Road trip guide: Conquering Leavitt Lake in California
Usa, north-america
4.5 km
2,917 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Leavitt Lake, a ridiculously gorgeous alpine lake perched way up high in California's Mono County at a whopping 9,570 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State.
You'll find this gem nestled in the eastern part of California, practically waving hello to Nevada.
The road in, Leavitt Lake Road (aka Forest Service Road 077), winds through the stunning Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. But listen up: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rugged dirt road that demands an SUV with high clearance and 4-wheel drive. There are even a couple of shallow stream crossings that pop up depending on the season – leave the sedan at home!
Starting from the paved CA-108, it's a short but intense 2.8-mile climb. And "climb" is the word, with some sections hitting a crazy steep 15% grade! You'll gain a hefty 1,109 feet in elevation.
Perched high in the Sierra Nevada, expect this road to be snowed in for a good chunk of the year. It usually stays closed well into summer. Word is, the lake itself can be iced over until July! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road south of the lake that climbs even higher, topping out at 10,649 feet! Get ready for some epic views!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Leavitt Lake in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.4253, -100.4684
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,917 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.4253, -100.4684
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