The Road to Dante's View Offers Death Valley's Best Views
Usa, north-america
25 km
1,700 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Dante's View in California's Death Valley. Seriously, this place is unreal.
Imagine this: you're cruising along, starting near the Badwater Basin, which is actually *below* sea level. For miles, the road is pretty chill, but don't get too comfy. This "Dantes View Road" is a beast disguised as asphalt!
Clocking in at just over 23 miles, the final 5 miles are where things get wild. The road gets super steep with hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. Word to the wise: if you're hauling a trailer, there's a designated "escape route" – trust me, you'll thank me later. Vehicles over 25 feet long are restricted from this section.
Once you conquer that final stretch, BAM! You're at 5,485 feet above sea level, staring at a view that's straight out of a movie (literally, it was a Star Wars filming location!). The 360-degree panorama is mind-blowing. You've got Badwater way down below, and if you squint, you can spot Mt. Whitney in the distance. Just remember that the summit is colder and windier than the valley floor so bring a jacket!
Heads up, though: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air and poisonous gas. It's scenic, epic, and a total must-do if you're anywhere near Death Valley. Just go in the morning when it's cooler, and get ready to be amazed!
Where is it?
The Road to Dante's View Offers Death Valley's Best Views is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.2744, -95.2403
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,700 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.2744, -95.2403
Related Roads in north-america
hardMount Baker Highway is an extraordinary day trip in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip on the Mount Baker Highway in Washington's Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest! This epic drive, also known as Washington State Route 542, stretches 57 miles (92km) from the I-5 interchange in Bellingham (just north of Seattle) all the way to Artist Point, perched at 5,140 feet (1,566m). Originally built in 1893 for the logging industry, this fully paved route hugs the stunning North Fork Nooksack River. The last few switchbacks are a real test, offering a glimpse of the climb ahead that will either intimidate or inspire you! Be prepared: services like gas and food are scarce past Glacier (Mile 33). Factor in about two hours of driving time without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The scenery is simply breathtaking, making it an ideal day trip. You'll find yourself winding along the river, surrounded by some of the most incredible views in the country. The reward at the end? Artist Point, boasting 360-degree panoramas of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, plus a bunch of cool trails to explore. Just a heads up: Artist Point is usually closed from October to July due to crazy weather. In winter, the road ends at the Mount Baker Ski Area (Mile 55), famous for its record-breaking snowfall. The road to Artist Point generally reopens in July, but closes again with the first heavy snowfall, usually around late September or early October. So plan your trip accordingly for the best experience!
extremeWhere is Monte Cristo Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventurers, let's talk Monte Cristo Road! Nestled in eastern Snohomish County, in the northwestern part of Washington, this ain't your average Sunday drive. You'll find the trailhead off the Mountain Loop Highway at a decent elevation, and it leads to what's left of Monte Cristo, a ghost town abandoned way back in 1907, sitting pretty high up itself. Now, this trail clocks in at just under 4 miles – sounds easy, right? Well, hold your horses. The South Fork Sauk River got a little feisty a few years back and washed out the road, leaving a gap where a bridge used to be. Heads up: This trek is strictly for foot traffic or other non-motorized travel. Seriously, do NOT try to drive it! It's gated, but open for hikers and bikers willing to explore. The washed-out shores and missing chunks of road are a clear sign – vehicles need not apply. Snohomish County is not warrantying anything for vehicular traffic. Oh, and one more thing – remember those mining operations back in the day? The river water is still carrying some heavy metals and arsenic, so skip the refreshing river dip. Despite the hazards, it's a scenic spot to see the remains of a fascinating town, with tales and photos that bring the past to life. Hike at your own risk, but soak in the history and rugged beauty!
hardIs the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bill Moore Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 11,368 feet in Clear Creek County. The road? It's Forest Service Road 183.1, and it's a total adventure. We're talking unpaved, super rocky, and seriously steep. Think epic views as you climb, but also loose dirt and small rocks that'll test your driving skills. If it's wet, forget about it unless you're prepared. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. The fun starts from the historic town of Empire, and it's about 6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you — you'll climb over 2,700 feet! That's an average grade of 8.5%, so buckle up! Heads up: this road is SEASONAL. It's in the Arapaho National Forest, so expect snow to close it down in winter. Usually, it's good to go from late spring through fall. Is it worth the bumpy ride? ABSOLUTELY! You're right on the edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. Much of the route winds through a dense pine forest. At the top, there's a big parking lot and access to trails and even the historical Conqueror Mine. Seriously, pack a picnic, explore, and make a weekend of it. The scenery is unreal.
moderateWhere is Rabbit Ears Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Rabbit Ears Pass! This beauty sits way up high in northern Colorado, straddling Jackson and Grand counties, at a cool 9,426 feet. You bet you can drive it! It's U.S. Route 40, all paved, but hold on tight – it gets pretty steep in places, hitting almost 7% grade, and throws in a few hairpin turns just to keep things interesting. Cruise three miles east and you'll drop about 500 feet in elevation. This stretch of highway runs for about 52 miles, winding its way from the charming Steamboat Springs to the town of Kremmling. Word to the wise: Rabbit Ears Pass is typically open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect some closures due to wild weather, especially in winter. It's known as one of the tougher Colorado passes when the snow flies. Despite all that, the scenery is amazing!