The closed road to Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak of Oahu

The closed road to Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak of Oahu

Usa, north-america

Length

12.39 km

Elevation

1,231 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the scoop on reaching the highest point on Oahu: Mount Ka'ala!

Perched way up in the Waianae Range, this peak hits an elevation of 4,038 feet. Seriously, you're practically floating above the island. Speaking of the island, you'll find it in the middle of the Pacific, way out in Honolulu County.

Now, here's the deal: you can't just drive your own car to the very top. The US Army has a radar station up there (Schofield Barracks) and security is tight. But trust me, the views on the way are worth it.

Mount Kaala Road, built back in the 40s, is paved but STEEP. We're talking a 7.7-mile climb from Farrington Highway with a whopping 14 hairpin turns! Get ready for an average gradient of almost 10% as you gain 4,020 feet in elevation. And be prepared for rapidly changing weather and heavy mist!

Where is it?

The closed road to Mount Ka'ala, the highest peak of Oahu is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.8064, -99.7429

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
12.39 km
Max Elevation
1,231 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
37.8064, -99.7429

Related Roads in north-america

Where is the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive?moderate

Where is the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico, right in the heart of Eddy County. You're winding your way through the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, heading towards the incredible Carlsbad Caverns – a mind-blowing network of limestone caves sculpted over, like, 250 million years. The whole drive, which they also call Reef Top Circle, takes about 45 minutes and is a chance to soak in all the desert has to offer – plants, critters, the whole shebang. There are marked stops along the way so you can delve deeper into what you're seeing with a guide. You can do this drive any time of year, but be warned, it can get HOT in the summer months. Fall is where it's at, though – just perfect driving weather. The dirt road itself is almost 10 miles long, a one-way loop that kicks off from Carlsbad Cavern Highway (Highway 7) near the visitor center and loops back around. Keep in mind this is a bit rough for cars that sit low to the ground, and it's a no-go for RVs, buses, or trailers.

Where is Sunwapta Lake?easy

Where is Sunwapta Lake?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, picture this: Sunwapta Lake, a total stunner perched high up in the Canadian Rockies at 6,430 feet. It's tucked away at the southern end of the Sunwapta River, near the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. They call it "turbulent water," which makes sense when you see all the rivers and glaciers around. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! There's a rustic lodge nearby, and the whole lake is postcard-perfect, framed by mountains and glaciers. Now, the road in: It's a sweet but short 2.5-mile jaunt. It takes off from the main Icefields Parkway but heads into some seriously wild, gravelly terrain. Be warned: this road is totally closed in the winter (mid-October to mid-April), so plan your visit accordingly.

A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaksmoderate

A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaks

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Nuevo León state of Mexico, nestled within the Sierra Madre Oriental Range, lies Cerro el Potosí, a peak reaching a staggering 3,721m (12,208ft). This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road to the top? Pure, unadulterated dirt, carved out back in the '60s to service a microwave relay station. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here, so leave your low-riders at home! Starting near Dieciocho de Marzo, you'll embark on a 27.6 km (17.14 mile) ascent, gaining 1,724m in elevation with an average gradient of 6.24%. Keep an eye on the sky because the weather here can turn on a dime. But trust me, the views? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive.

Mountain Baldymoderate

Mountain Baldy

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Mountain Baldy in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 9,163 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Forest Road 026 is your path to glory, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of tippy moments. Basically, a 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. And if you're not a fan of heights or steep climbs, this probably isn't your jam. You'll want to tackle this one in the warmer months, as winter turns it into an impassable snowdrift. If you do brave it in wet conditions, be prepared for some seriously muddy challenges. At the very top, you'll find a radio repeater, but let's be real, the real reward is the incredible view and the bragging rights!