Traveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California
Usa, north-america
15.44 km
1,496 m
moderate
Year-round
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Joshua Tree National Park? Head to Covington Flat Road, a hidden gem in Southern California! This unpaved road winds through stunning desert scenery and is your gateway to some of the park’s most impressive Joshua trees (the area was named after a local rancher), junipers, and pinyon pines. You'll find both Upper and Lower Covington Flat Roads.
At around 9.6 miles long, this backcountry route starts on La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley and takes you to a parking lot that’s the trailhead for Covington Crest. Make a quick 5-minute hike to the top of Eureka Peak! Keep in mind cell service is spotty, so grab a map before you go. Plus, a side trip off Covington Flat Road will get you to Nolina Peak, at about 4,908 feet high.
A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4WD is highly recommended, especially after rain or snow. The road can get pretty rutted. The drive climbs to a peak of 5,173 feet, so expect some steep sections towards the end. You'll be rewarded with incredible views of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin.
Where is it?
Traveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.0042, -99.1585
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 15.44 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,496 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.0042, -99.1585
Related Roads in north-america
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering the Strawberry Ridge Road in UT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Strawberry Ridge Road! This beast of a road straddles the Utah and Wasatch county line in Utah, deep in the Uinta National Forest. Forget pavement; this is pure, unadulterated dirt for 29.4 miles. It's a north-south trek that links Main Canyon Road to Forest Road 042 (Indian Creek Road). You'll be climbing high, reaching a dizzying 9,668 feet above sea level! Be warned: this road is usually a no-go from late October until late June/early July due to snow. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 to even think about tackling it. But hey, the views are incredible! We're talking panoramic vistas of Strawberry Reservoir and the majestic Wasatch Mountains. Just factor in plenty of time; this isn't a quick jaunt. Expect the drive to take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours without stops.
moderateWhere is Henness Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Henness Pass, perched high in California's Sierra County at a cool 6,938 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in the Tahoe National Forest, northwest of Reno. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a winding adventure through historic sites and seriously rugged terrain. Word has it that Patrick Henness himself mapped out this route way back in the Gold Rush era, making it the go-to trail for folks heading from Virginia City, Nevada, to Marysville, California. The road, officially called Henness Pass Road (Forest Road 07), connects Highway 49, slices through the forest, and pops out at Highway 89 near Little Truckee Summit. It then keeps cruising through Kyburz Flat all the way to Verdi, NV. Depending on where you start, you're looking at an 88 to 107-mile trek. Now, a heads-up: while some of the road is paved (from Highway 89 to Jackson Meadows), a good portion of it is forest road. You don't *need* a 4x4, but a high-clearance vehicle is a smart move because it's mostly a dirt road with some rough spots. You can usually hit this road from May to November. Keep in mind that snow can linger late into the summer, so be ready to turn around if needed and maybe pack a shovel, just in case. Mud and sand can also be part of the fun, but should be easily passable. Get ready for scenic mountain passes and views for days!
hardTreasure Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? Forget the usual tourist traps and check out Treasure Mountain! This peak sits way up high in the San Juan Mountains, clocking in at a cool 11,089 feet. You'll be cruising up County Road 39 (aka Fall Creek Road) to get there. Heads up, this is a dirt road, but don't worry, it's usually in great shape until you're almost at the top. A 4x4 is your best bet for tackling it. Keep an eye out for other adventurers because the road gets pretty narrow and steep. Sometimes there's barely any room to pull over if someone's coming the other way, which can get a little wild. The road's usually snowed in from October or November, so plan accordingly! Expect some killer views, but be prepared for a potentially white-knuckle ride.
moderateBear Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk Bear Mountain, chilling high up in Southern California's San Bernardino County at a cool 8,471 feet. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and a rugged, gravel road winding through the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. This isn't your Sunday cruise, folks. We're talking a real off-road experience! Keep in mind, this high-altitude beauty gets its fair share of snow, so winter closures are a thing. Even a little rain can turn that gravel into a slippery challenge, and watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel patches! But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just make sure you and your ride are prepped and ready to tackle this wild California climb. Get ready for some incredible scenery!