Road trip guide: Conquering Laurel Lake in California
Usa, north-america
14.32 km
2,981 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near Mammoth Lakes, lies a hidden gem: Laurel Lake. Getting there is half the fun... and a bit of a challenge!
We're talking about Laurel Lake Road (also known as Sherwin Creek Road), an 8.9-mile off-road adventure that climbs to a breathtaking 9,780 feet! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive; this is a proper 4x4 trail that’ll test your skills and your vehicle's mettle.
Starting just off Highway 395, be prepared for an unpaved, rocky climb. We're talking shelf roads, steep inclines, and potential washouts. The lower section is particularly gnarly, with mid-sized rocks demanding a slow and steady pace. Wheel slippage is a real possibility. But stick with it! As you enter Laurel Canyon, the path smooths out a bit, offering a welcome respite. The final descent to the lake involves some seriously tight switchbacks – long wheelbase vehicles might need to execute some multi-point turns.
Speaking of the lake, it's perched at a lofty 10,058 feet, so this trek is typically only accessible from April to November, depending on the snow. Even in summer, snow can linger at the higher elevations.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is epic, with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. Fall colors are incredible, but spring with its snow-capped peaks is equally magical. The lake itself is gorgeous and home to rainbow trout and rare golden trout. Pack a picnic, bring your fishing rod, and soak in the high-country vibes. There are even some primitive campsites if you want to extend your stay. Just be sure to arrive early, as the lower section is slow-going. And remember, take your time to snap some photos; you'll want to remember this adventure!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Laurel Lake in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.3425, -98.7736
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 14.32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,981 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3425, -98.7736
Related Roads in north-america
easyIs Cottonwood Cove Road in Nevada paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Cottonwood Cove Road in Nevada, heading towards some serious lakeside chill time! This paved beauty snakes for about 13.4 miles through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offering stunning views the whole way. You'll start near Searchlight, a quirky little town just an hour south of the Vegas madness, and wind your way to Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave. Give yourself around 25 minutes for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to budget extra time for photo ops! Keep an eye out for flash flood warnings, especially, during the rainy season - this desert landscape can change in a heartbeat. Also, heads up that it's a popular route in the summer, so expect some company. Get ready for some incredible desert scenery and good times!
easyTop of the World Highway is one of the world's top drives
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Top of the World Highway, a seriously scenic route linking Canada and Alaska! This gem, carved out in 1955, is only open during the summer, so plan accordingly. Clocking in at 131km (81 miles), this east-west route runs from the Taylor Highway (near Jack Wade, Alaska) all the way to Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, nestled on the Yukon River's west bank. Dawson City? Think Klondike Gold Rush central! Also known as Yukon Highway 9 or the 60 Mile, this road is mostly gravel. It was paved back in the late 90s, but maintenance has been a bit lax, so expect about half of it to be unpaved these days. It can be narrow, and you'll likely encounter potholes, washboard surfaces, and not much of a shoulder. They only maintain it from late spring to early fall, which coincides with the ferry service in Dawson City. In the U.S., you'll hit the highest point at 1,274m (4,179ft) right on the border at Little Gold Creek Border Crossing. Over in Canada, you'll peak at 1,314m (4,311ft). The border is open seasonally from May to September, 9 am-9 pm Yukon time (8 am-8 pm Alaska time). When it's closed, you're not crossing! This road can be a bit demanding, so some mountain driving experience is definitely recommended. If you’re comfortable with narrow, winding mountain roads, you're going to love it. If not, take it slow and savor the views. Expect tight turns and washboard when it rains. Wet weather can make it slippery, and watch out for soft shoulders and no guardrails. Double-check with your rental company, as some vehicles aren't allowed on this road. Traffic is usually light, but if someone's behind you, be courteous and let them pass. It's called the Top of the World Highway for a reason – it hugs the crests of hills, giving you amazing views down into the valleys. Allow at least 2.5 hours without stops, but really, give yourself more time because the road is winding and narrow in places. It's especially stunning in the fall. You'll wind along the mountain tops for a truly breathtaking experience, wandering around the high points of a series of ridges far above treeline. The views seem to go on forever. Since most of this road is unpaved, your travel time will depend on your vehicle and the weather. Unlike most highways that follow valleys, this one winds along the top of the range, providing exhilarating views and a unique scenic drive. Take your time and soak it all in. For most of the journey, you'll be driving along the peaks and crests of mountains and hills, with valleys stretching out below you.
moderateGoing-to-the-Sun Road
🇺🇸 United States
# Going-to-the-Sun Road: Montana's Most Spectacular Mountain Drive Want to experience one of America's most jaw-dropping road trips? The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an 80-kilometer stretch of pure Rocky Mountain magic that cuts straight through Glacier National Park, with the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (2,026 m) marking its dramatic high point. Built over eleven grueling years and finally finished in 1932, this highway is basically a masterclass in impossible engineering—seriously, it was such a feat that it earned National Historic Landmark status in 1985. Fair warning: it's the *only* road crossing the park, so if you want to experience these glacially carved landscapes, this is it. The journey itself is absolutely wild. Starting from the gorgeous shores of Lake McDonald on the west side, you'll wind through thick cedar-hemlock forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along some genuinely nerve-wracking narrow ledges that hug sheer cliff faces. The Garden Wall section? That's where things get *really* intense—the road was literally carved directly into a near-vertical cliff, offering those heart-pounding valley views that'll make your stomach flip. Once you reach Logan Pass, you're treated to sprawling alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in July, plus mountain goats casually hanging out near the visitor center. The descent on the eastern side opens up into gorgeous glacial lakes and wild, wind-shaped terrain. Before you go, know the rules: any vehicles over 6.4 meters long or 2.4 meters wide (mirrors included) are banned from certain sections. The road only opens mid-June to mid-October depending on snowmelt, and yes, you'll need a reservation these days because literally everyone wants to drive this thing. Can't blame them.
hardThe unpaved road to Mount Mamma
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real Colorado beast? Head to Chaffee County and find Mount Mamma. This ain't for Sunday drivers, folks. We're talking a gnarly unpaved road winding through the Sawatch Mountains, totally off-limits from September to July due to snow. This isn't a summit road, but it climbs high – topping out at 12,604 feet next to an old abandoned mine on Mamma's slopes. Views? Epic! Think Cronin Peak, Mt. Antero, and Grizzly Mountain all vying for your attention. Word to the wise: bring a 4x4 with serious clearance and some serious driving skills. It’s steep, can get muddy, and clings to the mountainside. If you get queasy looking down, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for the challenge, prepare for one heck of a ride!