Mattole Road is a Lost Coastal Scenic Drive in California

Mattole Road is a Lost Coastal Scenic Drive in California

Usa, north-america

Length

104 km

Elevation

742 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an unforgettable road trip along the Mattole Road, also known as the Lost Coast Scenic Drive! Tucked away in Humboldt County, California, this 65-mile (104 km) route offers a glimpse into the wildest side of the Golden State.

Prepare for an adventure! The road starts near US-101 and winds its way to Ferndale, with a mix of paved and short unpaved sections that add to the rustic charm. Expect steep climbs, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,434 feet (742 m).

Heads up: this road can be a bit rough. Watch out for potholes and the occasional partially washed-out area. It's best to avoid driving in the rain or at night. Cell service is spotty, so download those maps beforehand! Keep an eye out for tsunami warning signs too, as this area is seismically active. The two-lane road can be narrow, with plenty of curves and gravelly switchbacks, so take your time.

But trust me, the views are worth it! The dramatic ocean vistas are breathtaking. Even before the ocean comes into full view, the drive itself is awe-inspiring. It'll take around 2 hours to complete the drive, so pack some snacks and get ready to soak in the scenery. Mattole Road offers incredible views of California's "Lost Coast," the longest completely undeveloped stretch of shoreline in the state. It's no wonder National Geographic thinks it's one of the most scenic drives in the U.S.!

Where is it?

Mattole Road is a Lost Coastal Scenic Drive in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.6629, -94.4665

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
104 km
Max Elevation
742 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
40.6629, -94.4665

Related Roads in north-america

Calamity Passextreme

Calamity Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Colorado, you HAVE to check out Calamity Pass! Perched way up high in Jackson County, inside Rocky Mountain National Park, this beast hits a whopping 9,698 feet above sea level. Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking a rugged, gravel 4wd track, also known as Forest Service Road 740 (or Teller Divide). This isn't your Sunday drive – be prepared for a bit of a rocky and muddy challenge, especially that last mile coming from Rand; it gets seriously steep and rocky! Word to the wise: keep a close eye on the weather! This route is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, so definitely don't tackle it in bad conditions. Plus, those icy patches can sneak up on you. But if you're up for it, the views are absolutely insane and worth every bump in the road. Get ready for some epic scenery!

Where is Kelso-Cima Road?moderate

Where is Kelso-Cima Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising Kelso-Cima Road is a must-do if you're exploring the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. This roughly 19-mile stretch cuts right through the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, linking the historic Kelso Depot with the tiny outpost of Cima, perched high in a mountain pass. Keep your eyes peeled, though, because while the road is generally in good shape for any car, some sections are showing their age with some seriously bumpy patchwork. You might get bounced around a bit! Also, flash floods can be a hazard, so check local conditions before you head out. And speaking of hazards, watch out for the local wildlife, especially the desert tortoise. You might even spot some funny "Drive Like a Tortoise" signs – a reminder that speeding is a big no-no in the Preserve, even though the limit's around 55 mph. Why is this drive worth it? Well, for starters, it's your gateway to some incredible Mojave sights. You'll pass the stunning Kelso Depot Visitor Center, a beautiful old building with tons of info about the area. Then there's the perfectly symmetrical Cima Dome, a photographer's dream. And, of course, you'll be surrounded by the world's largest and densest Joshua tree forest, especially as you approach Cima. The elevation at Cima gives you incredible views! Just remember that cell service is spotty, so plan ahead. Kelso-Cima Road isn't just a drive; it's an experience!

When was Ruta Tepehuana built?hard

When was Ruta Tepehuana built?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Ruta Tepehuana (Camino a Huzamota) is located in Durango, Mexico. This road is known for being windy, narrow, and potentially hazardous, offering views of the Sierra Madre mountains and canyons. Elevations range from 2,700 meters above sea level to the canyon's bottom at 500-0 meters. When was Ruta Tepehuana built? The road was inaugurated in 2014 and became a fully operational paved road by 2016. It passes through five different biomes: painted desert, cactus desert, pine forest, oak forest, and tropical jungle. How long is Ruta Tepehuana? Spanning 288 km (178 miles), this steep road connects Durango city with the area near Jesus María in Nayarit. How’s driving Ruta Tepehuana? The road's first section includes a mountain pass and a canyon pass. Starting at 1,430 meters above sea level in Mezquital, Durango, it rises to 2,490 meters, offering views of the Mezquital valley and canyons. It then descends to Temoaya town at 1,300 meters and further to the Mezquital River at 1,090 meters. After crossing the river, the road climbs to 2,540 meters, with views of the Mezquital canyon, pine forests, cactus deserts, and oak forests. The next segment descends to Huazamota, starting from Llano Grande at 2,300 meters and moving through a pine forest stretch up to 2,700 meters. Owned by the indigenous Tepehuan people, the road then descends from Mesa de las Milpas community at 2,600 meters to 600 meters in San Antonio de Padua over less than 35 kilometers. This descent passes through pine and oak forests, tropical forests, and cactus-laden canyon areas. After San Juan Peyotan, there is a junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44, offering views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In either direction, the road offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, either towards Is Ruta Tepehuana dangerous? You might see only one or two vehicles per hour, but many pedestrians, mainly indigenous people. The area is known for drug trafficking and has a high risk of kidnappings or extortion. The road features sharp turns and challenging curves. Speeds rarely exceed 40 mph and are often closer to 30 mph. Some areas lack signals and road paint, complicating night driving. Potholes and Falling Rocks: Potholes are common, especially near mountain cuts, and falling rocks are a hazard. Pedestrians and Guardrails: Pedestrians sometimes walk in the middle of the road. Some areas lack guardrails beside canyons. Driving at night is not recommended due to sharp turns and frequent fog. The route has steep and extended downhill sections, which can overheat brakes. Engine braking is essential to prevent brake failure. The elevation changes by a combined total of 4,000 meters. Sparse throughout most of the route. Road suggested by: Eblem Torres Cumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaks Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Where is Cayuse Pass?hard

Where is Cayuse Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Cayuse Pass is calling! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Washington State, hovering around [elevation] above sea level. You'll find it straddling the line between Pierce and Yakima counties, smack-dab in the heart of central Washington. Get ready for a fully paved but seriously twisty and turny ride. You'll be gripping the wheel the entire way! At the top, you'll hit a junction. This epic stretch is about 10.12 miles long, running north-south from State Route 123. Word to the wise: Cayuse Pass is a fair-weather friend. Typically, it shuts down around November due to heavy snow, and doesn't thaw out until sometime in May. Snowdrifts can get HUGE, which combined with avalanche danger, icy roads, and limited emergency services, makes it a no-go zone in winter. So, plan your trip accordingly and get ready for some killer views – when you can actually *see* them!