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
easyWhere is the Notom-Bullfrog Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Capitol Reef National Park? You absolutely HAVE to check out the Notom-Bullfrog Road. This gem runs along the Waterpocket Fold's east side and it's easily one of the best drives in the whole park. You'll find it straddling Wayne and Garfield counties in south-central Utah. It's about 32.5 miles (52.3 km) long, starting from Highway 24 on the east side of Capitol Reef and winding down south. The first 15 miles (24.1 km) are paved, but after that, it turns into a well-maintained dirt road – think sandy and gravelly. Most cars can handle it in good weather, but always check with the visitor center first. Seriously, this road can get dicey, even for 4WDs, especially after rain or floods. It tops out at 5,725 feet (1,745m) above sea level. Give yourself about two hours for a one-way trip if you're not stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop! The scenery is unreal. This backway hugs the Waterpocket Fold's eastern edge. Keep an eye out for the narrow canyons that cut across the road – exploring them will reward you with mind-blowing rock formations. Plus, it's a gateway to awesome hikes like Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Narrows. Get ready for some serious views and outdoor adventures!
extremeWhat’s the Old Cascade Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky spot! Just east of Everett, Washington, in King County, lurks the Old Cascade Tunnel. We're talking major creep factor. This abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, hidden away in the Cascades, was built way back in 1900 to ditch some gnarly switchbacks. Clocking in at 2.6 miles long with a 1.7% grade, this tunnel, also known as the Stevens Pass Tunnel, is NOT your average scenic route. Forget exploring! This place is collapsing and seriously unstable. I'm talking major cave-in potential. A huge failure occurred in 2006, creating a debris dam and a creepy little lake inside. The lining is cracked, and another collapse could happen any minute. Seriously, DO NOT ENTER. They've built a safe viewpoint at the west end so you can peek, but that's it. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Legend says the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington avalanche, which tragically killed 96 people, still roam these tunnels. So, you know, extra spooky vibes.
hardCan you drive to Moraine Lake?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're in Alberta, Canada, practically straddling the British Columbia border, smack-dab in Banff National Park. Towering peaks surround you. You're headed to Moraine Lake. This blue-green beauty sits way up high at 1,885m (6,183ft). Now, here's the deal: you can't just roll up in your own car anymore (as of 2023). You'll need to hop on a shuttle, public transport, or a commercial tour. Biking is an option too! The road itself (Lake Louise Drive) is paved and winds for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Lake Louise to the parking lot near the lake. Heads up: it gets super busy in the summer and late September. But trust me, it's worth the trip. You're driving through the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and the views are insane! Moraine Lake itself? Forget about it. It's one of the most photographed spots in Canada for a reason, even though it's only half the size of Lake Louise. Keep an eye out for grizzly bears! Bring bear spray, make some noise, and pay attention to your surroundings. Important: this road is only open from about mid-June to mid-October. Heavy snow and avalanches close it down for the winter. And if you go right when it opens, don't expect that iconic turquoise water right away. The lake needs time to thaw, and it usually peaks in late June.
hardSaddle Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Saddle Mountain in New Mexico's Catron County is calling your name with its epic 8,326-foot summit. You'll find this beauty tucked away inside the Gila National Forest, but fair warning: the road up is no Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy, tippy ride that demands a 4x4. Heads up – Mother Nature often shuts this down between October and June, so plan accordingly! The climb is STEEP, and those New Mexico thunderstorms can turn those unpaved roads into a 4-wheel-drive-only zone, or even make them totally impassable. But hey, if you make it to the top, you're rewarded with stunning views from a fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since '66. Definitely worth the effort for that ultimate off-road experience!