Vanderbilt
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Vanderbilt, a super cool ghost town nestled in Nevada's Eureka County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road to this old mining town (also known as Geddes) is a mix of gravel and sand, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Word to the wise: conditions change like the Nevada weather! One day it's smooth sailing, the next you're battling washboards.
This is seriously remote territory, so make sure your ride is prepped and ready. Break down out here, and you're mostly on your own – plus, cell service can be spotty. Keep an eye out for an ore bin clinging to the mountainside—that's your landmark! Fun fact: This road is actually the remains of the old Eastern California Railway.
You'll definitely want something with clearance. A high-clearance two-wheel drive might make it, but for that last stretch, four-wheel drive is your best bet. Dry conditions? Could be a piece of cake. Wet weather? Get ready for a muddy, slippery challenge. Seriously, it can become impassable after it rains.
Back in 1870, Vanderbilt was a bustling little place. Think 150 residents, a hotel, stores, restaurants, doctor's offices, saloons – the works! They were pulling gold and silver out of the ground like crazy, employing over 300 miners. Today, all that's left are some mill ruins scattered around Secret Canyon. Nevada's packed with over 600 ghost towns, which is more than actual towns in the state. Pretty wild, right?
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Hershberger Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Hershberger Mountain in southwestern Oregon's Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about a completely unpaved, bumpy, and pothole-filled climb to a historic WWII aircraft warning station, later refurbished and now on the National Historic Lookout Register. Starting from the scenic Highway 230 (Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway), you've got about 11 miles of rough, unpaved road ahead. Get ready for an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet, which translates to a pretty consistent gradient. A 4x4 is highly recommended, and forget about bringing your low-clearance car – especially for that final, super gnarly stretch. But trust me, it’s worth it! You'll be weaving through gorgeous forests, passing meadows bursting with wildflowers, and treated to miles and miles of stunning panoramic views, no matter the time of year. Hershberger Mountain isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
hardIs the road to Cebolla Pass in New Mexico paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through northern New Mexico on NM-94, a sweet stretch of paved road that climbs up to Cebolla Pass. We're talking a lofty 7,670 feet above sea level! This isn't some white-knuckle, cliff-hanging drive, though. The road's in good shape, mostly straight, but be ready for a few steep climbs. This gem is nestled right in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, straddling the Mora and San Miguel county line. The whole shebang is about 18.4 miles long, running north to south from Mora (the Mora County seat) down to Sapello. Get ready for some killer views!
moderateGunsight Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Gunsight Pass! Tucked away in southeastern Oregon's Malheur County, this beauty sits at a cool 6,332 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along Mahogany Road to get there. Now, heads up: it's a gravel road. When it’s dry, you'll likely have a good time, but those unpaved sections can get seriously gnarly when wet. Seriously, if there’s a hint of rain in the air, maybe save this trip for another day. This route stretches for about 14.4 miles, so you will feel like you're really out there. With the elevation you will have some gorgeous views along the way!
moderateInterstate 70 is a remote scenic drive in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Interstate 70 in central Utah, a total American road trip dream. This fully paved beauty stretches for 231 miles, connecting I-15 near Cove Fort all the way to the Colorado border. Get ready for a visual feast! This isn't your average highway – we're talking mind-blowing landscapes. Think dramatic deserts, incredibly deep canyons, towering cliffs, and rock formations that look like they're straight out of a sci-fi movie. Definitely keep your camera handy as you wind through Spotted Wolf Canyon; the views are seriously mesmerizing. Heads up, you'll climb to a max elevation of 7,886 feet at Emigrant Pass, so snow is a real possibility. The road is generally open year-round, but winter storms can sometimes cause temporary closures, so keep an eye on the forecast. The drive itself takes around 3-4 hours non-stop. But here's the kicker: I-70 through Utah is one of the most isolated stretches of interstate you'll ever encounter. For a whopping 106 miles between Green River and Salina, you won't find a single service stop. That's right—no gas, no snacks, no restrooms! And, once you commit, there's no turning back. I-70 is one of the rare interstates that doesn't actually go through any major cities. Be prepared and make sure you’re ready for a long haul before you set out.