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
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe Ultimate Road Trip on the Joe Brown Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for the Joe Brown Highway – also known as the Unicoi Turnpike – a true backroads adventure snaking through the wild heart of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee! This beauty stretches for about 40 miles (65 km) between Tellico Plains, TN, and Murphy, NC. Picture this: mostly paved roads (20 miles of twists and turns!), then BAM! You hit about 10 miles of well-maintained dirt. It's car-friendly, but maybe leave the buses and big rigs at home for this one – it gets narrow and winding with zero spots to turn around. You'll climb to about 2,053 feet (626 meters) at Unicoi Gap. Give yourself at least 2 hours to soak it all in, but trust me, you'll want to stop for photos. Fair warning: cell service is pretty much non-existent for most of the drive. You're essentially following an old trading route used by the Cherokee, so you're cruising through history.
moderateWhere is Steptoe Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Washington State, heading towards this lone peak called Steptoe Butte, rising dramatically from the Palouse Hills. You'll find it in Whitman County, right on the southeastern edge of the state. This place used to be known as Pyramid Peak, but now it's named after Colonel Edward Steptoe. The road up is fully paved, though let's just say it's seen better days. It's narrow and winding, with no guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road. The climb starts on A635 Road (on Greenfield) and it's about 4.1 miles (6.59km) to the top, gaining 343 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 5.20%, so be prepared for a bit of a steep climb! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Once you reach the summit parking area, you're treated to a 360-degree panorama of the rolling Palouse landscape. It's stunning! Just remember, the road's open year-round for day use, but winter driving can be tricky with snow and ice, so be extra careful. Oh, and the summit's got some communication towers, in case you're wondering what those are. Don't forget your camera!
hardWenatchee Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Wenatchee Mountain in central Washington State, a beast of a peak topping out at 6,755 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be climbing high above the Mission Ridge Ski Resort, and trust me, the views from the lookout near the summit are worth the trek. But here's the thing: this road is a gravelly, rocky, bumpy ride that demands respect. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Expect steep climbs and a road that's slow going. We're talking ruts, rocks, and potentially tricky conditions. Keep an eye on the weather too - thunderstorms can quickly turn this road into a 4x4-only situation, or even make it impassable! And be prepared for some serious wind at the top – it can really whip up there. Basically, this road is a challenging climb, but with stunning panoramic views that make it an unforgettable adventure. Just be prepared! Also, the road is typically closed from October to June, weather permitting.
hardWhere is Priest Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna escape to Montana? Priest Pass is calling your name! This high-altitude beauty sits at 6,010 feet on the Continental Divide, straddling Powell and Lewis and Clark counties, west of Helena. The pass got its name from Valentine Priest, a road-building legend who knew how to carve a route through these mountains. Back in the gold rush days, Priest Pass Road was one of the first toll roads in Montana, a wild west adventure in itself! Speaking of the road, it's about 8.3 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. Be warned, though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, known as Priest Pass Road, is entirely unpaved and can get seriously steep, with grades hitting almost 14% in spots. The western side is a bit rough and rocky, so make sure your rig is up to the challenge. The eastern side is smoother, with hard-packed dirt perfect for letting loose. Keep in mind, you're up in the Rockies, so winter brings a whole lotta snow. Priest Pass becomes a different beast entirely when the snow flies. But if you're looking for stunning views, a bit of history, and a thrilling drive, Priest Pass is a Montana must-do. Plus, it's right near the Continental Divide Trail!