
Old Train Bridge. Schuyler County, IL
Usa, north-america
2.4 km
15 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, buckle up for California Route 36! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a real rollercoaster of a road, clocking in with a whopping 1,811 turns. Imagine the views as you twist and wind! You'll need your wits about you, but the reward? Pure driving bliss!
Let's not forget Berthoud Pass in Colorado, a truly unforgettable drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 15 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is the Cades Cove Loop Road?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Nestled in Blount County, Tennessee, inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll find the utterly gorgeous Cades Cove Loop Road. It's a 10.4-mile, one-way paved loop that takes you through a breathtaking valley steeped in history and teeming with wildlife. The road itself is narrow and winds gently, following an old logging railroad track. It's open year-round from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting, but heads up: it's closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from mid-June through September. Now, factor in some extra time. While the loop *could* take just 45 minutes without stops, realistically, plan for two to four hours, especially during peak season (summer, fall, and weekends). Trust me, you'll *want* to stop! Cades Cove boasts the largest collection of historic buildings in the park, including churches, cozy log homes, and a working mill. Plus, the surrounding mountains and open valley create incredible opportunities for spotting wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, coyote, elk, fox, and, of course, black bears, especially in the late afternoon or early evening during late summer and fall. The scenery alone is worth the drive, with stunning views around every bend, but the chance to see these amazing creatures makes it unforgettable. Driving this loop is like stepping back in time while being immersed in nature's beauty.
hardWhy is it called Tejon?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Interstate 5 in California, headed toward Tejon Pass. This isn't just any highway; it's a 76-mile stretch connecting the Central Valley to Southern California, and it climbs to a whopping 4,160 feet above sea level! Locals often call it the Grapevine, but that's technically just a super steep 5-mile section with a 6% grade. The whole pass is a gradual climb from the south, but the north side? Get ready for a wild descent! Northbound drivers drop over 2,600 feet in just 11 miles, with some seriously steep sections. Southbound, you'll tackle rolling hills before plunging down a "5-mile grade" that loses over 1,600 feet. Heads up, truckers: there are a couple of runaway truck ramps near the topโthis road means business! And speaking of business, winter here can be brutal. This area's known for sudden weather changes, and heavy snowfall can shut the whole thing down. Icy conditions on those steep grades with holiday traffic? No thanks! But when the sun's out, the views are killer, offering a gateway from the hustle of Los Angeles to the rest of California. Just remember to respect the road, and maybe say a little thank you to Lt. Francisco Ruiz, who named it after spotting a dead badger here way back in 1806!
hardWhere is Daylight Pass?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Daylight Pass! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty high up in California's Inyo County, clocking in at 4,317 feet above sea level. We're talking eastern California, nestled between the Funeral and Grapevine Mountains, practically waving to Arizona, all inside the incredible Death Valley National Park. The drive? Forget about it! Every single bend in Daylight Pass Road (aka Highway 374) serves up a different, ridiculously gorgeous view. And the best part? Tons of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap those Insta-worthy pics. The road itself is paved, a narrow two-laner with practically zero shoulder. So, cruise slow and steady, especially on those curves. Speaking of tough stuff, parts of this 33.8-mile route get a bit steep, hitting a 7.4% gradient, so be prepared for that. Oh, and pro tip: if you're heading there between May and September, remember it's going to be HOT โ think average temps of 101-116 degrees! The pass connects Beatty, Nevada (a cute little town along the Amargosa River) to Stovepipe Wells, California. It's a drive you won't soon forget.
extremeWhere is the Echo Canyon Road?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Echo Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park, California is calling your name! This 10-mile adventure starts off CA-190 and winds its way through the Funeral Mountains to the Inyo Mine Camp โ think old mining structures and remnants of a bygone era. Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle for the first few miles, and beyond that, it's 4x4 territory. Expect deep gravel and rocky terrain, but generally, the road is in decent shape. Keep an eye out though - flash floods can change things quickly! It's a climb, folks, a seriously steep one! You'll gain over 3,300 feet in elevation, making for some incredible views. And trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Don't miss the Needle's Eye, a crazy cool natural arch tucked away in the canyon narrows. There's even a super rough side road that branches off to Amargosa Valley, but only attempt that if you're a seasoned driver with a short wheelbase 4x4. Honestly, the scenery alone makes it worth it. Load up the camera, give yourself plenty of time, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!