Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a picturesque 50-mile route in California
Usa, north-america
80.5 km
7 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Fresno County, California? You HAVE to hit the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway! This paved road (California 180) is your gateway to Kings Canyon National Park, stretching 50 miles from the foothills outside Fresno all the way to Cedar Grove.
Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this is no straight shot – get ready for a snaking, two-lane rollercoaster with more twists and turns than you can count, and some serious drop-offs! Maybe leave the big trailers at home; anything over 24 feet might have a tough time. You'll climb to a whopping 6,843 feet above sea level, so keep an eye on the calendar – the section below the Hume Lake turnoff usually closes for winter from mid-October to mid-May.
Budget 2-3 hours for the drive, but honestly, clear your whole day. You'll want to stop at every scenic pullout! This road is all about the views: jaw-dropping geological formations, the roaring Kings River, and majestic groves of giant sequoias. As you wind your way up, prepare for mind-blowing panoramas, soaring granite cliffs, and dramatic shifts in the scenery as you gain 4,000 feet. Think unique geological displays, breathtaking vistas and a showcase of nature's wonderland! Explore natural caves, hit the hiking trails, and soak up the best outdoor recreation California has to offer. Seriously, this drive is internationally significant for its beauty, so get ready to be amazed!
Where is it?
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a picturesque 50-mile route in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5731, -100.3265
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 80.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 7 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.5731, -100.3265
Related Roads in north-america
moderateAdventure along the curvy Road Mexico 199
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Mexico 199 in Chiapas! This isn't just a road, it's an *experience*, winding its way through the mountains with views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at 227 kilometers (that’s 141 miles for my imperial friends), this fully paved road throws a whole lotta curves your way – we're talking *hundreds* of turns. Get ready for some steep climbs, too! You'll start near Palenque at a breezy 60 meters above sea level, and then ascend all the way up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, perched high in the Central Highlands at a cool 2,200 meters. Get ready for a change in temperature as well as altitude! This drive isn't for the faint of heart, but the scenery is totally worth it!
hardCanoe Mountain is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Canoe Mountain in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, home to some seriously epic views and one heck of a climb! This isn't your Sunday drive – at 2,628m (8,622ft), it's one of Canada's highest roads! Nestled in the Monashee Range, this is off-road heaven. Canoe Mountain Road is a rugged, unpaved path leading to a CBC TV tower at the very top, which, FYI, is supposedly the highest vehicle-accessible launch spot in the country. Picture yourself at the edge of the world! Summer is your window of opportunity, and you absolutely need a 4x4 or ATV to conquer this beast. The road's seen better days, so expect slow and steady progress. We're talking narrow stretches, hairpin turns, lots of loose gravel, and some seriously steep climbs near the summit. Starting from BC-5 Highway, it's a 12.60 km (7.83 mi) trek to the top, with a whopping 1,809 meters of elevation gain! That's an average gradient of 14.35%, so hold on tight! Being the northernmost peak of the Monashees pays off big time with panoramic views in every direction. Get ready for mind-blowing vistas of Kinbasket Lake and surrounding landscapes. Plus, at the summit, you'll find a memorial to Daniel Cantin. Get your camera ready - you won't want to miss this!
hardWhere is Cerro Gordo Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Cerro Gordo Peak in California's Inyo County. "Fat Hill," as the Spanish translation goes, is nestled within the Inyo Mountains, boasting a summit with some seriously cool communication towers. Now, the road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup. We're talking totally unpaved, rough as guts, and skinny enough to make you sweat. Forget about anything but a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure. From the historic Cerro Gordo Ghost Town (once California's silver king!), you're looking at a roughly 8-mile climb. But oh, what a climb! You'll gain over 4,800 feet in elevation, with gradients reaching a butt-clenching 12% in spots. Talk about steep! Word to the wise: This road is usually a no-go from late October until at least late June or early July. Winter in the Inyo Mountains is not for the faint of heart!
hardHow long is the Kane Creek Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Moab, Utah, you NEED to check out Kane Creek Canyon Road. Seriously, this isn't just a drive, it's an adventure. Spanning about 13.4 miles in San Juan County, this trail isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking countless creek crossings - you'll lose count, easily over 60! The path winds along the canyon floor, a wild ride from US-191 to County Road 145. Give yourself plenty of time to savor this gem; it's not a quick zip. This trail is super popular, especially during holidays, and there are tons of awesome camping spots nearby. Now, let's get real. This road demands respect. Experienced drivers only! You'll want a high-clearance SUV or ATV to tackle those steep climbs and drops, soft sand, and rocky sections. Be prepared for potential ledges, waterfalls, deep mud, and loose dirt. Even when the creek seems calm, you might encounter water up to 4 feet deep! The road's always changing due to erosion, but they usually keep it in decent shape. Keep a close eye on the weather, as heavy rain can make things impassable, and flash floods are a real concern in this narrow canyon. Some sections near the creek can wash out completely. Be alert and always check conditions before you go!