
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
extremeWhere is Bald Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Bald Mountain in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, unpaved adventure up Baldy Road (aka County Road 520). Tucked away north of Breckenridge in the Arapaho National Forest, this old mining trail is steep! You'll be crawling up a maximum 23.3% gradient in spots, so a 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Don't even think about it without one. The climb is worth it, though. In just over 3.5 miles, you’ll gain almost 2300 feet. The average gradient is 12.38% During your climb you might notice the solar-powered communications shack near the top. Once you pass the electrical hut with its radio antennas, you know you've reached the end of the line. Keep an eye on the weather. This road clings to the Front Range of the Rockies and is only typically open in the summer and early fall. Snow can linger, and those afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quick, so be prepared for exposure! The 360-degree views from the summit are absolutely incredible!
hardGalena Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Galena Saddle in northwest Nevada's Douglas County is calling your name. We're talking about a wild ride up to 9,294 feet, right in the heart of the Pine Nut Mountains. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Expect a seriously rough, tippy, and bumpy climb. Winter? Forget about it, you won't get through. This trail is for experienced off-roaders only. It's a narrow path with few passing spots, so be prepared if you encounter another vehicle. A high-clearance vehicle is an absolute must! It's seriously steep, and if it's wet, that mud will make things even trickier. But if you're up for the challenge, get ready for some incredible scenery!
easyWhere is Fremont Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Fremont Pass in Colorado! Perched way up at 11,335 feet, this beauty straddles Lake and Summit Counties, right in the heart of the state. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax mine, which used to pump out most of the world's molybdenum. The pass itself is named after John C. Frémont, a famous explorer. The road, also known as State Highway 91 and part of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, is paved from end to end. Surprisingly, it's pretty straight for a mountain pass, with just a few twists as you near the top. Clocking in at around 21.7 miles, the route runs from Copper Mountain to Leadville. Don't get fooled by the false summits! Keep going until you reach the real deal. Generally, you can access it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – it can get dicey and lead to temporary closures. The climb is mostly gradual, but be ready for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%. Expect incredible views all the way up!
extremeWhere is Urad Lake in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Colorado road trippers, listen up! Urad Lake sits way up high in Clear Creek County at almost 10,800 feet, nestled within the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. This place is gorgeous, but getting there is an adventure. You’ll be navigating Woods Creek Road, mostly unpaved, for about 1.3 miles after turning off Jones Pass Road (County Road 202). The views are incredible, but be warned: full-size vehicles might struggle with some super narrow spots. Think pickup trucks and SUVs are your best bet; cars can attempt it, but it’s not really recommended. That final stretch is especially tricky, with some rocky and tight sections. Keep in mind, this is now a state wildlife area, so vehicle access is limited. You’ll likely find a gate blocking the road at the parking area, marked for the Urad Lake State Wildlife Area. And definitely a summer adventure only – the snow usually sticks around until late June, sometimes even July! But those views? Totally worth it.