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
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Route 32 in Tennessee?
🇺🇸 Usa
Route 32 South in Tennessee is a real wild ride, tucked away in Cocke County. You'll definitely need your wits about you on this one! Where exactly is it? You'll find it hugging the eastern edge of Tennessee, snaking its way through the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Talk about scenic! How long is it? This paved adventure stretches for about 11.1 miles, starting from US-321 near Cosby all the way to State Road 1397 on the North Carolina side. Heads up: past that, it turns to gravel before eventually meeting I-40. So, what's the deal with this "Redneck Dragon" nickname? Well, it's earned. Think countless tight turns that jump out at you – you'll need some serious skills. What's it really like? Drivers say it's "not for the faint of heart." The corners come quick, especially if you're on a cruiser. Traffic's usually light, but getting stuck behind a slowpoke can be a "snoozefest." Even seasoned riders should be ready for anything. Some say it's tougher than the Tail of the Dragon because of those crazy tight turns and steep hills. But hey, the views are a major plus! Is it tough? You bet. Some sections hit a 10% grade, and it tops out at 2,556 feet. Light traffic and endless turns make it a real test. RVs? Nope, not recommended. And take extra care if it's raining or has just rained. How long does it take? You could blast through in 40-50 minutes, but why rush? Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe stop at a lookout or two. This road deserves to be savored!
easyA Desert Trip: The Scenic Pinto Basin Road in the Joshua Tree NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Joshua Tree National Park? You absolutely HAVE to take Pinto Basin Road! This fully paved, two-lane beauty stretches for nearly 30 miles (47km) and is essentially the main artery slicing through the heart of the park. This recently revamped road (Park Route 11) whisks you from the Mojave Desert to the Sonoran Desert, showcasing the incredible diversity of the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is STUNNING! But remember, safety first! Watch your speed, especially with those gradients hitting up to 5.3% in places. Sadly, many animals (including desert tortoises) are roadkill victims, so drive responsibly. Reaching a dizzying height of almost 4,000 feet (1,197m), the views are breathtaking. But the desert has its dangers. Be aware of rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widows if you're hiking. Summer brings scorching heat and intense sun, and flash floods can strike without warning – so pay attention to weather reports and never drive through standing water! Stay safe and enjoy this unforgettable desert adventure.
hardWhat is the Sunshine Skyway bridge made of?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a 4.14-mile stretch of road soaring over Tampa Bay in Florida. This isn't your average bridge; it's a seriously impressive concrete and steel structure, one of the longest cable-stayed concrete bridges around. As part of I-275 and US 19, it connects St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia, seeing around 52,000 vehicles daily. Opened in 1987, it's a modern marvel with incredible views—if you're brave enough! But, the "Sunshine Skyway" has a dark side. In 1980, tragedy struck when a freighter hit a support during a storm, causing a collapse that killed 35 people. Since the new bridge opened, over 200 people have tragically jumped from its heights. Suicide hotlines are now a constant, somber reminder. Plus, it's a toll road that frequently closes during severe weather, high winds, and hurricanes. The grade is steep, creating a dizzying feeling as you climb, and the endless yellow cables can be disorienting. Even experienced drivers might feel a little uneasy on this one. It's beautiful, but definitely a drive that comes with some baggage.
moderateEddy Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Eddy Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.093m (6,866ft) above the sea level, located in Sanders County, Montana, in USA. The road to the summit, located within the Lolo National Forest, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s called Eddy Peak Road. It’s one lane dirt road. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle required. At the summit there’s a lookout tower built in 1982. The fire tower provides views for hundreds of miles around. The tower is staffed in the summer, and visitors are always welcome. http://www.realty-northwest.com/ExploringMontana/Eddy-Peak.htm Road trip guide: Conquering the Boehmer Reservoir 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.