South Mount Hawkins
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,373 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about South Mount Hawkins, a killer peak sitting pretty at 7,785 feet in the Angeles National Forest, California!
Getting to the top is no joke – Forest Service Road 3N07 is a wild ride of gravel, rocks, and bumps that’ll test your off-roading skills. Think seriously rough and ready. It’s usually closed from October to June, so plan accordingly. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, this ain't the drive for you.
This road gets NARROW in spots. Seriously narrow! We're talking edge-of-your-seat, dangerous drop-offs that demand your full attention. The old lookout tower at the top, sadly burned down years ago, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll need a 4x4, and a good head for heights as it's steep with washouts along the way. Legend says the peak's named after Nellie Hawkins, a waitress at Squirrel Inn back in the day.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,373 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateOld Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a wild ride? Old Dale Road in Joshua Tree National Park is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 25.9-mile off-road adventure through the park's eastern backcountry. Think old mining roads, dating back to the late 1800s, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Starting inside Joshua Tree, the trail cuts across Pinto Basin before climbing into the rugged Pinto Mountains, eventually connecting to Gold Crown Road and finally spitting you out onto California Route 62, about 15 miles east of Twentynine Palms. Now, let's be real: this is a *dirt* road. Most of it is graded, but be prepared for sharp rocks, deep sand, and some seriously tricky sections across the mountains. We're talking big, loose rocks and steep drop-offs, so a 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. Heads up: you're going remote out here. No cell service, limited traffic, so bring a GPS and maybe a buddy in another vehicle. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer the road non-stop. The best time to visit is October through May—trust me, you'll want to avoid the scorching summer heat. This road winds through both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, so pack plenty of water and prepare for extreme temperatures!
extremeSlide Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Slide Mountain in Nevada is seriously epic! We're talking about a summit sitting at a whopping 9,606 feet! As the name suggests, expect some rocky terrain – it's known for its, well, rock slides. You'll find this adventure in the Carson Range, and the road to the top is all gravel and rocks – think ski-station service road meets chairlift access trail. Be warned, it's STEEP, with grades hitting up to 30% in places. Loose stones underfoot make for a challenging climb, especially higher up. Timing is everything! Your window of opportunity is super narrow – aim for late August. The summit is a hub for communication towers (TV, radio, emergency services, you name it!). And hold on to your hat – the wind is relentless up there. Even in summer, you might get snow! Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. But the views! Oh man, the views! Lake Tahoe shimmering to the west, the Virginia Range sprawling to the east, Mount Rose and the Carson Range to the north, and the Sierras stretching south... it's a vista that'll blow your mind.
extremeWhere is Yellow Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered Yellow Mountain, tucked away in the far northeast corner of California, practically kissing the Oregon border in Modoc County. This peak punches way up, clocking in at a cool 8,087 feet! Getting there? Oh, it's a *journey*. We're talking a completely unpaved road that winds its way up through the Warner Mountains. Picture this: narrow, steep, and definitely requiring a 4x4 beast. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it without one. It's gorgeous, but can be treacherous. The road itself isn't crazy long, only about 1.24 miles after you hop off County Road 2 (aka The Highgrade Trail). But those miles are packed with a punch! Think incredible views, challenging terrain, and a real sense of accomplishment when you finally reach that summit. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardThe steep Tuna Canyon Road is one of the 7 Best Driving Roads in Malibu
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Tuna Canyon Road in western Los Angeles County! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience, supposedly one of the best in Malibu. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains within Tuna Canyon Park, this totally paved, yet super narrow road offers thrills and views for days. Here's the deal: It's a 7-mile (11.2km) ribbon of asphalt connecting Pacific Coast Highway to CA-27 near Topanga. But, heads up! Much of it is one-way downhill (thanks, mudslide!), packed with twists and turns. And those turns can be pretty intense, with sections hitting an 18% grade! Keep your eyes peeled for random rocks and sand, and get ready for some seriously sharp curves *without* guardrails. Rock wall on one side, dramatic drop on the other – it's edge-of-your-seat stuff. Your brakes are gonna get a workout, so make sure they're in top shape. Word to the wise: This road has a reputation for speed demons, and sadly, accidents. Take it slow, soak in the scenery, and resist the urge to use that center lane for passing. Allow around 25-30 minutes to cruise this stretch, and trust me, the photo ops are endless. The combo of the wooded landscape and Pacific Ocean views is pure magic. So, if you're up for a challenging, scenic adventure, Tuna Canyon Road is calling your name!