How long is the road to Kaiser Pass?
Usa, north-america
36.04 km
2,803 m
moderate
Year-round
Kaiser Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,803m (9,196ft) above sea level, located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s
one of the highest roads in California
How long is the road to Kaiser Pass?
The narrow, bumpy road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Kaiser Pass Road. It’s 36.04km (22.4 miles) long, running from CA-168 (near Huntington Lake) to Florence Lake.
Is the road to Kaiser Pass dangerous?
If you’re scared of driving on narrow mountain roads, where you’ll have to reverse if you meet another vehicle, this road is not for you; better avoid it. It’s a narrow one-lane winding mountain road, so proceed cautiously.
In parts, it’s just wide enough to pull over to let others pass. Large vehicles and trailers are not recommended. The road is steep, hitting a 12% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. For most of its length, it feels more like a goat path: 1 1/2 lanes wide, steep, winding, exposed, and full of potholes.
There are numerous turnouts along the road, but sometimes when vehicles meet, one vehicle has to back up a little for a turnout; it is usually best to back up past the turnout using only your side mirrors and then drive forward into the turnout.
The first 5 miles of the Kaiser Pass road are a nice smooth two-lane highway; then the last 12 miles turn into a rather narrow and curvy more or less one-lane road but paved. You can only drive about 20 MPH. There are only 3 areas that are cliffy.
Set high in the central portion of California, the road is closed to vehicular traffic in the winter. It is typically open from late May through mid-November.
Winter driving in the Sierra National Forest may require tire chains & cables. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
How long does it take to drive the Kaiser Pass Road?
Located within the Sierra National Forest, it’s a scenic drive through the mountains. Plan 1.5 hours to complete the drive without any stops.
This is bear country. Please store food properly and do not feed the bears. Remember to bring mosquito repellent.
A great trip to the top of Ophir Pass in Colorado
A beautiful alpine drive to Tioga Pass in California
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 36.04 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,803 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Owyhee Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits at Owyhee Lake, nestled in eastern Oregon's Lake Owyhee State Park, practically hugging the Idaho border! The drive itself? Epic, but hold on tight. You'll be cruising Owyhee Lake Road, a winding two-lane wonder that was built way back in the '30s. Think paved roads, but with some seriously narrow sections and a moderate climb. This 22.8-mile stretch hugs the Owyhee River, offering stunning, picture-perfect views the whole way. Now, a word of caution: This beauty comes with a few thrills. Expect a road without guardrails, perched about 60 feet above the water. Plus, watch out for unlit, narrow tunnels and the potential for rockfalls. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, too, because summer thunderstorms can trigger mudslides that could block the road. All in all, drive carefully and enjoy the ride!
extremeWhere is Glorieta Baldy?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, let's talk Glorieta Baldy in New Mexico! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a serious climb up to a peak way above sea level, nestled in the Santa Fe National Forest near Glorieta. So, what's the payoff for braving this beast? Epic views and a cool, albeit dilapidated, fire lookout tower at the summit. Built way back in 1940, this 30-foot steel tower definitely has some stories to tell, though it's seen better days since its decommissioning in the early 90s. Heads up: this road is no joke! Forest Service Road 375, is a rugged 7 miles of pure off-road bliss (or terror, depending on your perspective). You'll need serious 4x4 skills, and a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. We're talking steep grades, endless switchbacks, and rocky terrain that'll test your mettle. The climb is real, with a significant elevation gain over those few miles, so get ready for some serious shifting. Expect it to be closed from early September until the snow melts in spring. Trust me, the views are worth the challenge, but come prepared!
moderateWhere is Mount Ka'ala?
🇺🇸 Usa
Aloha, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about conquering Mount Ka'ala on Oahu, Hawaii's third-largest island! This bad boy tops out at 4,038 feet, making it the island's highest point, nestled right in the misty Waianae Range. Now, here's the deal: you can't just cruise up to the summit in your rental car. This peak is home to an FAA tracking station, so the US Army keeps the road pretty locked down from Schofield Barracks. Expect high security and stick to the signs! But don't let that deter you! The road itself, Mount Kaala Road, is a paved beauty, built back in the 40s. Starting from Farrington Highway, it's a 7.7-mile climb, switchbacking its way up with 14 hairpin turns. We're talking a serious elevation gain of 4,020 feet, with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Just a heads-up: up here, the weather can change on a dime! Expect fog and almost 100% humidity, so pack accordingly.
hardVanderbilt
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Vanderbilt, a super cool ghost town nestled in Nevada's Eureka County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road to this old mining town (also known as Geddes) is a mix of gravel and sand, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Word to the wise: conditions change like the Nevada weather! One day it's smooth sailing, the next you're battling washboards. This is seriously remote territory, so make sure your ride is prepped and ready. Break down out here, and you're mostly on your own – plus, cell service can be spotty. Keep an eye out for an ore bin clinging to the mountainside—that's your landmark! Fun fact: This road is actually the remains of the old Eastern California Railway. You'll definitely want something with clearance. A high-clearance two-wheel drive might make it, but for that last stretch, four-wheel drive is your best bet. Dry conditions? Could be a piece of cake. Wet weather? Get ready for a muddy, slippery challenge. Seriously, it can become impassable after it rains. Back in 1870, Vanderbilt was a bustling little place. Think 150 residents, a hotel, stores, restaurants, doctor's offices, saloons – the works! They were pulling gold and silver out of the ground like crazy, employing over 300 miners. Today, all that's left are some mill ruins scattered around Secret Canyon. Nevada's packed with over 600 ghost towns, which is more than actual towns in the state. Pretty wild, right?