The historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Ever heard of a road made of wood? Deep in California's Imperial County, near the border with Mexico, lies the remains of the Old Plank Road, a seriously cool piece of early 20th-century ingenuity. Back in 1915, this eight-mile stretch was built right across the shifting sands of the Algodones Dunes, a landscape that looks like it belongs in the Sahara!
Imagine driving on wooden planks, laid end-to-end like a primitive roadway. It was a single lane, so turnouts were added every mile so cars could pass each other. They called it a success, though it was hard work to keep the sand off the road. Mules were brought in to dust the planks off or even move sections of the road!
This quirky road made it possible to travel between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. About 3,000 vehicles a week traveled across the "railroad track for cars"
Sadly, the plank road's reign didn't last. The harsh desert and shifting sands took their toll, and by the late 1920s, it was replaced with asphalt. Today, only fragments remain, a historic landmark and reminder of a time when a wooden road was the only way to cross these majestic dunes. The region of towering dunes resembles the Sahara desert and has been featured in films ranging from Rudolph Valentino's “The Sheik” to 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.
Where is it?
The historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915 is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.9207, -95.5152
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9207, -95.5152
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Hogback Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an adventure up Hogback Mountain in Montana's Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, but the views are totally worth it. We're talking a serious climb to a pretty high elevation. The road to the top starts off near... and winds up around 10 miles to the top. While it's generally in decent shape, high clearance is definitely recommended. Your prize for conquering this route? An awesome fire lookout at the summit! The original lookout was built way back in 1936, but it got a makeover in 1961 and now sits on a solid 10-foot concrete base. It's staffed during the summer, but is open to the public so you can soak in the views anytime.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Rocky Point in Idaho
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in Idaho County, Idaho, and you've got a hankering for some serious elevation, you NEED to check out Rocky Point. We're talking about a peak sitting pretty at 6,233 feet (1,900m) in the Bitterroot Range. Now, fair warning: the road to the top, Forest Road 500A (aka Rocky Point Lookout Road), is all dirt. Think rugged, think real. You'll probably need a 4x4 to make it, and heads up – it's usually snowed in from October to June. But trust me, it's worth the wait. The climb itself is short and sweet (or maybe short and *sweaty*): just 0.9 miles (1.4km) from the Lolo Motorway (Forest Road 500) , but it packs a punch, gaining 305 feet (93m) of elevation with some seriously steep sections hitting a 12% grade! At the summit, you'll find a lookout tower built back in '63, and it's still staffed every year. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
hardWhere is Mount Taylor?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Let's talk Mount Taylor in New Mexico! This dormant volcano hangs out in Cibola County, and at 11,289 feet, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in the state. The views? Unreal. You start in these gorgeous aspen groves, then BAM! Desert vistas stretching all the way to Arizona. The mountain itself has a cool history. It used to be called "little onion" back in Spanish days, but got renamed after President Zachary Taylor. Plus, it's super important to the local Zuni and Navajo communities, who see it as a sacred place. Now, about the road... It's about 5.77 miles to the top, and it climbs like crazy, with a pretty steep average gradient. Here's the deal: you'll want a 4-wheel-drive for this one, especially if it's wet. The last few miles are pretty rocky, and you might need to throw it in low gear. Even though a regular car *can* make it, expect some scratches from branches because the road gets narrow in spots. Heads up: this drive is really best in the summer. Being so high up, Mount Taylor gets hammered with snow and ice during the colder months. Even early or late in the season, you could still run into some icy patches, so be prepared. Oh, and watch out for afternoon thunderstorms – you don't want to be caught on those open slopes when the lightning starts!
extremeWhere is Urad Lake in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Colorado road trippers, listen up! Urad Lake sits way up high in Clear Creek County at almost 10,800 feet, nestled within the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. This place is gorgeous, but getting there is an adventure. You’ll be navigating Woods Creek Road, mostly unpaved, for about 1.3 miles after turning off Jones Pass Road (County Road 202). The views are incredible, but be warned: full-size vehicles might struggle with some super narrow spots. Think pickup trucks and SUVs are your best bet; cars can attempt it, but it’s not really recommended. That final stretch is especially tricky, with some rocky and tight sections. Keep in mind, this is now a state wildlife area, so vehicle access is limited. You’ll likely find a gate blocking the road at the parking area, marked for the Urad Lake State Wildlife Area. And definitely a summer adventure only – the snow usually sticks around until late June, sometimes even July! But those views? Totally worth it.