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
moderateRoute Description
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through California, State Route 111 is a must-do! Starting way down south in Calexico, practically on the border, it runs all the way up to Whitewater, near Palm Springs. This road is the lifeline of both the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, linking towns and farms from top to bottom. Heads up: SR 111 used to take you straight to the Calexico West Port of Entry, but they rerouted it a few years back. For a good chunk of the drive – about 40 miles – you'll be hugging the eastern edge of the Salton Sea. This part of the road can feel a bit eerie and desolate, thanks to the sea's… issues. Think post-apocalyptic vibes meet date groves. On the other side is California State Route 86 (CA-86 S) and runs 75.63km (47.0 miles). Once you hit the Coachella Valley, SR 111 transforms. Suddenly, it’s a bustling road packed with cars, winding through Indio, La Quinta, and all those swanky desert towns. It's your main artery through the area, so expect traffic. The northern end of SR 111 is in Palm Springs and it becomes a divided highway before finally meeting Interstate 10 near Whitewater. Even though the views are pretty epic in places, SR 111 isn't officially a State Scenic Highway.
hardMountain Grassy
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Mountain Grassy in Socorro County, New Mexico. We're talking serious altitude here – 9,685 feet! The road up, Forest 330 Road, is a beast. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of "tippy-bumpy" action. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4, no question. This baby's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. And if heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out – it's steep! Keep an eye on the sky because lightning strikes are common. The payoff? A fire lookout tower built way back in 1960 and unreal panoramic views to the east, south, and west. Seriously stunning. Just a friendly tip: check the weather before you go, and skip it if there's any chance of a thunderstorm. Trust me on that one!
moderateAdventure along Scenic Skyline Drive to North Tent Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventurers! Ready for a serious alpine drive? Head to Sanpete County, Utah, and get ready to climb North Tent Mountain. This peak soars to 10,544 feet, making it one of Utah's highest drivable spots! You'll be cruising Skyline Drive Scenic Backway (aka Forest Road 150), a totally unpaved path built way back in the 30s that hugs the Wasatch Plateau's ridgeline. This isn't your average Sunday drive though! The road can get narrow, barely wider than your vehicle as you straddle those 10,000-foot ridges. While you *can* tackle the northern part year-round in a regular car, the southern sections demand some serious clearance or 4x4 power. Think ruts and rocks! Open season is generally July to September. Come prepared – unpredictable rainstorms can turn that dirt track into a muddy mess, so pack extra supplies, shovels, and maybe even chains. But trust me, the views are worth it! This "Utah Adventure Highway" offers mind-blowing scenery and killer camping, fishing, and hunting spots. Just remember: cell service is spotty at best. Plan ahead, embrace the digital detox, and get ready for an epic off-the-grid experience.
moderateIs the road to Montgomery Pass in NV paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Montgomery Pass! This beauty sits high up in Nevada's Mineral County, clocking in at 7,167 feet above sea level. You'll find it right on US Route 6, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Think endless horizons, classic high desert vibes, and some seriously stunning mountain views. The road itself is paved and twists and turns for about 40.5 miles between Coaldale, Nevada and Benton, California, dipping into the Inyo National Forest. You'll be cruising along sweeping curves, with the elevation constantly changing. Traffic is usually pretty chill, but keep an eye out for wandering livestock. Fun fact: there used to be a casino nearby, once boasting the title of "world's highest!" Sadly, it burned down, and the whole area feels a bit like a ghost town now. Still, the views are worth the drive!