How long is California State Route 58?
Usa, north-america
383 km
1,241 m
easy
Year-round
Highway 58 in California? You NEED to drive this. Seriously. It's easily one of the most scenic routes in the US, hands down. Think light traffic, a smooth road, incredible views, and amazing food options at either end.
Stretching a cool 238 miles (383km) across the western part of California, this baby cruises through the California Coast Ranges, the southern San Joaquin Valley, the Tehachapi Mountains, the southern Sierra Nevada, and even a slice of the Mojave Desert. Talk about variety!
Starting just west of Bakersfield, Highway 58 is a total rollercoaster to the coast. For over an hour, you're carving through these long, sweeping bends with insane elevation changes, surrounded by beautiful farmland. Then, BAM! The road tightens up, throwing you into a series of twisting loops as you dive into canyon country. Just as suddenly, you're at San Luis Obispo's doorstep.
You’ll be cruising on a paved east-west highway, sometimes known as State Route 58 (SR 58), Calf Canyon Highway, Carrisa Highway, Bakersfield-McKittrick Highway, Rosa Parks Highway, Rosedale Highway, Barstow-Bakersfield Highway, Kern County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and Mojave-Barstow Highway. The asphalt is a little rough in spots but totally solid.
Built way back in the 30s, the road's got that classic feel. You barely see any cross streets or driveways out there.
The western end gets twisty, but it's all predictable – no surprise turns, no gravel piles waiting to ruin your day.
And the traffic? Forget about it. If you spot more than two cars west of Simmler, call it rush hour!
Heads up, though – this road does have a mountain pass that hits 4,071 feet (1,241m). Chains might be required near the summit between Bakersfield and Mojave sometimes, so check conditions before you go.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 383 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,241 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs 31 Mile Road unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in northern New Mexico, 31 Mile Road is calling your name. Straddling the Rio Arriba and Sandoval county line, this baby's got views for days. Fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved – gravel, rocks, the whole shebang. You'll definitely want an SUV or truck with decent clearance and good tires. Trust me on this one. And get this: you'll be hitting elevations of 11,003 feet! That's some serious altitude. This road's a no-go in wet conditions. Weather up there can change on a dime, and closures are common, so do your homework before you head out. But if you're prepared? Oh man, the views. Jaw-dropping panoramas of the Santa Fe and Jemez Mountains, plus the Española Valley, will have you reaching for your camera every five minutes. Seriously, the scenery is worth the bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateWhere is the Old Coulterville Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Old Coulterville Road, a killer 4x4 trail nestled in Mariposa County, California, right near Coulterville inside Yosemite National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's a slice of history! Originally built way back in 1857 as a free trail, it evolved into a toll wagon road by 1870, making it one of the OG routes into Yosemite. Spanning about 31.4 miles, this road is a real adventure. It is possible to drive through in 3 hours. Be ready to yield in spots, as it can get pretty narrow, and remember: uphill traffic always has the right of way! Starting from the Coulterville side at Bull Creek Road can make things a bit smoother. Expect mostly easy dirt, but some sections definitely demand high-clearance 4WD. Also, be mindful of those tight, brushy areas – they can leave a few love scratches on your ride if you're not careful. This road is usually open from April to December, but Mother Nature calls the shots. It's essential to check conditions before you go, especially in spring and fall. A good forest service map is a must-have since the trail crisscrosses with other roads. After a good downpour, it could get impassable. But even light rain shouldn't be a problem for 4x4s in the usually dry autumn months. If it's dry, you can even tackle it with a 2WD, though you might find those deep ruts a bit tricky.
extremeGetting to Vieques: Essential Logistics
🌍 Puerto Rico
Vieques, a Puerto Rican paradise, is a crazy mix of stunning beaches and a seriously sobering past. Picture this: you're cruising along the coast, soaking up the sun, but half the island is off-limits because it used to be a live-fire bombing range. Yeah, you read that right. Getting here is half the fun – ferry from Ceiba or a quick flight. You'll want a Jeep or scooter to tackle the rough dirt roads leading to the beaches in the old military zones (now a National Wildlife Refuge). Pro-tip: pack everything you need – water, snacks, the works. There's nothing out there! So, there are roads within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge – old military service roads. Some are decent enough to get you to beaches like Caracas, but others? Forget about it. Fenced off, warning signs, the whole shebang. These lead straight into the former "Live Impact Area" (gulp), and they're seriously off-limits. The deal is, the U.S. Navy used this place for target practice for 60 years. That means unexploded bombs are still buried in the sand. Local authorities are crystal clear: stick to the marked roads and beaches. Seriously, DO NOT touch anything that looks like metal. It's not worth it. Most folks stick to the beaches inside the safe refuge zones. You'll find hotels and rentals in Isabel Segunda and Esperanza, but once you're in the Refuge, it's BYOE (bring your own everything). The weird part is knowing that right past that fence, down that overgrown road, are even more incredible views you just can't get to. It's a total mind trip. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! The good news is that this extreme care has created the world's brightest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay. It's a crazy beautiful sight that makes the island's dark history worth considering. Keep an eye out for wild horses and amazing birds. But remember: the UXO danger trumps everything. Those "Do Not Enter" signs are there for a reason! Vieques is an adventure, no doubt. Stunning scenery, strict boundaries, and the constant reminder that there's an invisible danger hiding just beneath your feet. It's a road trip like no other.
moderateWhere is O'Neil Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright road trip warriors, let's talk O'Neil Pass! This beauty clocks in at a cool 6,712 feet above sea level, making it the highest paved road in South Dakota. You'll find it snaking through the Black Hills National Forest in the western part of the state. The whole thing is paved (thank goodness!), and it's actually part of U.S. Route 85. But don't think it's a boring cruise! This stretch throws in some serious climbs, hitting a 7% gradient in spots to keep things interesting. The pass itself runs for about 25 miles, starting near Cheyenne Crossing, South Dakota and ending near Four Corners, Wyoming. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – they love this area! And a word to the wise: winter can get dicey with ice and snow on those curves. Just past the summit, you'll find Trailshead Lodge. So if you're looking for a cozy cabin or some snowmobiling action, you know where to stop!