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

What is Pride of the West Tunnel?moderate

What is Pride of the West Tunnel?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to the Pride of the West Mine in Colorado's Chaffee County! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a staggering 12,014 feet above sea level. You'll find the Pride of the West Tunnel, also known as the Billings Tunnel, up there. The tunnel entrance is super cool, with an 1880 keystone marking its start. Apparently, it was built to cut through Pomeroy Peak, but who knows how far it actually goes? Legend has it, there was even a two-story hotel nearby back in the day. The tunnel's still there, but watch out – it's full of water! Some say the whole thing was just a fancy facade to lure investors. Who knows for sure? The 11.6-mile (18.66 km) journey starts from Maysville and is entirely unpaved. Get ready for a bumpy ride with plenty of rocks on Forest Road 240! High clearance is a must, but most stock 4x4s should be able to handle it. Be warned: the last section narrows down to a single lane. Trust me, though, the scenery is SO worth it. Think incredible views and a truly unforgettable experience. Keep in mind, this is Colorado, so winter closures are a thing. Plan your trip accordingly!

Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?moderate

Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Rabbit Ears Pass! This beauty sits way up high in northern Colorado, straddling Jackson and Grand counties, at a cool 9,426 feet. You bet you can drive it! It's U.S. Route 40, all paved, but hold on tight – it gets pretty steep in places, hitting almost 7% grade, and throws in a few hairpin turns just to keep things interesting. Cruise three miles east and you'll drop about 500 feet in elevation. This stretch of highway runs for about 52 miles, winding its way from the charming Steamboat Springs to the town of Kremmling. Word to the wise: Rabbit Ears Pass is typically open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect some closures due to wild weather, especially in winter. It's known as one of the tougher Colorado passes when the snow flies. Despite all that, the scenery is amazing!

Where is Chepeta Lake?moderate

Where is Chepeta Lake?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, so you HAVE to check out Chepeta Lake! This alpine gem sits way up high in northeastern Utah's Ashley National Forest. We're talking serious altitude here! The road in, known as FR 144, is a totally doable dirt road, and honestly, they keep it in pretty good shape, although it gets a little bumpy here and there. Weekends can get a bit crowded with folks heading to the lake, so keep that in mind. It's about 10.8 miles to get there, and the very last bit – maybe 200 yards before you arrive – is just stunning. Seriously, this drive is worth it for the views alone!

A steep paved road to Allison Pass in BChard

A steep paved road to Allison Pass in BC

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Allison Pass in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! You'll find this beauty smack-dab in the middle of Manning Park, nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Fun fact: it's named after a local rancher, John Fall Allison! The road itself is the fully paved BC-3, also known as the Hope-Princeton Highway, and this pass marks its highest point. Get ready for a 126 km (78-mile) journey stretching from Hope (where the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers meet) to Princeton. Now, the road usually stays open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs with those short-term closures. Cyclists and drivers alike, be warned: this stretch can be a beast with some steep climbs and altitudes. Coming from Hope, you'll hit those 7% grades up to the Hope Slide before even starting the climb to Allison Pass – you might even see some trucks pulled over to cool their engines! But trust me, the views are worth it!