Travelling the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree
Usa, north-america
24.3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, desert adventurers! Joshua Tree National Park is calling with some seriously epic off-road experiences:
**Berdoo Canyon Road:** This 15-mile, unpaved beast in Joshua Tree throws down a challenge with steep climbs (up to 11%!), sandy patches, and ruts that demand respect. You *need* a 4x4 for this one. The views are killer, and you can tackle it year-round, but watch out – flash floods can totally change the game. Budget about 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in.
**Black Eagle Mine Road:** Dig into history on this 19-mile dirt track through an old mining district. The further you go, the tougher it gets, so a 4WD with decent clearance is a must. You'll cruise past abandoned mines (think Barry Storm's Jade Mine!), but fair warning: the road gets blocked eventually. Total off-grid vibes here—no cell service, so plan accordingly!
**Covington Flat Road:** Craving panoramic vistas? This 9.6-mile dirt gem delivers! Picture this: Palm Springs shimmering in the distance, framed by mountains and the vast Morongo Basin. A high-clearance vehicle is your best bet, especially after a rain or snow. Wind your way through classic Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines, ending at the Covington Crest Trailhead.
**Geology Tour Road:** Calling all rock hounds! This 18-mile unpaved loop is a geological wonderland. Think formations sculpted by erosion, earthquakes, and ancient volcanoes. A 4x4 is recommended past the first few miles. Sixteen interpretive stops make it a super educational (and beautiful!) drive. Give yourself about two hours to explore.
**Old Dale Road:** This 26-mile unpaved trail to old mines is not for the faint of heart! Sharp rocks and deep sand make it mandatory to have 4WD. This is a remote area with no cell reception, so allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. October to May is the best time to drive.
**Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road:** Looking for a real adventure? The 20-mile Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road is a rough and rocky 4WD journey that will challenge even seasoned off-roaders. It begins at the Cottonwood Visitor Center and travels through Pinkham and Thermal Canyons before coming out on I-10. This is a remote area and requires drivers to be self-sufficient.
Where is it?
Travelling the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5537, -102.9084
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.5537, -102.9084
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Big Windy Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Big Windy Peak in eastern Idaho! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're heading west of Leadore, way up to a summit with seriously breathtaking views. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. It's an old mining track, about 6 miles long, switchbacking up almost 3,000 feet. Think rough, rocky, and unmaintained – a real test for your vehicle and your nerves. You’ll want a high-clearance 4x4 with tough tires and skid plates, trust me. This route takes you past relics of old mining operations, remnants from the late 1800s and early 1900s when miners were digging for gold, silver, copper, and lead. Keep an eye out for the remains of a large mining operation. Big Windy Peak was also used as a fire lookout in the past. But here's the kicker: this road has serious exposure. One wrong move, and you're in trouble. Plus, no cell service, so you're on your own. Oh, and winter? Forget about it. This road is completely snowed in. Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Just remember to respect the mountain, drive smart, and soak up the views. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
extremeSalmon River Road in California: You can’t be scared of steep narrow roads
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about Salmon River Road in Northern California's Siskiyou County. This one's a real gem hidden inside Six Rivers National Forest. Picture this: you're hugging a narrow, paved road carved into the side of a dramatic river canyon. We're talking serious heights, people. Hundreds of feet straight down to the Salmon River with nothing but air between you and the bottom. No guardrails here! If you're afraid of heights, this might not be your jam. The road clocks in at just over 17 miles, winding its way from Somes Bar (just off Highway 96) up to Forks of Salmon. You'll be tracing the river the whole way. Keep an eye on the sky, because being so close to the Pacific means the weather can change on a dime. You might even see snow in the spring! It's mostly a one-lane affair, so take it slow, be courteous, and watch out for oncoming cars. This route demands your full attention. And a word of caution: RVs need not apply. Rockslides are common, and the drop-offs are sheer. But if you're up for an adventure and some seriously stunning scenery, Salmon River Road is an unforgettable drive!
easyOverseas Highway
🇺🇸 United States
# The Overseas Highway: A 182-Kilometer Island-Hopping Adventure Picture this: you're cruising down a road where the ocean literally surrounds you on both sides. That's the Overseas Highway—a stunning 182-kilometer stretch of US Route 1 that connects mainland Florida to the quirky, colorful island paradise of Key West via a series of tropical islands you didn't even know existed. Here's the cool part: this road was built on the bones of Henry Flagler's legendary Overseas Railroad, which got absolutely demolished by a hurricane back in 1935. Instead of abandoning the route, someone had the brilliant idea to turn it into a highway. Today, you'll cross 42 bridges along the way, with the jaw-dropping Seven Mile Bridge being the showstopper—a genuine engineering marvel that stretches across open ocean between Marathon and the Lower Keys. The drive itself is mesmerizing. You'll feel like you're literally floating on the water, with the brilliant turquoise Atlantic on one side and the gentler waters of Florida Bay on the other. It's scenery that just keeps getting better as you island-hop through charming communities: the laid-back fishing vibes of Islamorada, the artsy, free-spirited energy of Key West, and everything in between. Want to break up the drive? Snorkel some incredible coral reefs, explore the historic Bahia Honda State Park, or keep your eyes peeled for the adorable (and rare) Key deer hanging out on Big Pine Key. Trust us—this isn't just a road trip, it's an experience.
moderateNorth Ogden Divide is an awe-inspiring road in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers, because North Ogden Divide in Utah is calling your name! This epic mountain pass, clocking in at a cool 6,190 feet, is nestled in Weber County, right in the heart of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The road itself, locally known as "The Divide" (aka North Ogden Canyon Road), is a smooth, paved 6-mile stretch connecting North Ogden and Liberty. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking alpine views – this drive is a feast for the eyes, no matter the season! At the summit, you'll find a parking area and the Indian Trails Monument, perfect for soaking it all in. Now, a heads-up: this road isn't for the faint of heart. This winding ribbon of pavement features minimal shoulders and some serious drop-offs (think 600 feet!). Plus, with steep grades hitting a max of 11.2%, your car will definitely get a workout. Keep an eye out for potential hazards like avalanches and falling rocks. It's a thrill ride with stunning scenery, but stay alert and drive safe!