What’s Gum Alley?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so, there's this seriously weird and kinda gross but totally fascinating tourist spot in California called Gum Alley. Picture this: a narrow alley, tucked away between Garden Street and Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, that’s about 70 feet long and has walls coated in layers upon layers of chewed gum – we're talking 15-feet high!
No one really knows how it started. Legend says it was a competition between students back in the day, or maybe just a random trend that took off. Whatever the origin, people have been sticking their gum there forever, creating this crazy colorful (and yeah, kinda gross) mosaic. You'll even see people have made words, pictures, the whole shebang.
Featured on TV and in travel blogs, it’s known as one of the germiest tourist spots in the U.S. The city's even tried to clean it, but it's become an embraced tourist destination. It’s a must-snap photo spot, if you can handle the, um, aroma. Access is easy with a fully paved road.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateSouth Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising up to South Lake in California's Inyo County. We're talking serious altitude here, almost 10,000 feet! This isn't just any lake; it's a high-mountain gem. The road itself is paved, so no need for a monster truck, but heads up: if you're not comfy with winding mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and a friendly reminder: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
hardWhere is Vermont Street?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever heard of Vermont Street in San Francisco's Potrero Hill? Forget Lombard Street, this unassuming little stretch between Division and Cesar Chavez is the real deal when it comes to crookedness! This one-way (downhill, thankfully!) concrete-paved road is a hidden gem of tight turns that most tourists – and even some locals – miss. Located near McKinley Square, the most famous part sits between 20th and 22nd Streets. Vermont Street boasts seven seriously sharp turns in just one block, making it technically "more crooked" than its flowery cousin. Don’t expect a leisurely cruise. Parking's at the top, and from there, you're in for a 14.3% grade drop, with five full turns and two half-turns. The paving can be a bit slick, and the turns are tight enough that you might be praying you don’t scrape your bumper, especially in a larger vehicle! You’ll get a yellow squiggly arrow sign before you start, but after that, you’re on your own to navigate uneven pavement and avoid those unforgiving concrete walls. Despite the challenge, Vermont Street is a popular spot. Pedestrians love strolling and soaking in the city views. Around a million cars make the trip down this iconic San Francisco landmark every year. Keep an eye out for movie magic, too! Vermont Street's appeared in films like "Magnum Force" (Dirty Harry!) and "Bullitt" (Steve McQueen!), so you might just feel like you're in an action flick as you tackle those turns.
moderateWhere is Hans Flat Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Utah, right? And you're looking for something a little off the beaten path? Check out Hans Flat Road! It's this awesome dirt road smack-dab in Wayne County, right in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Think of it as your gateway to the Maze District – seriously remote and rugged. You’ll need to be totally self-sufficient. This is the real deal. The road itself stretches for about 46 miles from UT-24 to the Hans Flat Ranger Station. The first part cruises across the San Rafael Desert, super flat. Then, it starts to climb gradually. Nothing too crazy, though! The road's usually in pretty good shape when it's dry, but keep an eye out for washouts and blowing sand. You might even need a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 just in case. Be warned: after the ranger station, anything to the Flint Trail will require a 4x4. If it rains or snows a lot, it could get temporarily impassable, so always check conditions before you go. This track is accessible year-round.
moderateWhere Is Moon Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Moon Pass in southern Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 10,580 feet above sea level, so be prepared for some serious views. The road stretches for about 11.1 miles, climbing 1,893 feet. That gives you an average gradient of just over 3%, a pretty steady climb. Now, about the road itself: it's unpaved, but generally well-maintained. Still, a 4x4 is highly recommended, and it's worth it. You'll be winding through some stunning scenery, the kind that makes you want to stop every five minutes to snap a photo. Just be mindful of the hazards and keep your eyes on the road!