How long is Old Priest Grade Road?
Usa, north-america
2.89 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California is a wild ride! Nestled in the Western Sierra, this 1.8-mile stretch from Moccasin to Priest might be short, but it packs a serious punch. Think switchbacks, hairpin turns, and grades hitting up to 20%!
This paved road has some serious history, evolving from a Native American path to a wagon route for gold miners back in the day. Now, it's a white-knuckle climb best left to passenger vehicles with good brakes – trucks, RVs, and trailers need not apply.
Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's steepness can cause overheating, especially in summer. Rain makes it slippery, and rock slides are a real possibility. Oh, and did I mention it's super popular with Yosemite-bound traffic?
Despite the challenges, the views are totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe say a little prayer to the mountain gods. Just remember to check conditions before you go, because winter can make things extra dicey with all that ice!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.89 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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