
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
hardWhere is Trail Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic desert drive, you HAVE to check out Trail Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park. You'll find this gem smack-dab in the eastern-central part of California, winding through the park's backcountry. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday cruise. It's a 10.7-mile unpaved rollercoaster, and slow is the name of the game, thanks to the many washes you'll be navigating. The reward? Pure desert magic. The road takes you to a spring at the canyon forks. The first side canyon on the left offers some great scenery! Forget about looping back to Aguereberry Point Road, though – that section's been closed after a washout. A high-clearance vehicle is a must for the first 4 miles to the top of the alluvial fan, and then you'll probably want 4x4 for the last 5.5 miles to be safe!
hardWhere is Wheeler Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, cruising between Alma and Breckenridge in the Pike National Forest. Granite peaks tower all around as you bounce along an unpaved road (Pv32 if you're looking for it). This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking a seriously rough track with big, loose rocks that demand respect. This 3-mile trail climbs 1,220 feet from the west end of the Montgomery Reservoir, boasting an average grade of 7.73%, with some sections hitting a crazy 18.2% incline. You definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the three main obstacles and multiple creek crossings. Trust me, leave the family sedan at home. This high-altitude alpine escape sits at a whopping 12,194 feet! But be warned, this gem is usually buried in snow from October to June, so aim for a summer adventure. Wheeler Lake is absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a challenge with views that'll blow your mind.
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?
moderateBadlands Loop Road, an adventurous photogenic drive in SD
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out the Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) in South Dakota. It straddles Jackson and Pennington counties and is totally paved. This isn't a long haul at just 38 miles, starting and ending at I-90, but trust me, you'll want to set aside way more than an hour. The road climbs to a peak of 3,231 feet, so expect some steep sections! But the views? Totally worth it! Think incredible buttes, cliffs, and those signature multi-colored spires of the Badlands National Park. There are 14 official overlooks, and seriously, each one is a photo op waiting to happen. This road feels like another planet, with unique rock formations mixing with native grasslands, offering plenty of chances to see bison, deer, coyotes, and more. It's an engineering marvel and a visual feast. Breathtaking vistas, clean air, and a serene atmosphere. Don't miss it!