What are the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree?
Usa, north-america
24.3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Located at the eastern end of Southern California, in the USA, the Joshua Tree National Park is immense, nearly 800,000 acres, and infinitely variable. Two desert systems, the Mojave and the Colorado, divide the park into two arid ecosystems. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land with strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. For your own safety and for the protection of the natural features of the park please stay on established roads.
What are the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree?
is a challenging, unpaved trail located in
Joshua Tree National Park
. It spans 24.3 km (15.1 miles) and includes steep sections with an 11% gradient. The trail requires a
due to obstacles like sandy spots and deep ruts. It offers scenic views and is open year-round, but
can change road conditions. Driving without stops takes about
Black Eagle Mine Road
Black Eagle Mine Road
unpaved route through a historic mining district in
Joshua Tree National Park
. The road gradually becomes rougher and more challenging, requiring a
vehicle with good clearance. It passes abandoned mines, including
Barry Storm's Jade Mine
Black Eagle Gold Mine
. The road is blocked near the end, and the area is remote, with no cell reception.
is a scenic, unpaved drive through
Joshua Tree National Park
, the surrounding mountains, and the
. The road is suitable for
high-clearance vehicles
, especially after rain or snow. The drive takes you through
Covington Crest Trailhead
Joshua Tree National Park
, offering a fascinating journey through geological formations shaped by
vehicle is recommended beyond the first few miles. The road features 16 interpretive stops, making it a great drive for learning about the park’s geological history. It takes about
to complete the loop.
41.68 km (25.9 miles)
Joshua Tree National Park
, passing through abandoned mines. It’s a challenging drive with sharp rocks and deep sand, requiring a
vehicle. The road is remote, with no cell reception, and can take
to drive. The best time to visit is from
, as summer heat makes it less suitable.
Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road
Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road
unpaved, scenic route in
Joshua Tree National Park
. It’s a challenging road through soft sand and rocky terrain, requiring a
vehicle. The road begins at the
Cottonwood Visitor Center
. Drivers should be prepared for remote areas and difficult conditions.
Driving the gnarly Nellie Creek Road in Colorado
Beef Pasture Gap is One of the Highest Paved Roads in Texas
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
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Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Last Dollar Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Last Dollar Pass, perched way up in Colorado's San Miguel County at a whopping 10,676 feet! Everyone raves about it being one of the state's best backcountry drives, and I'm here to tell you why. We're talking southwestern Colorado, folks. This isn't your average highway; it's an old mining supply route from the 1800s that's been transformed into a seriously scenic dirt road (aka Last Dollar Road #638). Now, about the road itself: It's unpaved the whole way. In dry weather, most cars can handle it, but after it rains, things get muddy, and 4WD is your friend. Really though, a high-clearance 4x4 is the ideal ride. It's about 22 miles long, winding from CO-62 to CO-145. It’ll take you two or three hours because you'll be going slow and stopping for pictures every five minutes. Think of it as the super-scenic shortcut between Ridgway and Telluride. Heads up: this road is only usually open from June to September when it's dry because winter shuts it down completely. So, plan your trip accordingly and definitely don’t go if the weather looks iffy. Why bother? Oh, the views! Around every corner are those classic Colorado vistas. The Wilson Range, St. Sophia Ridge, Palmyra Peak, and the Sneffels Range all put on a show. Seriously, it might just be the best spot to catch the fall colors, with aspen groves for days. Wildflowers explode in early summer, and keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and even bears roaming around. Oh, and fun fact, John Wayne's "True Grit" filmed its opening and closing scenes here. Talk about a legendary backdrop!
moderateWhere is the Capitol Gorge Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through south-central Utah, smack-dab in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. You're on Capitol Gorge Road, a sweet little unpaved gem that's steeped in history. This wasn't always a scenic detour, though. Back in the day, this narrow canyon was THE way to get through this part of Utah! Pioneers even carved it out for wagons, battling flash floods and boulders the whole way. Can you imagine? The dirt road starts where the paved Capitol Reef Scenic Drive ends and winds its way through the gorge. It's mostly mellow, even a regular car can usually handle it. Just watch out for some sandy spots and definitely avoid it if storms are brewing, because flash floods are a real threat here. There's a gate that closes when things get dicey. The whole thing isn't too long, ending at a trailhead parking area after a memorable stretch. Fair warning: this lot fills up FAST during peak season, so get there early if you want to snag a spot and explore the canyon trails further on foot. This is a journey you won't forget!
extremeWhere is Sherman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Sherman Pass in California is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 9,200 feet above sea level in Tulare County, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Find it on the eastern side of Sequoia National Forest, right on the edge of the Kern Plateau. Sherman Pass Road (aka Forest Route 22S05) is fully paved, but don't let that fool you. This 73-mile stretch from Johnsondale to Linnie is a wild ride of twists, turns, and seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 9%! The road's narrow, just 18 feet across, and with those mountainous drop-offs... well, let's just say you'll want to keep your eyes on the road. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views from the top are breathtaking. You'll be gazing at the Sierra Crest and even Mount Whitney on a clear day. A heads up: Sherman Pass is usually closed during the snowy months, opening up around late May or early June, and closing again in late fall or winter. And those summer months? Prepare for some serious heat! If you're up for a remote and challenging climb with killer scenery, Sherman Pass is your next adventure.
extremeHaystack Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you: Haystack Mountain in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains. We're talking a lung-busting 8,572 feet above sea level, so get ready for some seriously stunning views. You'll find it inside the Salmon-Challis National Forest, and the only way up is via the infamous Moose Creek Road. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper 4WD gravel track. Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is prone to avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides. Patches of ice are super common, making it extra dicey. Only tackle this one if you're prepared and the weather's playing nice! The views from Glacier Peak (an old mining road to the top) are totally worth the risk if you're up for the challenge.