When was the Kern Canyon Road built?
Usa, north-america
64 km
2 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising through California and craving a thrill? Kern Canyon Road (Highway 178) is calling your name! This 40-mile ribbon of asphalt stretches from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella in the Southern Sierra Nevada, and it's a wild ride.
Built way back in the day (think 1890s to 1924!) to help construct the Kern River #1 powerhouse, this road is now famous for its curves, narrow lanes, and those heart-stopping drop-offs right next to the Kern River. You'll be hugging the turns and white-knuckling it until you hit that sweet four-lane stretch halfway through the canyon.
Word of warning: this beauty can be a beast. Kern Canyon Road has a reputation, and not all of it is good. It's known for being dangerous, so stay sharp behind the wheel. Rock slides are a real possibility due to the canyon walls expanding and contracting with the weather.
But oh, the scenery! Think rocky cliffs, the dam-controlled Kern River glistening below, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Just keep your eyes on the road!
One last thing: the Kern River is gorgeous, but treat it with respect. Swimming here is seriously risky due to strong currents, cold water, and hidden dangers. Stay back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and never underestimate the power of the river.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 64 km
- Max Elevation
- 2 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
easyAn exceptionally scenic drive to Owl Creek Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Owl Creek Pass, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, is a must-do for adventurous travelers. This beauty sits at 10,118 feet above sea level, right on the border between Ouray and Gunnison counties within the Uncompahgre National Forest. Fun fact: it started out as a cattle trail way back in 1885! County Road 8, a 14.4-mile unpaved stretch, is your path to the summit from US-550 (the legendary Million Dollar Highway). Be warned, though: the Cimarron Mountains aren't always welcoming. The pass is typically snowed in from late October to late June or early July. Even during open season, be ready for anything – snow, hail, thunderstorms, you name it! The gravel road is generally well-maintained and pretty easy to navigate in dry weather, even for regular cars. But after heavy rains, things can get muddy, and you might want AWD or 4WD. RVs should probably skip this one. Expect winding roads and steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 12% in some spots. You'll gain almost 3,200 feet in elevation from the starting point, so buckle up! But oh, the views! This drive is seriously scenic, with jaw-dropping panoramic vistas at every turn. Give yourself at least an hour to soak it all in, not counting stops. Keep an eye out for those classic Western landscapes – John Wayne filmed scenes from "True Grit" and "How the West Was Won" right here. You'll find towering aspens mixed with pines and, higher up, those stunning red sandstone cliffs that make for incredible photos, especially when the aspens turn golden.
easyThe unforgettable road to Dunraven Pass, the highest pass in Yellowstone
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Dunraven Pass? This stunner sits way up high in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, clocking in at a cool 8,917 feet above sea level. Named after some Irish dude who visited way back when, this is the highest drivable point inside the park. You'll find it on the Grand Loop Road – smooth pavement all the way! Just take it easy and stick to the speed limit as you cruise through this seriously mountainous section. Trust me, those panoramic views are worth the slower pace. This road has been around for a while; they originally built it back in 1915 and then paved it in the 40s. Clocking in at just over 16 miles, the road snakes between Canyon Village and Devil's Den. Keep your eyes peeled not just for the mind-blowing vistas, but also for the local wildlife! The Washburn Area is Grizzly Bear central, so stay alert. Speaking of Washburn Range, this pass is smack-dab in the middle of it. Now, a heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Dunraven Pass is a total snow magnet. Usually closed from early October until late May or early June. Even in the summer, you might see some flurries. So, keep an eye on the weather reports before you go!
moderateOnion Valley Road is one of the steepest climbs of California
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through the heart of California's Owens Valley? You HAVE to experience Onion Valley Road! Tucked between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Nevada, this 13-mile stretch is an absolute stunner (but be warned, it's a leg-burner!). Formerly known as California State Route 180, the road climbs from the town of Independence on US 395 right up to Onion Valley Campground. Aim to go between May and November, when the road's usually open (snow permitting!). You'll climb to a whopping 9,219 feet above sea level, making it one of California's highest roads. Located in the Inyo National Forest, Onion Valley Road is not for the faint of heart (or cyclists with weak quads!). The last ten miles average over 8%, so prepare for a serious workout. Starting in Independence at 3,937 feet, you'll gain a massive 5,266 feet over the 13-mile ascent. Expect a fully paved road with nine switchbacks that will have you gripping the wheel! About halfway up, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Owens Valley. Just a heads up: this area is known for bear activity, so keep your eyes peeled! The views of Owens Valley and the Sierras are worth the white-knuckle drive. Trust me, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
extremeWhere is the road to Hot Springs?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the heart of Big Bend National Park, almost to the Mexican border. You're about to descend into a rugged desert landscape on the legendary Hot Springs Road to reach the Hot Springs Historic District. This ain't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about a completely unpaved, primitive dirt track that plunges toward the Rio Grande. For about 2 kilometers, you'll be bouncing along, taking in the scenery (the ruins of Langford's resort and the thermal bathhouse await!), but also keeping your eyes peeled. The first bit's not too bad, but the final stretch gets seriously rough. It becomes super narrow and twisty, a true one-way adventure with a steep drop-off on one side. Think loose gravel, rocks, and a surface that'll make your suspension work overtime. Because of the tight turns and rugged conditions, RVs and oversized vehicles are a big no-no. Seriously, don't even think about it if you're in a large van or dually truck; turning around is basically impossible. The whole thing only takes about 10-15 minutes, but you'll be crawling. This road is basically a wash, so expect deep sand after it rains. A high-clearance vehicle is a must. Sure, some folks try it in sedans when it's bone dry, but you're risking damage to your car's undercarriage. Also, be sure to check with the park rangers before heading down because flash floods can make the road impassable without warning. And heads up, you're off the grid down there – no cell service!