Where is Cal-Barrel Road?
Usa, north-america
3.05 km
310 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Cal-Barrel Road, tucked away in Humboldt County, California, inside the Redwood National and State Parks. This isn't just a road, it's an experience – a super narrow, unpaved track winding its way through a cathedral of redwood trees. Heads up, it's only open in the summer!
Seriously, this road is NARROW. Think "squeeze by" narrow. Forget about taking your RV or trailer; even passing another small car can be a challenge.
Clocking in at just under two miles from the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Cal-Barrel Road packs in a climb of about 800 feet. That's an average incline of 8%, ending up at around 1,000 feet above sea level at a small parking area.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is unreal, weaving through those giant redwoods. You can even ditch the car and wander on foot. Just keep your eyes peeled for other adventurers! It’s a slow, winding journey that really lets you soak in the majesty of the redwoods. The end of the road is a trailhead parking area, a perfect spot for a picnic before heading back. It gives you a feel for what driving through these forests was like way back when.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.05 km
- Max Elevation
- 310 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateGranite Pass is a beautiful drive through the Bighorn Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Granite Pass in Wyoming! This stunner sits way up high at 9,045 feet, right on the edge of Big Horn and Sheridan counties. You'll be cruising on U.S. Route 14, also known as the Big Horn Scenic Byway, a perfectly paved, two-lane road that winds its way to the top. Get ready for some climbs, though – those ramps can get pretty steep, hitting a 7% gradient in places! The whole shebang is about 47.3 miles long, connecting Burgess Junction to Greybull, so pack some snacks. Nestled in the Bighorn Mountains, inside the Bighorn National Forest, this drive is all about the views. Keep an eye out for closures due to snow in the winter and early spring, but summer and fall are generally smooth sailing. Think alpine meadows, fields teeming with deer, elk, and moose – seriously, it's a photographer's dream. The road switchbacks dramatically through a canyon on the western side and then mellows out into a more gradual descent as you head east. Trust me, you won’t regret this one.
moderateIs the road to Pikes Peak paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Colorado, ready to tackle "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak! Originally named "El Capitan" by Spanish settlers, it was renamed to honor explorer Zebulon Pike. The Pikes Peak Highway, a fully paved toll road, stretches 19 miles from Cascade up to a staggering 14,115 feet above sea level. Be warned, though – this beauty is STEEP, gaining over 6,700 feet with an average gradient of 6.70% and packing in 156 turns! Construction on this scenic route started way back in 1915, opening as a gravel climb, with paving coming later. The road's usually open year-round, "weather permitting," but closures are common when the snow gets heavy. Keep an eye on conditions before you go. And hey, if you’ve got heart or breathing issues, or you’re traveling with a baby under 4 months, maybe skip this one. Trust me, the scenery is worth it! Lakes, mountains, wildlife – it’s all there. Stop often to soak it in *and* adjust to the altitude. Up above timberline, the landscape shifts to something almost Martian, all red rock and boulders. Bring a jacket, even in summer – it gets cold and windy up there. The drive is winding and can be intense. The rangers will be checking the brakes of descending vehicles for overheating. The view from the top is insane, but oxygen is thin, so take it easy. Just remember: 25 mph is the speed limit. Uphill traffic always has the right-of-way. Use low gears to save your brakes on the way down. And fill up your gas tank – there are no stations along the way. Oh, and if you’re into racing, the Pikes Peak Hillclimb is legendary!
extremeHow long is Red Grade Road in Wyoming?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Red Grade Road in Wyoming's Sheridan County, a wild ride that'll take you from the town of Big Horn (off US-87) way out west into the Bighorn Mountains and over to US-14. This 44.3-mile stretch is mostly unpaved, a true backcountry adventure! Keep in mind, this high-altitude road climbs from 7,000 feet up to a whopping 9,350 feet above sea level. That means seasonal closures are a thing (typically December 15th to April 1st), so plan accordingly. And even when it's open, weather can change everything. Now, let's talk about the challenge. It's steep, seriously steep, and there aren't any guardrails to hold you back! You'll want a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the rocks and rough terrain. Sadly, there have been accidents here, likely due to loose gravel, so take it slow and steady. Once you get to the top, things smooth out a bit with smoother gravel roads. It’s not an extreme 4x4 challenge, but some spots demand decent clearance and some seriously steep climbs and drops. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Set aside 3-4 hours and get ready for insane views of the Powder River Basin. The scenery is incredible - think limber pine, ponderosa pine, aspen, and fir trees all around. This road is a photographer's dream and an adventurer's playground!
hardA narrow shelf road to Gold Strike Pass in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Gold Strike Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Nevada's Clark County, within the stunning Lake Mead National Recreation Area (a hop, skip, and a jump from Vegas, baby!), this mountain pass sits pretty at 2,408 feet. Forget the smooth asphalt—Goldstrike Pass Road is a 2.1-mile unpaved adventure. Think loose rock and dirt, hugging narrow ledges. Passing other vehicles can get a *little* cozy, so buckle up! Keep an eye on the weather, because Mother Nature loves throwing curveballs here. Washouts can happen when it's wet, and those blind corners on the ledge road? Keep your eyes peeled. Get ready for an immediate climb with switchbacks that'll have you high above the highway and lake. Trust me, you'll want a stock SUV with high clearance for this one. And the reward? Killer views of the iconic Hoover Dam and the sprawling Lake Mead region. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.