
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 β 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 β 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
hardSpruce Mountain
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer spot for you: Spruce Mountain in Wyoming's Albany County. We're talking serious altitude here, a whopping 10,009 feet above sea level! You'll find this beauty nestled within the Medicine Bow National Forest, accessible via French Creek Road (aka Forest Road 500). Now, heads up, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road β it's a gravelly 4WD track that'll put your skills to the test. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather! This road is a no-go when things get gnarly. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, not to mention the ever-present risk of icy patches. Expect it to be a bit rocky and muddy, too. Be prepared for some serious altitude adjustments, folks. While summer days can be a pleasant 70 degrees, nights (and those afternoon thunderstorms!) can send temps plummeting to a chilly 30. And don't forget the wind β it's a regular visitor up here. But the views? Totally worth it! Plus, there's a lookout tower at the summit just waiting for you.
moderateWhere is Arizona Snowbowl?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Arizona Snowbowl? Awesome choice! This ski resort sits way up high, at a whopping 9,553 feet in Coconino County. You'll find it nestled about 12 miles outside of Flagstaff, right in the heart of the Coconino National Forest. The drive up is totally paved β smooth sailing on Snow Bowl Road! But hold on, it's not a boring cruise. Get ready for a climb! Over 7 miles (that's about 11.2 km), you'll gain a hefty 671 meters in elevation. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 11%. The average incline is around 6%, so keep that in mind. But trust me, the views from the top are absolutely worth it!
hardWhere is Sedgwick Peak?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in Idaho? Sedgwick Peak is calling your name! Tucked away in Bannock County, inside the Caribou-Targhee National Forest south of Pocatello, this bad boy tops out at 9,156 feet. Word has it that it *might* be named after General John Sedgwick, but who really knows for sure? So, how do you get there? Road W, baby! It's a completely unpaved climb to the summit, with views for days. But hold your horses - this isn't a Sunday drive. Think steep sections, super rocky terrain, and the need for some serious grip. We're talking a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Trust me, you'll thank me later. The climb starts from Thunder Mountain Road and stretches for about 6.6 miles. You'll gain a solid 2,683 feet in elevation, making for an average grade of around 7.7%. Once you reach the top you will find communication towers, a weather station, and radio equipment. Breathtaking views are your reward! Just remember, good tires and even better brakes are your best friends on the way down!
extremeWhere is Big Southern Butte?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: Big Southern Butte, a massive volcanic dome smack-dab in southern Idaho, near the Craters of the Moon. This thing is HUGE β almost 2.5 miles wide and towering over 2,300 meters. So, how do you get to the top? There's this totally unpaved road that winds its way up, about 7.5 kilometers of pure adventure. Originally built for a fire lookout, which is now gone, the road is still maintained and it climbs almost 800 meters. While full-sized vehicles *can* make it, an ATV or UTV is definitely the way to go. Itβs generally in decent shape, but some sections are seriously steep. Ground clearance and 4WD are a major plus, especially considering the sheer drop-offs β not for the faint of heart! Cell service is spotty too, so be prepared. But trust me, it's worth it. The panoramic views from the top are insane. Seriously, a full 360-degree vista stretching from the Tetons all the way to the south hills of Twin Falls. You can even spot the Pioneer Range, the Lost River Range, and more! Just a heads up: the road's closed in winter. And because it's super remote, pack plenty of food and water β zero services out there. Mid-May to October is usually the sweet spot, weather-wise, but always check conditions before you go. It gets HOT in the summer with zero shade, so cooler times are ideal. And remember, help might be a while coming, so be extra cautious.