Onion Valley Road is one of the steepest climbs of California
Usa, north-america
21 km
2,810 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through the heart of California's Owens Valley? You HAVE to experience Onion Valley Road! Tucked between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Nevada, this 13-mile stretch is an absolute stunner (but be warned, it's a leg-burner!).
Formerly known as California State Route 180, the road climbs from the town of Independence on US 395 right up to Onion Valley Campground. Aim to go between May and November, when the road's usually open (snow permitting!). You'll climb to a whopping 9,219 feet above sea level, making it one of California's highest roads.
Located in the Inyo National Forest, Onion Valley Road is not for the faint of heart (or cyclists with weak quads!). The last ten miles average over 8%, so prepare for a serious workout. Starting in Independence at 3,937 feet, you'll gain a massive 5,266 feet over the 13-mile ascent.
Expect a fully paved road with nine switchbacks that will have you gripping the wheel! About halfway up, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Owens Valley. Just a heads up: this area is known for bear activity, so keep your eyes peeled! The views of Owens Valley and the Sierras are worth the white-knuckle drive. Trust me, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Where is it?
Onion Valley Road is one of the steepest climbs of California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.3000, -101.4313
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 21 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,810 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.3000, -101.4313
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the W Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies the legendary W Road, a 3.2-mile paved ribbon of fun that twists between East Brow Road and Mountain Creek Road. Why "W"? Because this baby’s got switchbacks galore! After a gentle start, things get wild near the top with turns bending back on themselves almost 180 degrees. Seriously, you might catch a glimpse of your own taillights! Built way back in 1892, this road has seen some upgrades over the years, but the design? Still the same challenging curves it always was. Speaking of challenges, this isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections (up to 17.6% grade!), so you need your wits about you. Cut those corners too tight, and you'll be scraping your undercarriage, too wide, and you'll be in the opposite lane. Heads up, big rig drivers: this one's not for you. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers are a no-go. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck up there! So, if you're looking for a thrilling (and slightly intimidating) drive with some amazing views, buckle up and take on the W Road!
hardCan you drive the Piilani Highway in Maui?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pi'ilani Highway is a must-drive. Located in Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, in the USA, this highway loops all the way around the southern coast of the island. The road is rough and unpaved at times. Be sure to honk around blind corners. Can you drive the Piilani Highway in Maui? The road (Hawaii Route 31) is 61 km (38 miles) long, running from Kipahulu to Ulupalakua. It’s a twisty, up-and-down roller coaster. The toughest section of the road is about 10 km (6 miles) long, where the road sometimes narrows to a single lane in sharp bends. In some areas, such as at Lelekea Bay, it's just a one-and-a-half-lane bumpy road hugging the sea cliff around a blind curve. Fences have been installed on the mountain here to prevent rocks from falling onto cars. The hairpin bends are completely blind, but there is almost no traffic. Occasionally the road is closed to traffic due to landslides. Although it is somewhat rough in places, it is by no means a daunting or particularly dangerous road if taken slowly. Traffic is light. Is Maui Highway 31 paved? The road is mostly paved, with a few sections of gravel or dirt, without too many holes. Four-wheel drive is not necessary. It’s not a gravel road; instead, it looks more like a very old paved road that’s been patched over and over and over again with asphalt. Is the Piilani Highway in Maui safe? It’s not an easy drive as it’s unpaved in sections, rough, and rugged in spots. Some parts are washboard-like and require speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less to avoid damaging the suspension of a rental car. Most major rental car contracts forbid driving this section. This prohibition in rental car contracts seems more related to the remoteness of this section of highways. Avoid driving the road during or after heavy rainfall. Sometimes vehicles can get stuck on the unpaved stretches (especially after rains on those stretches or upslope on the Haleakala volcano), or the road is closed for other reasons. Is the Piilani Highway worth it? Running through the southern coast of Maui, the drive, also known as the back road to Hana, is very scenic, with stunning views of the astonishing shoreline. Along the way, you’ll discover lovely beach colors, amazing natural sceneries, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The drive offers great views of pebble beaches, sea cliffs, and the undeveloped coastline. The area is probably the least visited part of the island, and yet it is one of the wildest. Katy Freeway in Texas is one of the widest highways in the world US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America 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.
hardLookout Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip for you: Lookout Mountain in Okanogan County, Washington. This gravel road climbs to a cool 5,522 feet, where you'll find a fire lookout with views for days. Fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Snow can shut it down anytime, and heavy fog can roll in, making visibility a nightmare. You can drive most of the way, but the last bit is a 1.5-mile hike. The road gets super narrow about 3 miles from the top, with a steep drop-off that leaves zero room for error. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll get epic 360-degree panoramas, including killer views of Hoodoo Peak and the North Cascades. Seriously, bring your camera (and extra batteries!), because you're going to want to capture every moment. The lookout cabin itself is locked up, but who cares? The scenery is the real star of the show.
easyWhere is Park Boulevard?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you absolutely HAVE to drive Park Boulevard if you're visiting Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California! Seriously, if you only have time for one thing, make it this. This amazing paved road snakes for about 34.6 miles through the most gorgeous parts of the park's high desert. It links the north and west entrances, giving you easy access. Keep your eyes peeled and stick to the speed limit. It's not just about avoiding a ticket, lots of wildlife call this place home, so drive carefully! Heads up: avoid this road if the weather is looking rough. Summer brings the heat, strong sun, and super dry air. Storms can pop up out of nowhere, causing flash floods. The road could even get closed if things get really bad. Stay away from canyons and washes when it's raining, and be ready to find higher ground if needed. Watch out for water crossing the road at low points, and remember: turn around, don't drown! And just a general note: rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders live here. Be aware of where you put your hands and feet when you're hiking or climbing.