How Long Is Howland Hill Road?

How Long Is Howland Hill Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

10.94 km

Elevation

196 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Howland Hill Road in Del Norte County, California, to your bucket list. Yep, this is the spot where they filmed scenes from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi"!

This isn't your average cruise; it's a 6.8-mile (10.94 km) redwood wonderland connecting Crescent City and Hiouchi, peaking at 643 feet (195 meters). Think towering trees and dappled sunlight โ€“ seriously stunning! Give yourself around 35-45 minutes to soak it all in, especially at Stout Grove, home to some of the most postcard-worthy redwoods.

Now, a little heads up: Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball. Winter storms can make parts of the road impassable, and summer might bring road work (usually May-July) and those pesky mosquitos, so pack your bug spray.

Built way back in 1887 as a stagecoach route, it's a narrow, winding adventure. Big rigs and RVs might find it a bit tight, so maybe leave those at the campground. The road surface can be a mix of smooth, hard-packed gravel and some potholed sections, so keep your eyes peeled, but standard cars should be just fine. Get ready for an amazing drive!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
10.94 km
Max Elevation
196 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Is Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?moderate

Is Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic off-road experience, you HAVE to check out the Lolo Motorway in central Idaho. Forest Road 500, as it's officially known, is a 93-mile, mostly unpaved, single-lane dirt track that winds its way through the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive! We're talking rough terrain, super narrow sections, and a whole lot of remoteness. Think stunning views meet serious self-sufficiency. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle (leave the RV and trailers at home!), and be prepared for zero cell service in spots. There are no services out there โ€“ no gas, no stores, nada. It's just you, your trusty vehicle, and the breathtaking scenery. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this road follows the path of the Nez Perce and other tribes, and even Lewis and Clark! Plan for at least 6-8 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to linger and soak it all in. The Lolo Motorway tops out at over 7,000 feet near Indian Postoffice in the Bitterroot Mountains, so keep an eye on the weather. This high-altitude route is usually snow-free from July to September, but conditions can change fast. Basically, if you're looking for a wild, unforgettable road trip through history and nature, the Lolo Motorway is calling your name!

How long is the road to Haleakala?hard

How long is the road to Haleakala?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, buckle up for the Haleakala Highway, Maui's crazy climb! This road, also called Crater Road or Route 378, is paved the whole way. Starting near Kahului, it snakes 35 miles up to the summit of Haleakala at Red Hill, a staggering 10,023 feet above sea level. Built back in the 30s, this road is no joke. Expect some seriously steep sections (up to 15% grade!), with an average gradient of 5.39%. You'll be tackling 32 hairpin turns, some with blind corners and major drop-offs. Keep your eyes peeled for cows and nene geese wandering across the road, and be prepared for fog that can roll in and cut visibility. Fill up your gas tank and grab snacks in Pukalani or Makawao, because that's your last chance. Speaking of bikes, commercial tours have been suspended within the park, so you'll have to drive yourself up. Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to drive to the top without stopping. And trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are unreal, like you're driving on the moon. One thing to remember: it gets cold up there! For every 1,000 feet you climb, the temperature drops about 3 degrees F. The changing landscape is incredible. You'll pass through so many different ecological zones, itโ€™s like driving from Mexico to Canada without leaving Maui!

Buck Ridgehard

Buck Ridge

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Buck Ridge in central Utah! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 10,433 feet in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The road, known as FR0030, is mostly gravel, and let's be honest, it can get pretty rocky, bumpy, and tippy. Basically, youโ€™ll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. This isn't the road to learn how to drive off-road. Definitely avoid this road in winter, and even in good weather, be prepared for some serious slopes. The views are incredible. Just remember, if you're not comfortable with heights, this might not be your cup of tea. And if it's been raining, be ready for some seriously muddy conditions. This trail will test you!

Where is Tucki Mine?extreme

Where is Tucki Mine?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Tucki Mine Road in Death Valley National Park! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 10-mile off-road odyssey west of Stovepipe Wells, deep in the eastern-central heart of the park. Forget your low-riders โ€“ you'll need a serious 4x4 to conquer this bad boy. Think chunky rocks, soul-swallowing gravel, and dry waterfalls that'll have you holding your breath (we're talking 3-4 feet drops!). The road kicks off from Emigrant Canyon Road, about a mile and a half south of the Furnace Creek area. Heads up: Death Valley throws curveballs. Flash floods are a thing, so conditions can change faster than you can say "stuck in the desert." Oh, and pro-tip? Skip this one during the scorching summer months unless you fancy becoming a human popsicle.