Hunter Mountain is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Death Valley NP
Usa, north-america
17.21 km
2,185 m
extreme
Year-round
Wanna get seriously off the beaten path? Hunter Mountain Road in Death Valley National Park, California, is calling your name! Tucked away in the park's northwest corner, this backcountry adventure climbs to a cool 7,168 feet (2,185m) in Inyo County, promising epic views between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Nevada.
Spanning 10.7 miles (17.21km), this unpaved trek demands a 4x4 and a spirit for adventure. Expect a wild ride of loose rock, washboard, and stream crossings. While the road is unmaintained and super bumpy, the scenery shifts dramatically as you ascend from the valley floor. Keep your eyes peeled for narrow spots, steep climbs/descents, and potential soft sand or boulders.
Remember, there are no services on this route, so fuel up and pack supplies! And a heads-up: steer clear of any old mine entrances due to potential hazards. Tell someone your plans, pack a map, and grab a backcountry permit if you're hiking. Cell service can be spotty, but 911 works in emergencies. Watch out for wildlife, especially snakes and spiders, and avoid canyons during storms. Water can suddenly appear in washes, so stay alert! During winter, snow and mud can make it impassable. Be prepared for anything!
Where is it?
Hunter Mountain is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Death Valley NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.7387, -103.4275
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.21 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,185 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.7387, -103.4275
Related Roads in north-america
hardA steep old 4wd road to Ruby Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of conquering a Colorado peak? Ruby Mountain, clocking in at a hefty 11,833 feet, might just be your next obsession. Tucked away in Summit County within the Arapaho National Forest, this beauty offers views for days. The road? Think rugged. We're talking totally unpaved, old-school mine road vibes. Word is, motorized vehicles are a no-go these days, but the views from the top are supposed to be incredible. If you’re thinking about tackling this one, know it's STEEP! From Peru Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 260), it's a short but intense climb— just over half a mile, gaining about 460 feet. That's a gradient that will definitely get your heart pumping. Expect access roughly from March to November, but even then, remember that lingering snow at the summit can stick around well into July. Early birds might find the lower sections clear sooner.
hardWhere is Wheeler Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, cruising between Alma and Breckenridge in the Pike National Forest. Granite peaks tower all around as you bounce along an unpaved road (Pv32 if you're looking for it). This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking a seriously rough track with big, loose rocks that demand respect. This 3-mile trail climbs 1,220 feet from the west end of the Montgomery Reservoir, boasting an average grade of 7.73%, with some sections hitting a crazy 18.2% incline. You definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the three main obstacles and multiple creek crossings. Trust me, leave the family sedan at home. This high-altitude alpine escape sits at a whopping 12,194 feet! But be warned, this gem is usually buried in snow from October to June, so aim for a summer adventure. Wheeler Lake is absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a challenge with views that'll blow your mind.
extremeThe breathtaking road to Castle Dome in Pima County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Castle Dome in sunny Arizona! This peak sits way up high in the Santa Rita Mountains, smack-dab in the Coronado National Forest. We're talking 6,145 feet above sea level, people! The adventure kicks off from the AZ-83, and the road stretches for about 8.7 miles. It starts out smooth and paved, but don't get too comfy. About 6 miles in, you'll hit gravel, and trust me, it gets even rougher as you climb. This ain't a drive for your grandma's sedan! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Get ready for river crossings, some seriously rocky bits, and a few steep climbs near the top. But the views? Absolutely worth the challenge! Get ready for some unforgettable Arizona scenery.
hardPigeon Spring Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Pigeon Spring Road in Gila County, Arizona, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 1.4-mile gravelly climb that'll get your heart pumping. You'll top out at around 5,740 feet, so be ready for some killer views. Word to the wise: this area can get snowy at the higher elevations after winter storms, while the lower sections can be scorchers in the summertime. Get ready for a ride!