How long is Sawyers Bar Road?
Usa, north-america
64.05 km
1,132 m
hard
Year-round
Sawyers Bar Road is a hidden gem nestled in California's Klamath National Forest! This isn't just a drive, it's an experience. We're talking a 64km (almost 40-mile) adventure from Forks of Salmon (at the river forks, duh!) to Etna in Scott Valley.
The best part? The section between Etna Summit (almost 6,000 feet up!) and Sawyers Bar. You’ll start with a steady climb on a fairly straight road, but hold on tight – after the summit, the road narrows, gets way more scenic, and starts twisting like a pretzel! The drop on the other side can hit a wild 18% grade! Expect some seriously slow speeds, like 15-25 km/h, and plan for around 1.5 hours without stops.
Speaking of elevation, you'll reach a height of almost 6,000 feet, with stunning views along the way. But be warned: this isn't for the faint of heart (or those with massive RVs). We're talking one-lane sections, steep drop-offs (think 500 feet straight down!), and the potential for rock slides. It hugs the North Fork of the Salmon River, and the scenery is unreal. Just remember to honk on those blind curves and keep an eye out for erosion. Summer afternoons can get seriously hot! Services are scarce, so fuel up and pack accordingly. If you're an experienced mountain driver looking for a remote, gorgeous, and challenging road, Sawyers Bar is calling your name.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 64.05 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,132 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe spectacular Captain William Moore Bridge in Alaska
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventurers! Let's talk about the Captain William Moore Bridge, a true Alaskan icon just outside Skagway in Southeast Alaska. This isn't just any bridge; it's a gateway to the Yukon and the Klondike, steeped in Gold Rush history! The original bridge, built in '76, spanned a 110-foot drop over Moore Creek Gorge. But here's the kicker: it crosses an active earthquake fault. So, engineers got super clever. They anchored it on one side only, letting the other end wiggle freely during seismic activity. Pretty cool, right? The updated version from 2017 stretches 300 feet, with a wild, asymmetrical cable design. It's built tough to handle heavy traffic, but it keeps that smart, flexible design. Now, the old bridge? It's been retired, but it's not gone! You can stroll across it and soak in the engineering marvel. And since 2019, the Klondike Highway has a new approach, including a buried bridge. You've GOT to see this place to appreciate the sheer ingenuity and stunning scenery.
hardWhere is Medano Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Medano Pass in Colorado is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude trek reaching a whopping 10,013 feet! Nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, this 20-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road goodness (aka County Road 559) will take you from the dunes to Highway 69 in style, or at least, in a very bumpy fashion. Now, let's be real: this road is *rough*. Deep sand? Check. Nine creek crossings? You betcha. Rocky, steep sections that'll test your driving skills? Absolutely. We're talking single-lane shelf roads, moderate grades, and enough loose road surface to keep you on your toes. Seriously, you'll be navigating flat rock obstacles and potentially facing some dicey descents. Oh, and those creek crossings? They can be deceptively deep, especially during spring runoff. We're talking potentially two feet or more of water, depending on the time of year. So, what do you need to tackle this beast? A 4WD vehicle is a *must*. Forget your cute little AWD crossovers; they'll get stuck faster than you can say "I need a tow." Airing down your tires is also a smart move, especially if you're not a sand-driving pro. Keep in mind this pass is typically closed from November to late May due to snow, and even in summer, Mother Nature can throw a wrench in your plans with unexpected closures due to snow or high creek levels. Always check conditions before heading out! If you do brave the journey, expect the drive to take around 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. The warmer months are ideal, but fall offers some seriously stunning scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Seafoam Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Seafoam Lake is a pair of high mountain lakes at an elevation of 2,474m (8,116ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. Where is Seafoam Lake? The lakes are located at the foot of Langer Peak, in the central part of Idaho, within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Is the road to Seafoam Lake unpaved? The road to the crystal-clear lake is completely unpaved, narrow, and rough. It’s called NF-010 (Seafoam Creek Road). 4x4 vehicles with high clearance are required. Along the way, you’ll have to cross a creek. The first part of the road is fairly tame but narrow. After a couple of miles, it starts going up and becomes rocky and pretty steep. 4WD and high clearance will be required to get to the lakes. How long is the road to Seafoam Lake? The road is quite steep. Starting from NF-008, the road to the lake is 7.72km (4.8 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 572 meters. The average gradient is 7.40%. Is the road to Seafoam Lake open in winter? Set high in the Salmon River Mountains, the road to the lakes is closed by snow during the winter. Pic: http://ekkercabin.com/images/Idaho/Stanely/BeaverCreek-2011/Seafoam-Rd-Lake/ Ultimate 4WD destination: Bitter Springs Trail in Nevada A Paved Road to Raynolds Pass on the Montana-Idaho Border 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.
moderateWhere is Owl Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Owl Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,335m (10,941ft) above sea level, located in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of . It is recommended to bring tree removal supplies. Where is Owl Mountain? The peak is located north of , in the northern part of Colorado, within the Routt National Forest . The area is famously known for its moose population. While traveling in the area, keep an eye out for the What’s at the summit of Owl Mountain? At the summit, there’s a weather station, and a lookout was removed a few years ago. Is the road to Owl Mountain unpaved? The road to the summit is . It’s called Forest Service Road 791. The road is suitable for Stock SUVs. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. The drive offers of the Michigan River Valley. How long is the road to Owl Mountain? The road to the summit is , hitting a maximum gradient of 10% through some of the ramps. Starting at Pines Campground on County Road 21, the ascent is 9.01km (5.6 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 532 meters. The average gradient is 5.90%. Travel guide to the top of Crystal Mountain in Washington Forest Road 640 is an epic drive through the mountains of Utah 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.