Route Description
Usa, north-america
75.63 km
9 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through California, State Route 111 is a must-do! Starting way down south in Calexico, practically on the border, it runs all the way up to Whitewater, near Palm Springs. This road is the lifeline of both the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, linking towns and farms from top to bottom.
Heads up: SR 111 used to take you straight to the Calexico West Port of Entry, but they rerouted it a few years back.
For a good chunk of the drive – about 40 miles – you'll be hugging the eastern edge of the Salton Sea. This part of the road can feel a bit eerie and desolate, thanks to the sea's… issues. Think post-apocalyptic vibes meet date groves. On the other side is California State Route 86 (CA-86 S) and runs 75.63km (47.0 miles).
Once you hit the Coachella Valley, SR 111 transforms. Suddenly, it’s a bustling road packed with cars, winding through Indio, La Quinta, and all those swanky desert towns. It's your main artery through the area, so expect traffic.
The northern end of SR 111 is in Palm Springs and it becomes a divided highway before finally meeting Interstate 10 near Whitewater. Even though the views are pretty epic in places, SR 111 isn't officially a State Scenic Highway.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.63 km
- Max Elevation
- 9 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardBlue Nose
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Blue Nose is calling your name – a killer mountain peak straddling the Montana-Idaho border, clocking in at 8,664 feet. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and a whole lotta wilderness. We're talking Forest Road 044, a gravel and rocky path that'll test your off-roading skills. This isn't your Sunday drive; it’s bumpy, tippy, and guaranteed to get your heart pumping. But oh, the views! Keep your eyes peeled for elk, mule deer, coyotes, and even black bears as you climb. Heads up: this trail is steep, and if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Heights aren't for the faint of heart here! And if it's been raining, expect some muddy challenges. The prize at the top? An awesome fire lookout tower, built way back in 1934. Word to the wise: this place is open to the public, but it's seen better days. We're talking broken glass, loose doors, and a deck that's definitely past its prime. Basically, be careful if you go up there! But hey, that adds to the adventure, right?
hardAlamo Road in Nevada: if you get stuck during summer, you die
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Alamo Road, a wild, 70-mile dirt track in the heart of Nevada's Desert National Wildlife Refuge. We're talking serious off-the-beaten-path stuff, north of Las Vegas and hugging the Sheep Range all the way up to Alamo. This isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan. We're talking high-clearance recommended – though some say a 2WD can manage with a little common sense. Expect sand, potential water crossings, and maybe even some mud, especially during the wet season when one section gets seriously gnarly. Flash floods are a real risk, so definitely skip this one if the weather looks iffy. The whole trek, from Corn Creek Field Station to Alamo, should take around two hours, give or take. You'll climb to Sheep Pass, topping out at 5,039 feet. Close to Corn Creek, it's occasionally graded, but further north watch out for rocky patches and washouts – those axle-breakers can appear out of nowhere. Stick to 25 mph, trust me. But here's the deal: you're heading into remote, untamed territory. Zero services, zero fuel, almost zero cell service past the south end. Seriously, you could be stranded for days with no one passing by. So pack like you mean it: water, food, spare tire, shovel, tools, tow rope, the works. Think survival mode. This old pioneer route from the 20th century is gorgeous, but it's no joke. Word is the Dry Lake portion is often impassable, but there are still worthwhile stops along the way. Heed the warnings, prep smart, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardHow To Travel The Beaver Creek Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Park County, Colorado, and you've got a hankering for some serious off-the-beaten-path action, you HAVE to check out County Road 655, a.k.a. Beaver Creek Road. Nestled high in the Rockies, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a solid 8.7 miles of unpaved glory, so ditch the sedan and bring your 4x4. Seriously. Also, be aware that this area is marked as private property, so respect the signs! You can usually only get up here in the summer. We are talking late June/July territory for snow-free conditions. Starting near Alma, the highest incorporated town in North America, you'll climb to the Beaver Creek Iron Mine at a whopping 12,093 feet. The views? Absolutely insane. It's a pretty steep climb of around 1,700 feet over those 8-ish miles, so prepare for some serious uphill. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a little gravel road north of Beaver Ridge that'll take you even higher to about 12,424 feet! Just remember this is a high altitude drive, so be prepared. Enjoy the views!
hardChalk Mountain: a rough forest road to the summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Colorado's Lake County and itching for a high-altitude thrill, Chalk Mountain is calling your name! We're talking serious elevation here, a whopping 12,030 feet above sea level. The road up, Forest Road 134, is a real backcountry experience. It's a roughly 3-mile-long unpaved path that climbs steeply from CO-91, gaining 1,414 feet in elevation. So, yeah, it's pretty steep with an average gradient of almost 9%! Think rocky, narrow, and definitely needing a high-clearance vehicle to handle it. But trust me, the effort is totally worth it. The views from the top are simply breathtaking. Seriously, get ready to soak in some epic Colorado scenery! Just take it slow, watch out for those rocks, and get ready for an unforgettable ride.