Is the road to Cold Springs Summit paved?
Usa, north-america
133 km
2,233 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Let me tell you about Cold Springs Summit, a hidden gem in the heart of California's Madera County. We're talking about a lofty perch sitting pretty at 7,326 feet above sea level!
This is the high point along the legendary Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, also known as the "Secret Yosemite" Byway – and trust me, it lives up to the name. The whole route is a 83-mile adventure with stretches of smooth pavement and a bit of bumpy unpaved action (don't worry, your average car can handle it).
Just a heads up, this beauty is a summer fling! Cold Springs Summit is typically open from June to October, giving you a limited window to experience its magic.
So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! You'll be cruising through the Sierra National Forest, soaking in views that'll make your jaw drop. Park the car, take a little woodland stroll, and BAM! You're overlooking a lush meadow, framed by towering pines, with the mighty Madera Mountain watching over everything. Plus, a quick detour down a side road leads to Chilcoot Lake, perfect for a little extra exploration! And yes, there are restrooms. Bonus!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 133 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,233 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe unpaved mountain road to Marshall Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk Marshall Pass, a real gem nestled in Saguache County, Colorado. This baby sits way up high at 10,842 feet! You'll find it hanging out a bit south of Monarch Pass in central-southern Colorado. Back in the day, a smart guy named Lt. William L. Marshall found it in 1873, and boom, it got his name. The route's pretty cool because it mostly follows an old Denver & Rio Grande railroad line that was headed to Salt Lake City a century ago. So, instead of super steep climbs, it's more of a gentle, winding adventure. They finished the Marshall Pass Toll Road way back in 1878. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical paved highway – it's all unpaved and called Marshall Pass Road. But don't sweat it too much. Under good conditions, most cars can handle it. There are a few bumpy spots, especially on the west side, so take it slow if your car is low to the ground. Keep in mind, this road gets buried in snow during winter and isn't plowed, so it's closed to cars when it's cold. The views? Unreal! You'll be staring at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the whole time. Summer and late fall are especially gorgeous. Plus, there are tons of free campsites near the pass if you're into roughing it! The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles long, going from Sargents (US-50) to Mears Junction (Highway 285).
hardButler Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving some seriously epic views in Southern California, you HAVE to check out Butler Peak in the San Bernardino Mountains. This beast of a peak tops out at 8,431 feet! The road to the top, Forest Road 2N13B (aka Butler Peak Road), is a real adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps – you'll definitely want a vehicle with some ground clearance and decent tires. I’d recommend 4x4, but if you're a confident driver, you *might* be able to get away with 2WD – just be aware of the loose gravel and steep sections. You'll likely find the road closed from October to June, depending on the weather. The payoff is SO worth it! This road, originally built in 1948, winds its way up to a historic fire lookout tower (built in 1931). Just be smart and avoid it during thunderstorms! Once you're at the top, prepare to be blown away by 360-degree views of San Gorgonio Peak, Big Bear Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Apple Valley, and the Inland Empire. It's a panorama you won't forget. Get ready for a steep climb!
easyChinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Chinook Pass in Washington State, a sweet little mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,430 feet. We're talking Yakima County, between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches, right in the heart of the Cascade Range. This totally paved, two-lane ribbon of road—officially known as SR 410, Chinook Scenic Byway, and Stephen Mather Memorial Parkway—hugs the northeast side of majestic Mount Rainier. Completed back in '31, this road is a pure driving joy with twists and turns galore. Five miles east of Cayuse Pass, Chinook Pass marks the eastern gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. Get ready for jaw-dropping views: we're talking Mount Rainier in all its glory, lush forests, sky-high peaks, rugged ridges, and dramatic river canyons. Because commercial vehicles aren't allowed within the park section, it’s a fave for summer road trippers like us. Just a heads-up: Chinook Pass usually shuts down around mid-November and aims to reopen by Memorial Day weekend. But Mother Nature calls the shots, so it all depends on the winter snowfall and spring conditions. The pass closes due to avalanche risks, tricky road conditions, limited space for snow storage, and the lack of nearby emergency services.
moderateWhere is Old Maverick Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Old Maverick Road: your shortcut to desert magic in Big Bend National Park, Texas! This isn't your average highway – it's a 12.6-mile dirt track slicing through the park's western side, connecting Maverick Junction and the legendary Santa Elena Canyon. Think of it as Big Bend's "easiest" off-road adventure, but don't let that fool you. After a rain, those washes can get gnarly! Low-clearance vehicles and RVs should definitely sit this one out. If you're in something sturdy, take it slow and watch out for rough patches and sneaky blind corners. The reward? Unforgettable views of the Terlingua Creek badlands and those epic Santa Elena Canyon cliffs soaring 1,500 feet high. Budget about an hour for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to linger. There's history lurking around every bend, scenic overlooks begging for photos, and the grand finale: Santa Elena Canyon itself. Trust me, that observation point and the hiking trail into the canyon are worth every second. Just keep an eye on the weather – this road can flood fast!