Where does Bodie Masonic Road start and end?
Usa, north-america
40.39 km
2,831 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Bodie Masonic Road, straddling the California-Nevada border in the eastern Sierra Nevada. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about one of California's highest roads, hitting a whopping 9,288 feet above sea level.
This incredible unpaved trail winds through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, cutting through Mineral and Lyon Counties in Nevada, and Mono County in California. The whole shebang stretches for about 25 miles (40 km) via NF-028, NF-046 and NF-169, a north-south route from NV-338 to CA-270 (Bodie Road), taking you to Bodie, that awesome abandoned gold-mining town.
Heads up, this is a remote adventure! Cell service is pretty much non-existent. The old-timers called it the Geiger Grade, and you might have to splash through a stream or two. A stock SUV with 4-wheel drive is your best bet. Keep in mind the elevation and isolation – it adds to the thrill, but be prepared!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 40.39 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,831 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHints for reading Spanish road signs
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Andes on the Carretera Central in Peru. This bad boy stretches for about 220 km (137 miles), linking Lima to La Oroya. We're talking serious elevation changes, climbing from almost sea level in Lima to over 4800 meters (nearly 16,000 feet!) at Ticlio Pass – so get ready for some potential altitude sickness. The views? Absolutely epic. Think snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, and tiny villages clinging to the mountainsides. But hold on tight – this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect hairpin turns that'll make your stomach flip, narrow lanes barely wider than your rental car, and the occasional truck barreling towards you. Oh, and landslides and rockfalls are a real possibility, especially during the rainy season. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you! This road is truly an unforgettable experience.
hardWhere is Middle Fork Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Middle Fork Peak in Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a heart-pumping 29.1 miles on a completely unpaved road that climbs to a serious elevation. You'll need those beefy tires and a vehicle that can handle some rough stuff. Definitely not for the faint of heart or those little crossovers! The prize? Unbelievable views from the summit where a fire lookout, originally built way back when and replaced later, stands guard during the summer. Just a heads up, though: winter shuts this baby down, thanks to its location in the Salmon River Mountains. So, plan your trip accordingly for a truly unforgettable experience.
moderateHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Lagunita Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lagunita Saddle in New Mexico's Taos County is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 10,557 feet! Think of it as one of the state's rooftop experiences. Heads up: the road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel and rocks, so leave your low-riders at home. Winter? Forget about it – this pass is snowed in tight. If unpaved, steep mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your jam. But, oh, the views! Being so high up is worth the journey. Get ready for panoramic scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and soak in that New Mexico beauty!
moderateHow long is the Sierra Vista Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna experience California's Sierra Nevada like never before? Hop in your car and cruise the Sierra Vista Byway! This 83-mile loop is pure magic, winding through the Sierra National Forest with views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll climb from gentle foothills to awesome alpine forests, topping out at 7,326 feet. Picture this: the Sierra Nevada crest stretching out before you, unique rock formations popping up along the way, granite domes gleaming in the sun, and mountain streams babbling alongside the road. Heads up: this beauty is seasonal! It's usually open from June to October, because winter snows shut it down. Some sections are paved, others are unpaved (think slow and bumpy, but still doable in a regular car). Give yourself 4-5 hours to enjoy the drive without rushing. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you start! There's only one gas station along the way (Wagner's Store at Mammoth Pool), and it's not cheap. Seriously, pack your camera. The views of the Sierra Crest are unreal. This byway is an amazing way to explore the Sierra backcountry from the comfort of your car!