
South Lake
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,999 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising up to South Lake in California's Inyo County. We're talking serious altitude here, almost 10,000 feet! This isn't just any lake; it's a high-mountain gem. The road itself is paved, so no need for a monster truck, but heads up: if you're not comfy with winding mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and a friendly reminder: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,999 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the Furnace Creek Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Furnace Creek Road, a wild ride right in the heart of California's Death Valley National Park! Forget the pavement – this baby's all dirt, stretching for about 28 miles. Think quiet, gradual dirt road with mind-blowing desert scenery. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle this one, trust me. And watch out for those flash floods – conditions can change in a heartbeat! Speaking of heat, avoid hitting this road during the summer months unless you're a lizard. This route climbs up to a little over 4,000 feet above sea level. Keep an eye out for turnoffs to old mining ghost towns, remnants of a bygone era. Just 17 miles from the north end, there's a rough road leading west to somewhere special if you've got a 4x4. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
moderateA bumpy paved road to Ski Apache in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Ski Apache in New Mexico! Perched way up high in Lincoln County, this ski resort sits at a dizzying 9,803 feet! Seriously, if you're not a fan of heights, maybe take a friend who's comfortable driving. You'll find Ski Apache nestled near Ruidoso, right in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico. Getting there is an experience itself. You'll cruise along New Mexico Highway 532, or as the locals call it, Ski Run Road. It's a paved road, thankfully, but hold on tight—it's a bit steep and bumpy. From Alto (off NM-48), it's about 11.9 miles to the top. Speaking of the top, you'll be scaling the Sierra Blanca slopes until you reach a whopping 10,098 feet! The road's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter. Things can change fast, and they might close it down temporarily. Snow chains could be a lifesaver, too. Now, for the thrill-seekers: this road is STEEP. We're talking a maximum 12% gradient on some of those ramps! Plus, those hairpin turns mean you'll be testing your brakes on the way down. It’s easily one of the twistiest roads in New Mexico. Some spots have barriers, but others? Well, let's just say you get some incredible views... straight down.
moderateWhere is Walker Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Walker Pass! This high mountain pass sits pretty at 5,259 feet in Kern County, California. You'll find it in the northeastern part of the county, connecting the San Joaquin Valley to the Mojave Desert. It’s named after Joseph R. Walker, a mountain man who blazed a trail through here back in the day. This route became super important during the Gold Rush. Now, about the drive: it's along California State Route 178, and it's paved the whole way. This two-lane road winds and twists for about 19.4 miles between Canebrake and Freeman Village. Because it's high up in the southern Sierra Nevada, you get some killer views. Most of the year, it's open, but winter weather can sometimes close it temporarily. Keep an eye out for rockfalls too - those are a year-round hazard!
moderateJames Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk James Ridge! This high-altitude gem sits way up in Otero County, New Mexico, clocking in at 8,612 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled within the gorgeous Lincoln National Forest. The road itself, known as 16 Springs Canyon Road, is gravel and generally in pretty good shape. Most of the time, it's a smooth and easy cruise. But, and this is a BIG but, things can get dicey if it's been raining. Think mud, think slippery, and sometimes even impassable conditions. So, check the weather before you go. The reward for the climb? A killer lookout tower at the summit with views for days!