How to drive the Black Eagle Mine Road in California?
Usa, north-america
31 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the Black Eagle Mine Road! Nestled in Riverside County, California, this backcountry trail is hidden within Joshua Tree National Park and its surrounding lands.
Stretching just over 19 miles from Pinto Basin Road/Old Dale Road to Eagle Mountain Mine, this unpaved path starts mellow with a sandy surface, but don't get too comfortable. As you venture deeper, things get rougher, demanding four-wheel drive, especially for the return trip. Trust me, you'll want that extra traction!
Keep an eye out for a massive stone roadblock near the end (coordinates 33.867026, -115.579008). Sure, you might squeeze past it, but another, tougher obstacle awaits just a hundred yards beyond.
The weather here is no joke, so skip this trip in the scorching summer months. While the scenery isn't mind-blowing, you'll spot remnants of old mine claims, like Barry Storm's Jade Mine and the Black Eagle Gold Mine. The road skirts Pinto Basin, crisscrosses dry washes, and snakes through canyons in the Eagle Mountains. But a word of caution: the mines may be too dangerous to approach, so admire from afar.
Definitely bring a buddy! Two vehicles are safer than one in case of trouble. Remember, this is a remote area with zero cell service, and the rocky terrain passes by numerous side roads leading to other abandoned gold mines.
Where is it?
How to drive the Black Eagle Mine Road in California? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 33.8670, -115.5790
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 33.8670, -115.5790
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe Drake Bay Bridge is not for the sissies
🌍 Costa Rica
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province, heading from Drake Bay Airport to the dreamy Drake Bay. You're in the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. Suddenly, BAM! You're face-to-face with one of the most mind-blowing bridges ever – right over the Progreso River! Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready for this one. And keep your eyes on the road as you wind your way along the curvy Road 606 and later traverse the Barranca River Bridge. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!
moderateWhere is Teton Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Teton Pass, sitting pretty at 8,435 feet in Wyoming's Teton County, is a wild ride! Nestled in the Bridger-Teton National Forest near the Idaho border, this pass serves up some seriously stunning views at the southern end of the Teton Range. Known as Wyoming Highway 22 (and morphing into Idaho State Highway 33 once you cross state lines), this paved road is a winding adventure. The original route was carved out way back in 1913. Spanning 17.4 miles from Wilson, Wyoming, to Victor, Idaho, Teton Pass usually stays open year-round, though winter can bring closures thanks to gnarly weather. Keep an eye out for avalanche zones, like the infamous Glory Bowl, and remember that trailers aren't allowed during the snowy season. This road ain't for the faint of heart, boasting a maximum 10% gradient! Overweight trucks, beware: the steepness, length, and tight curves can be a recipe for disaster. And after sunset? Let's just say it adds a whole new level of excitement!
moderateWhere is Hoosier Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Hoosier Pass in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high at 11,542 feet, straddling Park and Summit counties, not too far west of Denver. Why "Hoosier"? Blame those pioneers from Indiana, the "Hoosier State." You'll cruise along the fully paved Colorado State Highway 9, a 21.4-mile stretch from Breckenridge down to Fairplay. Expect a smooth ride coming from the south, but be ready for some switchbacks as you head north! It’s not crazy steep, but at 8% grade, you'll definitely feel it. Good news – this Continental Divide crossing is usually open year-round! Keep an eye on the weather though, because winter storms can shut things down. In good weather, any vehicle should be fine. Now, for the truly adventurous: Just west of the main pass, a rugged, unpaved mining road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to the "real" Hoosier Pass at 12,112 feet. This one's for the 4x4 crowd only! Forget all-wheel drive; you'll need the real deal to tackle this steep climb. Trust me, it's worth it for the incredible views of those jagged western mountains! So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and get ready for some seriously stunning Colorado scenery!
hardTravel guide to the top of Quartz Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about Quartz Mountain, a sweet spot in Washington's Spokane County, chilling at 5,183 feet. You'll find it nestled in Mount Spokane State Park, just northeast of Spokane, hanging out in the Selkirk Mountains. Heads up: this road is all dirt! Leave the sedan at home. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Private vehicles aren't allowed on the final stretch, so park it at the Selkirk Lodge and get ready to hike or bike. Why bother? Well, the views from the fire lookout tower at the top are killer, with a full-on panoramic view of the Spokane Valley and into north Idaho. Generally, you can hit this trail from mid-June to mid-October. From Mt Spokane Park Drive, it's a 2.45-mile climb to the top, gaining 660 feet. It's a steady climb, with an average grade of around 5%, so be prepared to work for that view!