Patchen Pass in California: this road is not for timid drivers
Usa, north-america
N/A
562 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along California State Route 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, right on the edge of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. This isn't just any drive, though. You're headed for Patchen Pass, which tops out at a cool 1,843 feet.
Built back in the 30s, this paved road is the highest point on Route 17. Locals even call the climb "the Summit" or Cuesta de Los Gatos.
Now, a heads-up: this road has some tight curves, narrow lanes, and steep grades that can hit 10%! Drivers have nicknamed it "Killer 17" and "Blood Alley," so keep your eyes peeled. Expect blind spots, tricky turns, and those pesky narrow shoulders. Rain, fog, or even snow can make things slick, especially at the top.
But hey, don't let that scare you off. It's a beautiful drive! Just take it slow, stay alert, and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 562 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Normandy Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! There's a super-secret road lurking in Middletown, New Jersey, that's calling my name – but sadly, I can't drive it. I'm talking about Normandy Road, a mysterious 15-mile stretch nestled in northern Monmouth County. This isn't your average scenic route. It's tucked inside Naval Weapons Station Earle, a US Navy base named after Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, a bigwig from World War I. Rumor has it, this place might have even been a nuclear weapons storage site! So, what's the deal? Normandy Road looks like any other paved road on a map, connecting the base's Mainside and Waterfront areas. But here's the kicker: it's strictly off-limits to us civilians. Yep, this road is exclusively for military use, patrolled by armed sentries. The intrigue is real! It's so accessible, with tons of entrances, yet so utterly forbidden. You can practically *see* the road, but you can't touch it. Talk about a tease! This adds an unparalleled level of mystery to an otherwise unassuming New Jersey landscape. Maybe one day I’ll get a peek, but for now, it remains one of Jersey's biggest secrets!
hardHow to drive the scenic Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern British Columbia, deep in the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road – a total gem of a trip! This 32km (20-mile) stretch of pure, unpaved road kicks off from Highway 93 (the Kootenay Highway) and winds its way east to the White River Forest Service Road. Now, heads up: this road gets *narrow*. Seriously, some sections require your A-game driving skills, especially the canyon stretch between km 15 and 18. Turn on your headlights and keep an eye out for mine ore trucks and oversized logging trucks; they own the road, so always yield! Also, forget about your phone; you're off the grid here. Perched high in the Kootenay Ranges, it's generally accessible in the summer with any vehicle. But remember, mountain weather is wild, so pack accordingly! Located within Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, the scenery is off the charts. Think jagged mountain peaks, shimmering rivers, and the stunning Alces and Whiteswan lakes. Weekends can get a little crowded, but keep your eyes peeled for moose, elk, deer, and even the occasional grizzly or black bear. An unforgettable experience!
hardWhere is Daylight Pass?
🇺🇸 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 – 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.
hardIs the road to McBride Peak unpaved?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in British Columbia, Canada, lies McBride Peak, clocking in at a hefty 2,049m (6,722ft)! This isn't just a drive; it's a climb, possibly the *top* climb in Canada, with an average gradient of 10.81%. Forget pavement. Rainbow Falls Road, also known as Teare Mountain Road, is a wild, unpaved adventure. We're talking steep, narrow, and rough terrain with hairpin turns that'll test your skills. 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Leave the RV and trailer at home, trust me on this one. The journey from Yellowhead Highway stretches 12.2 km (7.58 miles), packing in a staggering 1,320 meters of elevation gain. That's an average of 10.81%, but be warned: some ramps crank up to a heart-pounding 22-26%! This beauty is in the Robson Valley, so the full ascent is usually only doable in the summer, weather permitting. But oh, is it worth it! A viewpoint halfway up gives you drop-dead gorgeous views of the Robson Valley, Fraser River, McBride area, and the Cariboo Mountains. Just below the peak, you'll find the remains of the old "Top Lookout," abandoned but brimming with history since 1930. Seriously, this place is epic!