Mana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island

Mana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island

Usa, north-america

Length

69 km

Elevation

2,223 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Aloha, adventure seekers! Ever heard of Mana Road on the Big Island of Hawai'i? This hidden gem stretches for almost 43 miles, linking Mauna Kea Access Road with the Mamalahoa Highway near Waimea. Trust me, this isn't your average Sunday drive.

This winding dirt road hugs the slopes of Mauna Kea, soaring to a breezy 7,293 feet above sea level. The terrain is seriously mixed – think smooth pavement that quickly turns into a rugged mix of red dirt, loose rocks, and mud pits.

Word to the wise: rental cars are a no-go, even the 4WD ones (the rental companies *really* don't want you here). While 4WD isn't always a must in good weather, high ground clearance definitely is to navigate some seriously deep ruts. Be prepared for anything – sunshine, wind, rain, you name it. The weather up here can change on a dime. And pack plenty of water and gas!

Budget about 5-6 hours to soak it all in. You'll be cruising through wide-open ranchlands, tackling some killer climbs, and navigating fast, technical downhills. And the views? Absolutely insane, especially the sweeping vistas of the volcano. Seriously, though, this place is breathtaking. Just proceed with caution!

Where is it?

Mana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 32.1430, -98.8587

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
69 km
Max Elevation
2,223 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
32.1430, -98.8587

Related Roads in north-america

Supreme Lifthard

Supreme Lift

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so Utah's got some serious hidden gems, and the Supreme Lift road is one of them! Perched way up in Salt Lake County, this gravel and rocky trail climbs to a dizzying 10,498 feet. We're talking serious altitude here! Tucked inside the Wasatch Mountain Range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. It's actually a service road for the Alta ski resort chairlift, and it’s STEEP - some parts hit a wild 30% grade. Seriously, plan accordingly. The window to tackle this one is super short, think late August. And even then, Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect strong winds (it’s basically a constant), and don’t be surprised by a random snow flurry, even in summer. Winter? Forget about it! Brutal is an understatement. But if you time it right, the views from the top, overlooking Alta, are absolutely killer!

Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highwayextreme

Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highway

🇺🇸 Usa

Ever heard of a road to nowhere? Head to the Angeles National Forest, just above Azusa, California, and check out Shoemaker Canyon Road! This abandoned route, nicknamed "Armageddon Highway" and "Convict Road," has a wild history. Back in the Cold War days, the plan was to build an escape route out of Los Angeles in case of a nuclear attack. The road stretches for about 4.4 miles from East Fork Road and features two seriously cool, abandoned tunnels. You’ll be surrounded by classic California chaparral and some pretty awesome canyon views. Imagine this: Inmates started building this road in 1956, but construction stopped in 1969 due to budget cuts. Today, you can drive the first 1.8 miles on pavement. Then, it's time to hike or bike the rest on a well-maintained dirt path. The road gradually climbs uphill to those awesome tunnels, which are located 1.8 and 2.6 miles past the closed gate. Be warned, they're pretty dark inside and can be a bit spooky! And remember, this is the San Gabriel Mountains, so the weather can be extreme. Avoid the midday sun (virtually no shade except in the tunnels), let someone know your plans, and be prepared for heat in the summer or winter storms. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Where’s Mount Misery Road?extreme

Where’s Mount Misery Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip time! Ever heard of Mount Misery Road? It's this super creepy, super narrow, winding road in Suffolk County, New York. You'll find it tucked away in West Hills County Park, in Huntington, Long Island. So, it's not exactly a long haul – barely over half a mile, really. It starts at Chichester Road/Hartman Hill Road and dead-ends pretty quickly; after that, it's unpaved and closed. But trust me, its short length doesn't make it any less intense! South of Jericho Turnpike, this place has a serious reputation. It's famous for being seriously haunted, with urban legends galore. Think dense woods, a twisting path, and a whole bunch of spooky stories. The Native American tribes apparently thought the area was cursed, and the creepy vibes have just built up over the centuries. If you're into ghost stories and paranormal stuff, Mount Misery Road is a must-see!

Masket Peakhard

Masket Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! Masket Peak in Nevada's Nye County is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a serious climb to 10,187 feet! Picture this: a super rugged, bumpy, and tippy trail that demands respect. Winter? Forget about it – this road's a no-go. Experienced off-roaders only! The path is narrow, so keep an eye out, because passing another vehicle can be tricky. High clearance is an absolute MUST! And hold on tight, because it gets steep! Rainy days turn this trail into a muddy adventure, so be prepared for a challenge. But the views? Totally worth it. Get ready for some seriously epic Nevada scenery!