The iconic road to Monitor Pass in California
Usa, north-america
28.32 km
2,543 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along a ribbon of asphalt called Monitor Pass in sunny California, way up at 8,343 feet! This hidden gem sits near the Nevada border, straddling Alpine and Mono counties. Seriously, the vibe is remote and peaceful.
Completed in the 50s and named after a cool silver mining town, this beauty – officially California State Route 89 (aka Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway) – is southeast of Lake Tahoe. It's paved the whole way!
Spanning about 17.6 miles from south of Markleeville (at Alpine State Highway) to north of Coleville (at US-395), this route is a scenic dream, nestled in the Sierra Nevada range. Heads up though, Mother Nature usually shuts it down from late November to early April with snow – check conditions before you go! And, if you're feeling adventurous, a little gravel side trip near the top takes you even higher to Leviathan Peak.
Now, this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. Expect some seriously steep sections, topping out at a 13% grade. The east side heading toward US 395 is extra intense, so gear down and prepare for a good climb on the return trip. All told, plan on about 30 minutes without stops to soak in the views. Trust me, you'll want to.
Where is it?
The iconic road to Monitor Pass in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.1464, -102.1130
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,543 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.1464, -102.1130
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere Is Babbitt Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I just found the *perfect* little escape in Northern California's Tahoe National Forest: Babbitt Peak! First things first, you're gonna be high – literally! We're talking 8,740 feet above sea level! The road itself, County Road S860 (Smithneck Road), is about 6 miles long and will climb 2,470 feet, so buckle up for an average gradient of 7.8%, and some ramps hit a max of 13.1%! The road is unpaved, but most 2WD vehicles *should* be able to handle it – though a high-clearance vehicle is always a good call for peace of mind. At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout built in 1937. From up there, the views of the Northern Sierra Nevada are unreal! You can see Davis Lake, Stampede Reservoir, Cold Springs, Nevada, and Crystal Peak. Word to the wise: this road is totally impassable in winter. It's on the northern edge of the Sierra Nevada, so plan accordingly!
moderatePeru Creek Trail is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a scenic mountain escape on the Peru Creek Trail in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of the highest roads in the state! Forest Service Road 260, aka Peru Creek Trail, is a 6.3-mile unpaved adventure. Starting from Montezuma Road at a cool 10,022 feet, it climbs to Horseshoe Basin at a breathtaking 12,335 feet. That's over 2,300 feet of elevation gain! You'll be heading towards Ruby Mountain and Mount Edwards, so keep your eyes peeled for some incredible views. The first 4.7 miles are manageable in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle. It's a pretty smooth ride with plenty of room to pass, so you might even spot some passenger cars. But, I'd recommend an SUV with good clearance for peace of mind. Beyond the Shoe Basin Mine, it transforms into an old 4x4 road – drivable, but closed to motorized vehicles. Nestled in the White River National Forest, Peru Creek Trail is usually open from March to November. Expect snow lingering in Horseshoe Basin well into July, while the lower sections open up earlier in the season. Parallel to the notorious Argentine Pass, this trail delivers an amazing SUV adventure. It's not too challenging and has awe-inspiring scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and connections to other cool routes. The mining history is rich, with tons of well-preserved structures. Plus, you can explore Warden Gulch, Chihuahua Gulch, and Cinnamon Gulch – bonus! The views are truly something special. You'll pass mining relics as you climb through a lush alpine basin with a unique chalk-white stream. Pro-tip: that stream gets its color from calcium and heavy metals, so don't drink it, and keep your pets away!
hardWhat You Need to Know About Driving the Wild Road to The Cleaver in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road challenge in the Canadian Rockies, then The Cleaver in British Columbia needs to be on your radar. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Tucked away near the Alberta border in eastern BC, you'll find this beast of a mining road. We're talking 62 km (38 miles) of unadulterated, unpaved dirt, and seriously steep sections. Forget your sedan; a 4x4 is absolutely essential to conquer this climb! Reaching a dizzying 2,262m (7,421ft), it earns its spot as one of Canada's highest roads. Nestled in the Purcell Mountains, expect incredible panoramic views that'll leave you breathless – if the climb doesn't first! Plan your trip between roughly mid-May and late November to catch it when it's passable. Get ready for a wild ride!
easyWhere is Mystery Spot Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through the redwood forests just outside Santa Cruz, California, you'll find Mystery Spot Road, leading to one of the world's most head-scratching attractions! Since 1939, the Mystery Spot has been playing tricks on visitors' eyes, making balls roll uphill and people lean at impossible angles – it's like physics took a vacation! Mystery Spot Road itself branches off Branciforte Drive, and winds through a dense, gorgeous forest. It’s a quick jaunt – only about 0.3 miles – but it delivers you right to the heart of the mystery. So, what's the deal with the "Mystery Spot"? Well, back in '39, surveyors stumbled upon a small circular area where things just seemed… off. Objects defied gravity, people tilted like they were about to fall over, and balls dared to roll uphill. The tilted cabin and slanted floors create mind-bending optical illusions. Visiting the Mystery Spot means taking a guided tour through the topsy-turvy cabin. The whole structure is built on a slant, creating some seriously disorienting visuals. The guides will show you how balls seem to roll uphill (magic!), and how to pose to look like you're floating or leaning like a pro. Get ready for some awesome photo ops! The drive to the Mystery Spot is pretty chill. The road’s a short 0.3 miles from Branciforte Drive, and it's a scenic cruise through the redwoods. Gentle curves and lush greenery make it a delightful drive, building anticipation for the bizarre experience ahead. Is it worth a visit? Totally! Whether you're an optical illusion fanatic, a photography buff, or just looking for a quirky roadside attraction, Mystery Spot Road is a unique and memorable experience. It's a real-life gravity hill and a reminder that sometimes, what you see isn't always what's real. Fun Facts: The Mystery Spot is one of the oldest commercial "mystery spots" in the US, founded in 1939. It's all about architectural trickery, using the tilted cabin and surrounding forest to create illusions. Over the years, it's drawn visitors from all over the world, and has even popped up in movies and TV shows! The guides do live demos of the optical illusions, showing you how perspective can bend reality. Plus, the scenic drive through the redwoods is a bonus!