Kaiser Pass is a classic road trip in Sierra National Forest

Kaiser Pass is a super high mountain pass nestled in Fresno County, California, clocking in at a whopping 9,196 feet! It's definitely one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State.

The road itself, aptly named Kaiser Pass Road, is a fully paved adventure that winds for about 22.4 miles from CA-168 (near Huntington Lake) all the way to Florence Lake.

Now, a word of caution: if you're not a fan of narrow mountain roads where backing up for oncoming traffic is the norm, this might not be your cup of tea. It's a winding, sometimes one-lane (ish) road, so take it slow and easy. There are pull-over spots, but be prepared to do a little maneuvering. Big rigs and trailers? Probably best to skip this one. The road gets steep, with grades hitting 12% in some spots. For a good chunk of the drive, it feels like you're on a goat path: narrow, steep, twisty, exposed, and riddled with potholes. The first five miles are smooth sailing on a two-lane highway, but the last 12 miles get pretty narrow and curvy. You'll be cruising at around 20 MPH, tops. There are only 3 areas that are cliffy.

Perched high in the Sierras, the road is usually closed during the winter months, typically open from late May to mid-November. If you're heading up during shoulder seasons, be prepared for anything – winter driving conditions might call for chains or cables, and the weather can change on a dime.

Located in the Sierra National Forest, the views are incredible. Set aside about 1.5 hours to drive it without stopping. Also, keep in mind this is bear country, so store your food properly and definitely don't feed the wildlife. And don't forget your mosquito repellent!