
Via Beaver Basin
Usa, north-america
4.82 km
3,282 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in Utah? Head to Mount Waas, nestled in the Northern La Sal Mountains in Grand County. You've got two ways to get near the summit, both unpaved and requiring a 4WD high-clearance beast.
First up is the east side route – an old mining road that's seen better days. It's narrow, eroded, and might make you clench the steering wheel a bit. This bad boy tops out near the summit at a cool 10,767 feet, making it one of the highest drives in Utah!
Or, take the west side route: the oh-so-charming Miner's Basin Road. This 3-mile bumpy, rocky, loose-soil track also demands a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Pray you don't meet anyone coming the other way! You’ll find a pond, parking, and even an outhouse in Miner's Basin. This route takes you to 9,960 feet.
Remember, these routes are best tackled in the summer. And keep an eye out for bears – they love this area as much as we do! Happy trails!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.82 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,282 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Kolokole Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Kolokole Pass! This hidden gem sits way up in the Waianae Mountain Range on Oahu, Hawaii, clocking in at 504m (1,653ft). You'll find it connecting central and western Oahu. The road itself, Kolokole Road, stretches for about 22.20km (13.8 miles) from Wahiawa to Nānākuli. It's a fully paved ribbon of asphalt, but get ready for some twists and turns! Think steep climbs, tight corners, and some narrow stretches to keep things interesting. Now, here's the catch: access is usually limited to military personnel. But, rumor has it, the road sometimes opens to the public during emergencies. Keep an eye out, but be aware that heavy rains and rockslides can shut it down in a heartbeat. Oh, and movie buffs? You might recognize the scenery! This is the spot where those WWII Japanese fighters supposedly flew through on their way to bomb Pearl Harbor in that iconic war film. Pretty cool, right?
hardMount Bigelow
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona, right? You're aiming for Mount Bigelow, a beast of a peak standing tall at 8,434 feet. The road up, E Bigelow Road, is where things get interesting. Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking proper gravel and rocks here. Think Coronado National Forest vibes and total winter shutdown. If you're not comfy with unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure! Oh, and did I mention it's pretty steep? Heights aren't your friend on this climb. But hey, the payoff is HUGE. At the top, you’re greeted by a lookout tower (hello, history!), loads of cool communication gear, and even an astronomy observatory. Perfect for soaking up those panoramic views after a white-knuckle drive!
hardMilitary History and Infrastructure Origins
🇺🇸 Usa
San Miguel Island's service tracks are a wild ride through history and nature! Located way out west in the Channel Islands, this unique network of unpaved roads stretches about 8 miles (13 km) to Point Bennett. These aren't your average scenic routes; they were originally built back when the island was a military bombing range. Today, the National Park Service manages them, but accessing them is strictly controlled. The main drag, the Point Bennett Service Track, is the only land route across the island's plateau. Be prepared for some serious exposure to wind and fog! Now, here's the kicker: because of the island's past, there's still a risk of unexploded ordnance. That means you can't just wander off on your own! A certified Ranger escort is a must, and everyone needs to sign a waiver acknowledging the potential hazards. Your adventure starts at Cuyler Harbor, a wet landing that requires a small boat transfer. From there, you'll find the Ranger Station and some research facilities. No personal vehicles are allowed—the NPS handles transportation with specialized off-road gear. The scenery is unbelievable, especially at Point Bennett, where you can spot up to six different species of seals and sea lions hauled out. But stick to the tracks! The island is prone to erosion, and straying off-road is a no-no to protect both the wildlife and, well, you. This place is all about rugged beauty and a fascinating, if slightly edgy, past!
moderateWhere is Walker Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Walker Pass! This high mountain pass sits pretty at 5,259 feet in Kern County, California. You'll find it in the northeastern part of the county, connecting the San Joaquin Valley to the Mojave Desert. It’s named after Joseph R. Walker, a mountain man who blazed a trail through here back in the day. This route became super important during the Gold Rush. Now, about the drive: it's along California State Route 178, and it's paved the whole way. This two-lane road winds and twists for about 19.4 miles between Canebrake and Freeman Village. Because it's high up in the southern Sierra Nevada, you get some killer views. Most of the year, it's open, but winter weather can sometimes close it temporarily. Keep an eye out for rockfalls too - those are a year-round hazard!