
Furthermore, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer’s commitment to personalized service means they will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process. A personal injury attorney provides guidance, support, and aggressive advocacy to help you achieve the best possible outcome. With personalized legal strategies tailored to your own unique Highway 17 accident situation, a personal injury lawyer will fight aggressively for full compensation covering your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage and future care needs. A successful personal injury attorney’s proven track record in Highway 17 accident cases provides peace of mind that you have a dedicated advocate by your side throughout the legal process.
Is California State Route 17 dangerous in winters?
During the winter months, SR 17, crossing a high precipitation area in the Santa Cruz Mountains, becomes slippery from rain, snow, or ice.
This heightened risk is particularly noticeable at
, the highest point of the road, situated at an elevation of 562m (1,843ft) above sea level.
Depending on the time of year, road conditions are further compromised by rain, fog, and snow, leading to instances where a car hitting the median and spinning out of control often involves other cars, resulting in multi-car serious accidents.
Is Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains haunted?
Highway 17 has garnered a reputation as one of the most haunted roads in California.
Across generations, numerous drivers and passengers have reported witnessing apparitions walking or standing along the highway, with some claiming to see them sitting in the back seats of cars. Others have alleged sightings of white vaporous clouds floating over the lanes.
Some even assert encountering the ghost of a 17- or 18-year-old girl walking along the road at twilight. In addition to sightings of wandering spirits, visitors navigating through sharp turns have reported hearing sounds of collisions and tires screeching to a halt. Interestingly, upon inspection, no reckless drivers are found at the scene.
Commuters have even reported seeing ghosts of Native Americans along scenic roads during the dark hours. On Highway 17 and Lee Road in Watsonville, the spirit of an old Indian man has been sighted traveling on foot, with legend suggesting that he is responsible for causing all the accidents on the road.
Road suggested by: Chen
Driving the scenic Montana 2 along the Rocky Mountains
Mineral King Road in California: 398 curves in just 25 miles
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.63 km
- Max Elevation
- 562 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Laurel Lake in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near Mammoth Lakes, lies a hidden gem: Laurel Lake. Getting there is half the fun... and a bit of a challenge! We're talking about Laurel Lake Road (also known as Sherwin Creek Road), an 8.9-mile off-road adventure that climbs to a breathtaking 9,780 feet! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive; this is a proper 4x4 trail that’ll test your skills and your vehicle's mettle. Starting just off Highway 395, be prepared for an unpaved, rocky climb. We're talking shelf roads, steep inclines, and potential washouts. The lower section is particularly gnarly, with mid-sized rocks demanding a slow and steady pace. Wheel slippage is a real possibility. But stick with it! As you enter Laurel Canyon, the path smooths out a bit, offering a welcome respite. The final descent to the lake involves some seriously tight switchbacks – long wheelbase vehicles might need to execute some multi-point turns. Speaking of the lake, it's perched at a lofty 10,058 feet, so this trek is typically only accessible from April to November, depending on the snow. Even in summer, snow can linger at the higher elevations. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is epic, with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. Fall colors are incredible, but spring with its snow-capped peaks is equally magical. The lake itself is gorgeous and home to rainbow trout and rare golden trout. Pack a picnic, bring your fishing rod, and soak in the high-country vibes. There are even some primitive campsites if you want to extend your stay. Just be sure to arrive early, as the lower section is slow-going. And remember, take your time to snap some photos; you'll want to remember this adventure!
moderateAdventure along the curvy Road Mexico 199
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Mexico 199 in Chiapas! This isn't just a road, it's an *experience*, winding its way through the mountains with views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at 227 kilometers (that’s 141 miles for my imperial friends), this fully paved road throws a whole lotta curves your way – we're talking *hundreds* of turns. Get ready for some steep climbs, too! You'll start near Palenque at a breezy 60 meters above sea level, and then ascend all the way up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, perched high in the Central Highlands at a cool 2,200 meters. Get ready for a change in temperature as well as altitude! This drive isn't for the faint of heart, but the scenery is totally worth it!
hardIs there a road up Mt. Whitney?
🇺🇸 Usa
Whitney Portal Road is a short but spectacular drive that takes you about halfway up Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States, in Inyo County, in the US state of California. Is there a road up Mt. Whitney? Tucked away in the eastern central part of California, the road is 19.31km (12 miles) long, starting at Lone Pine. It’s totally paved. The road connects Lone Pine to Whitney Portal (the Whitney Portal Store is at the Portal, and the store is open in the summer). Is the road to Whitney Portal open? Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Whitney Portal Road usually opens sometime in early May, with the first major winter storm shutting it down sometime in November, meaning it is not maintained or cleared of snow. However, it is not physically barred, and climbers routinely drive as far as conditions will allow. The road is not gated or otherwise physically blocked; call the Inyo National Forest for information. Weather and road conditions can change in an instant. Can you see Mount Whitney from the road? The road ends at 2,557m (8,389ft) above sea level at Whitney Portal, where there is a close view of Mount Whitney. When was Whitney Portal Road in California built? The road to the summit was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. How long does it take to drive Whitney Portal Road in California? To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 25 and 35 minutes. The drive features sweeping views. It twists and turns through an otherworldly landscape known as the Alabama Hills, a set of bizarrely constructed rock piles, before setting on a fairly straight shot for the foothills of Mount Whitney. Alabama Hills are the scene of literally hundreds of cowboy films, but the road has a film history, too. The steep, sharp switchbacks along the Whitney Portal Road were prominent in scenes in the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz film "The Long, Long Trailer," in which Lucy surreptitiously fills a travel trailer with her rock collection until it’s too heavy to ascend the grade. The road is also featured in the 1941 classic, "High Sierra," starring Humphrey Bogart. The vistas change dramatically as you draw closer to the mountains, seeming more and more massive until suddenly they overwhelm you, and you're a part of them, looking back down on the road, the hills, and the Owens Valley. In other words, there's plenty of time to think about what you're getting yourself into. Is Whitney Portal Road in California challenging? This route is paved but narrow, steep, and winding with dramatic switchbacks. There is a risk of rock slides on the way up. It’s very steep, with some 14% gradients. It is a great and difficult climb out of the high desert up towards Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48. The road has some narrow parts and blind corners. Like most eastern Sierra ascents, this one starts out tame and ends up tough. The grade generally increases as you climb so that a five-mile stretch in the 2nd half averages 9%. The hill lets up just before the finish at Whitney Portal and a parking/hiking area (trailhead to Mt. Whitney). Whitney Portal is also very similar to the famed French climb of The narrow road to Schofield Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only The creepy story of Sensabaugh Tunnel in Tennessee 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.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering the Music Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around Custer County, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for some off-road action, Music Pass is calling your name! Nestled high in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, inside the San Isabel National Forest in the San Luis Valley, this pass tops out at a breathtaking 10,695 feet. The road to the top? It's all dirt, baby! Music Pass Road is rough and rugged, with steep climbs, narrow stretches, and some seriously rocky terrain that'll test your driving skills – think driving over weird rock formations. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD or AWD to conquer this beast. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wild side up here. Expect crazy-fast weather changes, year-round. Seriously, pack for anything, including surprise summer snowstorms. The road usually stays buried in snow until late June or even July! But hey, the views! Prepare to be blown away by the stunning vistas of Tijeras and Cleveland Peaks. The road dead-ends at a parking lot for the Music Pass Trailhead (room for about 15 cars), only about a mile from the actual pass. Back in the day, the hardcore could drive all the way to the summit. Now, the old road's pretty much disappeared.