The Loneliest Highway to Pinto Summit in NV
Usa, north-america
125 km
2,246 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Pinto Summit, nestled high in Nevada's White Pine Range at a cool 7,368 feet. This beauty is located in Eureka County, and getting there is half the fun.
The road to the summit is totally paved, so no need to worry about off-roading here. You'll be cruising along , also known as the "Loneliest Highway in America." Keep an eye out for some epic, wide-open scenery!
Just a heads-up: this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. Expect some steep climbs, with grades hitting 8% in spots, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The pass stretches for about 77 miles between Eureka and Eli, so plan for a good chunk of driving time. It's usually open year-round, but winter weather can occasionally throw a wrench in the plans, so be sure to check conditions before you go. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 125 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,246 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is the Sierra Vista Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna experience California's Sierra Nevada like never before? Hop in your car and cruise the Sierra Vista Byway! This 83-mile loop is pure magic, winding through the Sierra National Forest with views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll climb from gentle foothills to awesome alpine forests, topping out at 7,326 feet. Picture this: the Sierra Nevada crest stretching out before you, unique rock formations popping up along the way, granite domes gleaming in the sun, and mountain streams babbling alongside the road. Heads up: this beauty is seasonal! It's usually open from June to October, because winter snows shut it down. Some sections are paved, others are unpaved (think slow and bumpy, but still doable in a regular car). Give yourself 4-5 hours to enjoy the drive without rushing. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you start! There's only one gas station along the way (Wagner's Store at Mammoth Pool), and it's not cheap. Seriously, pack your camera. The views of the Sierra Crest are unreal. This byway is an amazing way to explore the Sierra backcountry from the comfort of your car!
extremeFawn Creek Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a serious off-road thrill in Colorado's Grand County, Fawn Creek Pass needs to be on your radar. We're talking about topping out at a cool 10,186 feet! You'll find this gem nestled in the Arapaho National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 149, also known as Rollins Pass Road. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road – it's a gravel 4x4 track, so come prepared. Expect a bit of rockiness, some mud, and absolutely NO messing around when the weather turns nasty. This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides. Patches of ice can also make things extra dicey, so be smart about when you go. But if you time it right, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable scenery.
moderateDriving the enthralling Notom-Bullfrog Road in Capitol Reef NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Notom-Bullfrog Road in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park is an absolute MUST if you're in the area. This beauty traces the eastern edge of the Waterpocket Fold, a geological marvel that'll have you glued to your windows! Spanning Wayne and Garfield counties, this route clocks in at about 32.5 miles. You'll start smooth sailing on pavement for the first 15 miles, then things get a little more adventurous with a well-maintained dirt, sand, and gravel surface. Most cars can handle it in good weather, but definitely check in at the visitor center before you go. This road tops out at 5,725 feet above sea level, and Mother Nature can be unpredictable here — recent storms or floods can make it impassable, even for 4x4s. Give yourself up to two hours each way, and that's without stops (which, trust me, you'll want to make!). The scenery is phenomenal, and there are tons of chances to explore narrow canyons and hit the backcountry trails like Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Narrows. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
moderateWhere is Leviathan Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Leviathan Peak in California's Alpine County is calling your name with killer remote views and a summit sitting pretty at 8,963ft. Find this gem southeast of Lake Tahoe, nestled within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border. What awaits you at the top? A communication site that's been there since the 60s, and the old Forest Service Leviathan Fire Lookout. The 360-degree views are unreal – think Sierra Mountain range vistas, neighboring peaks, and the Nevada desert shimmering in the distance. Now, the road... It's Leviathan Peak Road (Forest Road 31057), and it's all dirt. Seriously, 4WD is your best friend here. You can cruise most of the way, then hike the last quarter-mile to the fire tower after you reach a locked gate. The tippy-top is service vehicles only. Clocking in at just 1.4 miles from California State Route 89 (Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), south of ..., this climb packs a punch with a 708 ft elevation gain and an average gradient of 9.6%. Heads up: this road is a no-go in winter (usually closed from late November to early April due to its location high in the Sierra Nevada). And, word to the wise, it gets seriously windy up there!