When was the road through Cajon Summit in California built?
Usa, north-america
96 km
1,301 m
extreme
Year-round
Cajon Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.301m (4,268ft) above sea level, located in the County of San Bernardino, in the US state of California. It is a critical transportation route that connects the high desert region with the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles Basin.
When was the road through Cajon Summit in California built?
Tucked away in the southern part of California, in Spanish, the word cajon means "box". The pass has been an important route since the 19th century, and it has always been an important gateway to southern California. It was used by early settlers and pioneers traveling westward. The first road through the pass was built in the 1880s. It has been paved with macadam since 1916. The road was widened further to 20 ft with 5 ft. shoulders, eliminating curves (1932 - 34). In the modern era, it has been the site of significant transportation infrastructure, including the development of highways and railroads.
How long is Cajon Summit in California?
The road to the summit is fully paved. It’s called Interstate 15 (I-15) and links the Los Angeles area ports to the Midwest and eastern US. The road through the pass is about 96km (60 miles) long, running south-north from San Bernardino to Barstow. It serves as a major corridor between the high desert areas of Southern California and the more populous areas to the west.
How steep is Cajon Summit in California?
Its steepest grade is 6 % for 4 miles. Using a low gear, it is extremely important to conserve the truck's brakes. Speed limit is 70 mph (45 mph for trucks). The pass can be challenging for drivers due to steep grades and potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Is Cajon Summit in California open in winter?
Located between the San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Gabriel Mountains to the south, the area is known for high wind, turbulence and fog. The weather over the pass can vary, from foggy days with poor visibility to clear afternoons. The road occasionally gets snow, which can sometimes be enough to close the pass temporarily
How to drive the rugged and rocky Old Ore Road in Big Bend NP?
A road you'll never forget to Sheep Mountain in Park County of Montana
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 96 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,301 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardGobblers Knob
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Gobblers Knob in sunny California's San Bernardino County is calling your name, but this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 6,568 feet! Nestled high up in the San Gabriel Mountains, the road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel, rocks, and bumps. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4 (high clearance REQUIRED, folks!), and some seriously steep inclines – we're talking sections hitting a wild 44%! This baby is not for the faint of heart. Road 3N31 off Lone Pine Canyon Road is your gateway, but be warned: conditions change constantly. Usually, you can kiss this road goodbye from October to June, thanks to Mother Nature's mood swings. Scope out what's ahead before you commit, because things can get dicey quick! Expect a slow, obstacle-focused crawl, a whole lotta patience, and maybe even a touch of vertigo. Those first few miles of service road are exposed, and once you crest that ridge, you're REALLY out there. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just remember to drive smart, and you'll be rewarded with a killer adventure!
extremeExplore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.
hardWhere is Old Baldy Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Old Baldy Mountain in Montana's Lewis and Clark County! This peak sits pretty high up in the Big Belt Mountains, east of Helena, smack-dab in the Helena National Forest. Getting to the top isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a 1.31 km unpaved adventure from Basin Creek Rd. Forget your sedan; you'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this steep, rocky, and narrow track. The last stretch throws in a couple of hairpin turns just to keep you on your toes! Prepare for a serious climb! You'll gain some significant elevation over a short distance, resulting in a super steep average gradient. Heads up: this road is usually only open from mid-spring to late autumn. Winter brings heavy snow, making it impassable until the thaw. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the wait!
hardThe unpaved road to Telegraph Creek is a Canadian classic
🇨🇦 Canada
Telegraph Creek, a small, largely indigenous settlement, sits pretty on the Stikine River in British Columbia. Getting there? Let's just say the road is an adventure in itself! Built way back during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1860s, the Telegraph Creek Road (Highway 51) is steeped in history. Telegraph Creek, home to the Tahltan First Nation, got its name from a planned telegraph line connecting Canada to the Yukon. This 110km (68 miles) stretch winds east-west from Dease Lake (right off the Stewart-Cassiar Highway) to Telegraph Creek. Hugging the Stikine River, keep an eye out—it's known for washouts and the occasional rockslide. Tucked away in northern BC, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a narrow, steep mountain road that can hit a maximum gradient of 20%! Pavement gives way to compacted dirt and gravel at Km 4.7, offering a wilder experience. It can get slick when wet, but nothing a moderately experienced driver can't handle. Topping out at 849m (2,785ft), be ready to test those brakes. The switchbacks have caused headaches for truckers over the years. Not ideal for large RVs or trailers, but most vehicles should be fine. Much of the road is a single track, so be prepared to use those tiny pull-outs. Factor in 2-3 hours for the drive, without stops. The reward? Stunning views of the Stikine River. With sheer cliffs plunging down to the water, photo opportunities are everywhere. In town, you'll find old buildings dating back to the gold rush era, some restored, some abandoned. Photo by Ken Welte.