What are the highest roads in California?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,962 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, California dreamin' takes a turn off the Pacific Coast Highway! Forget the beaches for a minute, because the *real* adventure is hidden in the eastern half of the state. We're talking sky-high Sierra Nevada mountains, peaking at over 13,000 feet.
Picture this: insane climbs, thin air, and roads that demand your full attention. Winter? Expect snow, and lots of it. These aren't just roads; they're thrilling adventures that'll take you to some of the most breathtaking and memorable views in the entire state. It's a wild ride you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in California? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.8362, -101.0842
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,962 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.8362, -101.0842
Related Roads in north-america
extremeDriving the Scenic Route of Puerto San Luis Through Sierra Madre Occidental
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic road trip through the heart of Mexico! Puerto San Luis, sitting pretty at 1,967m (6,453ft), straddles the border between Sonora and Chihuahua, bringing you face-to-face with the raw beauty of the desert. This 160km (100 mile) stretch of Carretera Federal 2 winds its way from Agua Prieta (Sonora) to Janos (Chihuahua), offering stunning views in every direction. Carved into the Sierra Madre Occidental between the 70s and 80s, this fully paved road is open year-round, but winter brings its own set of challenges. Snow and ice can make things tricky, so keep a close eye on the weather forecast and maybe postpone your trip if there’s a risk of getting stranded. Expect steep climbs, tight turns, and a particularly gnarly hairpin called 'La Herradura' that will test your skills. Watch out for heavy truck traffic that can sometimes cause jams! Remember to give priority to uphill truckers – those loaded rigs have a tough time restarting mid-climb. Slow and steady wins the race here! With blind turns and heavy vehicles, it's best to keep your speed down. Word on the street is the Mexican government is planning to improve the road soon, so even more reason to check it out.
moderateThe historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever heard of a road made of wood? Deep in California's Imperial County, near the border with Mexico, lies the remains of the Old Plank Road, a seriously cool piece of early 20th-century ingenuity. Back in 1915, this eight-mile stretch was built right across the shifting sands of the Algodones Dunes, a landscape that looks like it belongs in the Sahara! Imagine driving on wooden planks, laid end-to-end like a primitive roadway. It was a single lane, so turnouts were added every mile so cars could pass each other. They called it a success, though it was hard work to keep the sand off the road. Mules were brought in to dust the planks off or even move sections of the road! This quirky road made it possible to travel between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. About 3,000 vehicles a week traveled across the "railroad track for cars" Sadly, the plank road's reign didn't last. The harsh desert and shifting sands took their toll, and by the late 1920s, it was replaced with asphalt. Today, only fragments remain, a historic landmark and reminder of a time when a wooden road was the only way to cross these majestic dunes. The region of towering dunes resembles the Sahara desert and has been featured in films ranging from Rudolph Valentino's “The Sheik” to 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.
hardThe beautiful and scenic road to Ohio Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Ohio Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado, a seriously stunning spot that tops out at 10,078 feet. Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, this beauty is super accessible – even your trusty 2WD can handle it in the summer months. Imagine cruising along Ohio Pass Road (aka Gunnison County Road 730, Colorado Road 730, and Forest Road 730 – it’s got a few names!). You won't find tons of other cars out here, and fair warning: your phone will be taking a digital detox with zero cell service. This 23.2-mile stretch connects CO-135 near Gunnison to the Kebler Pass Scenic Drive. Just south of Kebler Pass, it's a true Rocky Mountain high! Keep in mind, Old Man Winter shuts this one down from November to May, so plan accordingly. The first 12.3 miles are smooth sailing on pavement, then you hit the gravel/dirt. But don't worry, it's usually well-maintained. Most cars can handle it, but if your ride scrapes at speed bumps, maybe skip this one. And definitely leave the RV and boat trailer at home – it gets a bit tight near the summit. Expect some punchy climbs too, with grades hitting 10% in places. It's an adventure you won't forget!
easyWhen did Route 66 start?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Route 66, the "Mother Road," stretching over 2,000 miles of pure Americana from the Windy City all the way to sunny Santa Monica. This legendary highway cuts a diagonal path through the heart of the US, taking you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The highest point sits at 3,550 feet above sea level. Now, give yourself around 13 days to soak it all in. Don't expect an easy ride — signage can be sparse and it's not on your standard map. You'll be cruising on the same road that Easy Rider made famous. Get ready for an epic adventure!