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
moderatePowder Mountain resort
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Powder Mountain Road! This route, also known as state Route 158, is your ticket to North America's largest ski area, nestled high up in Utah, straddling Weber and Cache counties. Get ready for some serious eye candy because this paved road is all about the views! You can usually hit it year-round, but keep an eye on winter weather – Mother Nature might decide to close it temporarily after a big storm. Now, be warned, this climb is no joke. Starting from the UT-39 junction, you've got about 11.6 miles of uphill trekking. We're talking an elevation gain of over 3,300 feet! That's an average grade of around 5.5%, so make sure your car is ready for a workout as you make your way up to that awesome 8,257-foot summit!
moderateIs La Rumorosa in Mexico paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Hit the road on Mexico's Federal Highway 2D, aka La Rumorosa, snaking through the Sierra de Juárez Mountains in Baja California. This fully paved, two-lane rollercoaster climbs to 4,042 feet, boasting hairpin turns and dips that'll keep you on your toes. They call it La Rumorosa for the whispering winds that howl through these peaks. Keep your eyes peeled—this dramatic landscape starred in the James Bond flick "Licence to Kill"! Connecting Tecate and Mexicali, it runs parallel to I-8, making it easily accessible. But a word of caution: La Rumorosa can be a bit of a wild ride. Those abundant curves demand respect. Keep a safe distance, stick to the speed limit, and use engine braking to stay in control. Headlights are a must in bad weather, and watch out for summer heat—your car might need a breather. Built way back in 1917, this road has seen its share of stories. Some even say it's haunted, with restless spirits lingering along the route!
hardDriving the wild Vanity Summit in Idaho
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Vanity Summit in the heart of Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking about Forest Service Road 8, a completely unpaved, rough, and narrow path that climbs to a whopping 7,811 feet (2,381m). You'll find the start of this 8.4-mile (13.51km) dirt track off of ID-21, and trust me, it gets gnarly pretty quickly as you ascend. A truck with 4x4 is a must for this trek. Oh, and definitely don't attempt this in the winter – it's usually impassable. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it! Plus, for the truly adventurous, there's a rough side road just west of the summit that climbs even higher, up to 8,471 feet (2,582m)! Get ready for an epic off-road experience!
moderateA memorable road trip to Currant Summit in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Currant Summit in Nevada's Nye County! We're talking serious altitude here – 7,004 feet up in the White Pine Range. You'll be cruising on US-6, a fully paved and scenic route that winds its way to the top. Good news is, it's usually open year-round, though winter weather can occasionally throw a curveball (or a snowdrift) your way. Get ready for a climb! This road is pretty steep in sections, hitting 6% grades with plenty of turns to keep things interesting. Expect some sharp curves and dramatic drop-offs as you make your way up. Currant Summit is the fourth highest point on US-6 in Nevada. This one's a must-do for any Nevada road trip!