The road to Etna Summit in CA has it all

The road to Etna Summit in CA has it all

Usa, north-america

Length

64.05 km

Elevation

1,827 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, fellow wanderers, let me tell you about Etna Summit in Northern California's Klamath National Forest! This beauty sits at a cool 5,994 feet above sea level in Siskiyou County.

The road, connecting Forks of Salmon to Etna in the Scott Valley, is now fully paved, stretching for almost 40 miles of pure driving bliss. But hold on, itโ€™s not all smooth sailing.

Prepare for a wild ride with a whopping 3,713-foot drop in just 12 miles! Weโ€™re talking serious snaketrack action where you'll be hugging 1st gear the whole way down. Brakes? Not your best friend here. Expect a slow and steady pace of 10-15 mph on a road that's rough in spots and often just one lane.

This is remote territory, so come prepared โ€“ limited services are available. Summer afternoons can get scorching, so pack plenty of water. And a friendly tip: give that horn a good blast on those blind curves! Not recommended for RVs, trailers, or newbie mountain drivers.

Despite the challenges, the road surface is generally good, and the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking! Expect constantly changing vistas that will leave you in awe. Trust me, this is one unforgettable road trip.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
64.05 km
Max Elevation
1,827 m
Difficulty
moderate

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