
O'Neal Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,930 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! O'Neal Peak in northeastern Nevada is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of Nevada's highest roads, topping out at a whopping 9,612 feet!
The road to the summit is a rugged gravel track with hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Picture this: a super steep, maintained jeep trail that basically goes straight over the peak. You'll definitely need a 4x4 beast to conquer this one.
Generally, you can hit this road from June to October, when the snow's gone. But heads up โ even a little rain can turn this road into a challenge, so keep an eye out for loose gravel surprises. Seriously, prep is key! And even in summer, pack for winter weather because, mountains.
But all that effort is worth it for the views! Forest Road 140 is a drive to remember, a real journey into the wild heart of Nevada. Get ready for an adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,930 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Ranchos Peak?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Wanna get off the beaten path in northern New Mexico? Head to Ranchos Peak in Taos County! This summit sits pretty high up, offering a real, raw off-road experience east of Taos, right on the edge of the Carson National Forest. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. This 5.4-mile route is an unpaved logging road, meaning it's rough. Think deep ruts, loose rocks, and mud that'll swallow your tires after rain or snow. You'll NEED a 4x4 with high clearance โ seriously, don't even think about trying this in a regular SUV. Over those 5.4 miles, you'll climb almost 1,500 feet, with some steep sections that'll test your driving skills. Plus, the air gets thin up there (we're talking almost 9,200 feet!), so be prepared for your engine to work a little harder. Keep an eye on the weather! Northern New Mexico can be a bit crazy, and sudden thunderstorms can turn that dusty track into a slippery mess. Winter? Forget about it โ this road's usually snowed in. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are insane, with a massive vantage point over the Taos plateau and the volcanic landscape. Just remember to stick to the trails and respect the local signage, as you'll be near tribal lands.
moderateDriving the historic road to Walker Pass in California
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Walker Pass! This epic mountain pass sits way up high in California's Kern County, clocking in at a cool 5,259 feet. You'll find it in the southern Sierra Nevada, connecting the San Joaquin Valley with the Mojave Desert. This pass has some serious history. It's named after Joseph Walker, a total legend who blazed trails through here back in the 1800s. Think wagon trains and Gold Rush pioneers! These days, it's a fully paved road โ State Route 178 โ but don't let that fool you. This isn't your average cruise. It's a twisting, turning two-lane adventure that stretches for about 19.4 miles between Canebrake and Freeman Village. The pass is usually open year-round, making it a pretty reliable route. However, keep an eye on the weather during winter, because it can get snowy, and temporary closures happen. Plus, watch out for rockfalls โ those sneaky rocks can be a hazard any time of year! But hey, the views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Cumberland Pass?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, buckle up for a killer Colorado adventure! Cumberland Pass, clocking in at a whopping 12,040 feet above sea level, sits pretty in Gunnison County. Word on the street is, itโs one of the highest roads you can cruise in a regular car during the summer. You'll find this gem nestled in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. Built way back in 1882 and spruced up a few times since, it's a historic ride! Cumberland Pass Road (County Road 765) stretches for about 15.8 miles, running from the quirky town of Tincup down to Pitkin. Now, about the road itself: it's unpaved but usually in pretty good shape. It can get a little bumpy and washboard-y in spots. Most cars can handle it, whether you've got 4WD or not. It's not crazy steep, but there are some narrow sections and drop-offs, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Heads up: this pass is buried in snow most of the year, usually closed from late October to late June or early July. But is it worth it? Absolutely! This is a seriously scenic and historic drive. You'll wind through gorgeous pine forests, past old mine entrances (stay out!), and eventually pop above the treeline for jaw-dropping views. From the top, you can see over 50 miles of the Continental Divide. It's an unforgettable road trip!
moderateDenali Highway in Alaska is one of America's top drives
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Alaska and craving off-the-beaten-path beauty, you HAVE to check out the Denali Highway (Alaska Route 8). This isn't your average smooth ride, though โ it's a 135-mile (217km) adventure from Paxson (on the Richardson Highway) to Cantwell (on the Parks Highway), and a whole lotta it is unpaved! Think gravel, not mud, with some potentially sharp rocks thrown in for good measure. Expect some 'washboard' road stretches and plenty of dust, especially after rain. They recommend sticking to 30 mph (48 km/h), and trust me, you'll probably want to. Parts of the road are well-maintained, othersโฆ well, let's just say they're "character-building." Opened way back in 1957, the Denali Highway offers gentle climbs and great visibility. But pro tip: bring a spare tire (or two!), as flats are pretty common. A lot of rental companies freak out about this road, but some will let you take their cars on it, so do your research! Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late May because, you know, Alaska. You'll climb from the forest into stunning tundra and taiga, with the majestic Alaska Range as your backdrop. Starting at 2,750 ft in Paxson, you'll eventually hit Maclaren Summit at 4,101ft (1.250m), one of the highest passes in Alaska! Seriously, this drive is unforgettable. Give yourself 4-5 hours *without* stops, but honestly, you'll want more time to soak it all in. Consider an overnight stay! And the best part? You might only see a few other cars the entire time โ talk about escaping the crowds!