
The road to KHIW-FM Essex is not for the faint of heart
Usa, north-america
2.1 km
1,097 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Deep in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, there’s this gnarly, unpaved road leading up to the KHIW-FM Essex radio station.
Forget your Prius – you're gonna need a 4x4 beast to tackle this rocky climb. It's a steep service road, not for the faint of heart!
Starting from Mountain Springs Road, it's a short but intense 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) to the top. But hold on tight, because you'll be gaining 251 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of almost 12%! The views along the way? Totally worth the white knuckles. Just be prepared for a bumpy, challenging ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,097 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Mount Ka'ala?
🇺🇸 Usa
Aloha, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about conquering Mount Ka'ala on Oahu, Hawaii's third-largest island! This bad boy tops out at 4,038 feet, making it the island's highest point, nestled right in the misty Waianae Range. Now, here's the deal: you can't just cruise up to the summit in your rental car. This peak is home to an FAA tracking station, so the US Army keeps the road pretty locked down from Schofield Barracks. Expect high security and stick to the signs! But don't let that deter you! The road itself, Mount Kaala Road, is a paved beauty, built back in the 40s. Starting from Farrington Highway, it's a 7.7-mile climb, switchbacking its way up with 14 hairpin turns. We're talking a serious elevation gain of 4,020 feet, with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Just a heads-up: up here, the weather can change on a dime! Expect fog and almost 100% humidity, so pack accordingly.
hardWhere is Cabresto Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Cabresto Lake is tucked way up in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico – think seriously high country at 9,255 feet! Getting there is… an adventure. Forest Road 134A, or Cabresto Lake Road, is a twisty, turny beast. We're talking a super rocky, narrow track with about 15 hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Definitely not a winter drive! While you *might* get a regular car up there if it's dry, a 4x4 with good clearance is the way to go. Seriously, leave the RV at home; the road has sections that are basically one-way with cliffs on either side. It's about 2.1 miles from the main forest road and it climbs like crazy – over 800 feet of elevation gain! Some sections hit a 14% grade so hold on tight. But is it worth it? Totally! The road ends right at Cabresto Lake Campground, a small spot with just a few campsites surrounded by insane mountain views. Plus, it's one of the only places in New Mexico where you can catch brook trout. So, if you're up for a challenging drive and some incredible scenery, Cabresto Lake is calling your name.
moderateIs the road to Powder River Pass in WY paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Powder River Pass in Wyoming, a sky-high spot chilling at 9,666 feet! You'll find this gem in Johnson County, nestled in the north-central part of the state. The route? It's all smooth sailing on US Highway 16, totally paved and generally pretty quiet. Don't expect a wild, white-knuckle ride. While you’ll gain some serious altitude, the road's not crazy steep – think a max of 8% gradient on some ramps. It's twisty, though, so keep an eye on those speed limits! You can usually hit this pass year-round, but remember, it's high in the Bighorn Mountains, so winter weather can throw a curveball and cause temporary closures. The stretch itself? You're looking at about 46.4 miles (74.67 km) of gorgeousness, running from Meadowlark Lake to Buffalo, right through the heart of the Bighorn National Forest. And the scenery? Oh, it’s epic! Picture this: towering rocky cliffs, lush pine forests, and sparkling rivers winding alongside you. Plus, the summit has a massive parking area where you can soak it all in. Road trip gold!
extremeSlide Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Slide Mountain in Nevada is seriously epic! We're talking about a summit sitting at a whopping 9,606 feet! As the name suggests, expect some rocky terrain – it's known for its, well, rock slides. You'll find this adventure in the Carson Range, and the road to the top is all gravel and rocks – think ski-station service road meets chairlift access trail. Be warned, it's STEEP, with grades hitting up to 30% in places. Loose stones underfoot make for a challenging climb, especially higher up. Timing is everything! Your window of opportunity is super narrow – aim for late August. The summit is a hub for communication towers (TV, radio, emergency services, you name it!). And hold on to your hat – the wind is relentless up there. Even in summer, you might get snow! Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. But the views! Oh man, the views! Lake Tahoe shimmering to the west, the Virginia Range sprawling to the east, Mount Rose and the Carson Range to the north, and the Sierras stretching south... it's a vista that'll blow your mind.