Is 17-Mile Drive Paved?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: cruising along the iconic 17-Mile Drive! It's a completely paved road that hugs a seriously romantic coastline – think dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. This scenic loop winds its way between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, and yeah, it's a toll road, but trust me, it's worth every penny.
The drive itself is only 17 miles long, but you'll want to budget at least a few hours. This area was originally designed as a scenic route for guests to the Hotel del Monte. You'll be captivated by views of the Pacific Ocean, Del Monte Forest, and some seriously stunning homes.
The road is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. This is an unforgettable road trip with viewpoints that will blow your mind. Just be sure to factor in time for plenty of stops to soak it all in – you won't want to miss a single photo op! Honestly, any time of year is great for this drive, but a sunny day is pure magic.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
easyA beautiful alpine drive to Tioga Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled between Tuolumne and Mono counties in California, lies the stunning Tioga Pass, soaring to a breathtaking 9,960ft. It's one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State! This epic stretch of road, also known as Tioga Road (part of CA-120), winds for 67.3 miles from Lee Vining to Big Oak Flat. Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience. The entire road is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Built initially for mining back in the 1880s, it got a serious upgrade in 1961, making it the scenic marvel it is today. Trust me, this drive is legendary! You'll be spoiled for choice with endless hiking trails and access to Yosemite's incredible backcountry. Every turn offers a new, postcard-worthy vista. Think forests, meadows, shimmering lakes, and those iconic granite domes. Plus, keep an eye out for Mount Dana standing tall to the east! Now, for the fun part: it’s twisty and curvy—in the best way! It’s a wide two-lane road, so you can soak up the views. But be warned: there aren't many guardrails, so stay focused! The climb is real, especially starting from Lee Vining. You'll ascend almost 3,140 feet over 12 miles with an average gradient of 4.7%. Keep in mind that Tioga Pass is typically open from late spring/early summer to mid-fall, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snowfall dictates opening and closing dates. In heavy snow years, it closes early, maybe October. Lighter snow? You might catch it open as late as December or as early as April. Planning ahead is key!
extremeWhere is Hell's Backbone Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on Hell's Backbone Road in Garfield County, Utah! This dirt road slices through the stunning Dixie National Forest, connecting Boulder and Escalante with a hefty dose of adrenaline. Built way back in the Great Depression, it's a 38-mile (61 km) stretch of unpaved adventure. It's usually fine for regular cars when it's dry, offering a backcountry alternative to the paved highway. Just take it slow and soak it all in – you won't regret it. Now, let's be real: this road's not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, winding, and hugs a ridge with some serious drop-offs. You'll be climbing to a cool 9,232 feet (2,814m), so it's closed during winter due to snow. Plus, it's remote, so come prepared, especially since cell service is non-existent. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! You're rewarded with insane panoramic views. Make sure to stop at the famous Hell's Backbone Bridge, which spans 109 feet, offering a dizzying peek into the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area below. Give yourself 2-3 hours to drive the whole thing, but plan on more to really explore. This road is a must-do for those craving scenery and a touch of adventure.
moderateWhere is Horseshoe Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Horseshoe Lake, a seriously stunning spot nestled high in the California mountains, specifically Mono County. You'll find it hanging out in the Mono Basin, right by the eastern Sierra Nevada and Inyo National Forest. Think postcard-perfect scenery... with a twist. The road in, Lake Mary Road, is a smooth 5.5-mile paved cruise from Mammoth Lakes. Don't get too comfy, though – you'll climb about 1,100 feet, so expect some moderately steep sections. We're talking an average gradient of 3.81% as you wind your way up to 8,996 feet. Heads up: this road is usually a no-go in winter. Once you arrive, you'll find a parking lot. Pro tip: hit it early or late to dodge the crowds. But here’s the thing – Horseshoe Lake has a bit of a dark side. There's naturally occurring carbon dioxide (CO₂) seeping from the ground. Like, a LOT of CO₂. We're talking levels high enough to kill trees and make the soil super toxic. They even call it a "tree kill zone!" Seriously, if you start feeling lightheaded, bail immediately. Camping? Hard pass. While the lake is gorgeous, and serves as a starting point for trails to Mammoth Pass and McLeod Lake, it's essential to be aware of the risks. You'll spot the warning signs, and they're not kidding. In drier years, you might even see the lake shrink, leaving behind a cool sandy beach. So, enjoy the views, snap some pics, but be smart and stay safe!
hardWhat is at the summit of Bald Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Lake County, Oregon, smack-dab in the south-central part of the state. You're about to tackle Bald Butte, a 7,542-foot peak that's all about volcanic vibes, sagebrush seas, and some serious peace and quiet. You're driving through the Fremont-Winema National Forest, a wild wonderland of snow-capped peaks and views for days. Seriously, this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the untamed heart of the Pacific Northwest. So, what's the payoff? At the top, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that was built way back in 1931. It’s surrounded by forested hillsides and panoramic views. Only two of these kinds of towers still stand in Oregon. You can even rent it out for the night! Talk about a unique stay. Now, let's talk about the road. It's about 24.2 miles long, entirely unpaved, and most cars can handle it just fine. BUT – those last two miles? That's where things get interesting. It's steep, it's rocky, and you might have to do some light rock-moving to clear the way. RVs? Probably not a great idea. High clearance is your friend here. The adventure kicks off from the town of Paisley. Fill up your tank and grab some water because you're heading into the boonies. As you climb, you'll cruise through everything from wide-open sage country to thick forests. And oh yeah, the views of Sherman Peak in California are insane!