
What is the Salton Sea?
Usa, north-america
75.63 km
69 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising down to the Salton Sea? This bizarre, accidental lake in the California desert is a trip! Formed way back when the Colorado River went rogue, it's now California's biggest lake, sitting way below sea level at -227 feet!
Want to check it out? You've got a couple of options for your road trip:
**West Side (California State Route 86):** This is your classic north-south desert cruise, stretching 47 miles from Coachella down to Elmore Desert Ranch. Built back in '64, it's seriously low-lying, hugging the western edge of the Salton Sea. Keep an eye out for the otherworldly salt flats – you can literally crumble them with your hands! And don't miss the insane bird life!
**East Side (State Route 111):** This route gives you a different perspective, winding along the lake's eastern edge. Prepare for some stark desert scenery, punctuated by quirky roadside attractions. Watch out for intense heat during the summer months!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.63 km
- Max Elevation
- 69 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateTraveling in Mexico: What to Know Before You Go
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, amigos! We're hitting the Carretera 126 in Nuevo León, Mexico, a twisty beauty clocking in at about 14.5 miles. Get ready for some serious climbing, as you'll be ascending from around 5,200 feet to over 6,600 feet above sea level. Word to the wise: keep an eye out for potholes and rocks along the way – this isn't your average smooth highway cruise. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think dramatic mountain vistas and classic northern Mexico landscapes. Just take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and you'll have an unforgettable ride.
moderateCamino al Tecolote
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: Baja California Sur, sun on your skin, and you're cruising Camino al Tecolote. This isn't just any road; it's a 21km ribbon of asphalt winding through a crazy beautiful desert landscape. Think towering saguaros and every kind of cactus you can imagine, all leading to the real star of the show: the coastline. Get ready for views of seriously stunning turquoise bays and beaches – the water is this incredible aqua/teal color that you won't believe is real. Keep your eyes peeled – while the road is paved, you'll want to pay attention to the curves and dips as you drink in the scenery. Trust me; this drive is worth it for the views alone.
hardThe winding Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina: 318 curves in 11 miles
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Tail of the Dragon: America's Ultimate Twisty Road Adventure Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Deals Gap (aka the Tail of the Dragon) is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives in the USA. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 isn't for the faint of heart—it packs a jaw-dropping 318 curves into those miles, earning its serpentine nickname. Word travels fast about this place. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock here year-round, drawn by the legendary tight turns with names that'll make you smile: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend. The road snakes through dense forest with occasional scenic pull-offs, but don't get too distracted—blind curves, steep cambers, and crests that come out of nowhere make this a seriously technical drive. Even the most experienced drivers treat the Dragon with respect. Want proof? Check out the Tree of Shame, where motorcycle debris hangs as a sobering reminder of what happens when you push too hard. The fully paved road runs from NC 28 in North Carolina to the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee. It's been featured in countless films (Harrison Ford drove it in The Fugitive!) and ads, but the real thrill is the drive itself. Weather here is tricky. Summer's pretty predictable, but winter (November-March) is a wild card—snow, ice, wildlife, and sudden weather changes can make things unpredictable. That said, winter offers less traffic and better visibility through the trees. Summer afternoons often bring scattered showers, but they're typically gone by evening, leaving plenty of riding time. Around 250,000 riders tackle the Dragon annually. Fun fact: 18-wheelers have been banned since authorities got tired of semi disasters. Tucked between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, this is one road that'll get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories for years.
easyRoad UT-211
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising UT-211 is like stepping into a postcard! This paved beauty winds right through the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. Think jaw-dropping views from start to finish! Clocking in at just over 40 miles (65.66km), this route, also known as the Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway, begins at US 191 and leads to the Big Spring Canyon Overlook inside the park. Trust me, it's a drive you'll remember. And don't worry about parking; there are about 15 spots at the end. Keep an eye on your speed, though – it's 50mph. The road tops out at 6,643 feet (2.025m). What makes it special? Besides the incredible scenery, it’s a smooth ride. Expect killer views, plenty of spots to pull over for photos, and enough beauty to overload your senses. You don't even have to hike – much of the best stuff is visible right from the road! Every turn reveals something spectacular, a feast for the eyes you won't soon forget.