Unraveling the Secrets of Kern Canyon Road in California
Usa, north-america
64 km
2 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for an epic California road trip? Buckle up for Kern Canyon Road (CA Highway 178) in Kern County! This 40-mile stretch from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella, snaking through the Southern Sierra Nevada, is not for the faint of heart.
Built way back in the day (think late 1890s to 1924) to support a powerhouse, this road is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and seriously steep drop-offs right alongside the Kern River. You’ll be gripping the wheel through narrow lanes, especially in the first half, before things open up to a four-lane stretch.
Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – this road can be dangerous. It’s known for its fair share of accidents, so keep your eyes on the road and drive smart! Be extra careful of rock slides, especially after rain. The canyon walls expand and contract with the weather, so rocks can come loose. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale.
Despite the hazards, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Think rocky cliffs, dramatic vistas, and the (dam-controlled) Kern River rushing alongside. Just a word of caution about that river – swimming is HIGHLY discouraged. The currents are strong, the water's cold, and there are hidden hazards like fallen trees. Stay well back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and definitely don't underestimate the river’s power. If you do fall in, don't fight the current – float on your back with your feet downstream until you can reach the bank. And leave the inflatables at home, they’re no match for the Kern River!
This drive is a mix of thrills and chills, but with the right precautions, you're in for a memorable ride!
Where is it?
Unraveling the Secrets of Kern Canyon Road in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.0998, -101.4807
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 64 km
- Max Elevation
- 2 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.0998, -101.4807
Related Roads in north-america
easyAn exceptionally scenic drive to Owl Creek Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Owl Creek Pass, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, is a must-do for adventurous travelers. This beauty sits at 10,118 feet above sea level, right on the border between Ouray and Gunnison counties within the Uncompahgre National Forest. Fun fact: it started out as a cattle trail way back in 1885! County Road 8, a 14.4-mile unpaved stretch, is your path to the summit from US-550 (the legendary Million Dollar Highway). Be warned, though: the Cimarron Mountains aren't always welcoming. The pass is typically snowed in from late October to late June or early July. Even during open season, be ready for anything – snow, hail, thunderstorms, you name it! The gravel road is generally well-maintained and pretty easy to navigate in dry weather, even for regular cars. But after heavy rains, things can get muddy, and you might want AWD or 4WD. RVs should probably skip this one. Expect winding roads and steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 12% in some spots. You'll gain almost 3,200 feet in elevation from the starting point, so buckle up! But oh, the views! This drive is seriously scenic, with jaw-dropping panoramic vistas at every turn. Give yourself at least an hour to soak it all in, not counting stops. Keep an eye out for those classic Western landscapes – John Wayne filmed scenes from "True Grit" and "How the West Was Won" right here. You'll find towering aspens mixed with pines and, higher up, those stunning red sandstone cliffs that make for incredible photos, especially when the aspens turn golden.
extremeIs the road to Jelm Mountain in Wyoming unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Jelm Mountain Road in Wyoming, a proper off-road ascent to a whopping 9,671 feet! You'll find it in Albany County, close to the Colorado border. Yep, this one's all unpaved glory. We're talking a 5.2-mile gravel track that's loose, rocky, and sometimes a bit washed out. Expect some muddy spots, and after a good rain, those steeper sections can get pretty technical with loose rocks and gullies. You'll climb 2,047 feet from the paved WY-10, so the average incline is around 7.5%. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from December to May. And even when it's open, be prepared for some wild weather up top. We're talking potentially sub-zero temps (think -40F!) and winds that can gust over 100 mph! But is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit is home to the Wyoming Infrared Observatory, so you can get your science geek on. Plus, the views of the Laramie Basin and Laramie River valley are simply incredible. It used to be a fire lookout, so you know the panoramas are epic. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Hellroaring Plateau?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride to Hellroaring Plateau! This spot is tucked away in Montana's Carbon County, right in the heart of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, near the Wyoming border. Think you're a confident driver? This climb to 9,908 feet will put you to the test! The road, called Hellroaring Road (or Forest Service Road 2412/421 if you're feeling official), is a completely unpaved adventure. We're talking potholes, boulders, and rocky sections that squeeze down to one lane – hope you're good at reversing! And did I mention? No guardrails! A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best friend here. Originally built in the 1930s to access some chrome deposits, this road is now a gateway to some serious views. The best time to tackle it is mid-summer when the snow has melted, and the conditions are prime. The adventure kicks off from US-212 (Beartooth Highway), and it’s about 6.6 miles to the top. In that short distance, you'll climb 2,782 feet, averaging almost an 8% grade. Get ready for some stunning scenery as you ascend!
easyWhere is Firehole Lake Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming, right? You’re near Fountain Paint Pot, and you see a little detour called Firehole Lake Drive. TAKE IT! This short, paved, one-way loop dives right into a crazy thermal area – think geysers, steamy hot lakes, bubbling hot springs, and even a hot waterfall. Seriously, it’s like driving through another world. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This little road is famous (or maybe infamous) because the ground gets SO hot sometimes it melts the asphalt! Back in 2014, it even closed down for a bit because of this! But don't let that scare you away. The views are absolutely unreal. There are tons of pullouts where you can park and gawk at the crazy natural wonders. Plus, this is where you'll find the Great Fountain Geyser. You can literally watch it erupt from the comfort of your car, which is pretty amazing. Just a heads-up: Firehole Lake Drive is usually closed in the winter. Also, leave your RV, bus, or trailer behind as it's too narrow for big rigs. And remember, Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland with over 10,000 features and 500 geysers, so things can get a little…melty.