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
extremeWhat is the route of Forest Road 040?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Forest Road 040 in Utah's Duchesne County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude shortcut – a rugged, unpaved gem that connects back to Forest Road 196. Think pine forests, alpine meadows, and pure backcountry vibes! This track sits entirely above 3,100 meters, topping out at an eye-watering elevation. The air gets thin up there, and your engine WILL feel it. Word to the wise: this road is DIRT. If it’s wet, forget about it. Seriously. When it’s dry, a 4x4 is a MUST. We're talking steep sections, uneven terrain, and high clearance to avoid those sneaky obstacles. Weather is a HUGE deal. High winds whip across these ridges year-round, and even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Brutal. The short driving season is usually only open during peak summer. Check local conditions before you go—you don't want to be surprised by late-spring snowdrifts!
moderateBobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Bobcat Pass! This beauty sits way up high in New Mexico's Carson National Forest, at a cool 9,826 feet. You'll find it straddling the Taos and Colfax County line in northern New Mexico — keep your eyes peeled for the bobcats that gave the pass its name! NM-38, a fully paved road, is your path to the summit. Clocking in at just over 29 miles, it connects the towns of Questa and Eagle Nest with some serious elevation changes. Prepare for a bit of a climb! The road gets steep in sections, with gradients hitting 10%. Coming from Questa, you’ve got almost 18.5 miles to ascend, gaining a whopping 3,600 feet. The average grade is around 3.7%, but there's a tough 4-mile stretch leading up to the pass (the first couple miles from Red River will really get your heart pumping). But, hey, what goes up must come down, right? Reward yourself with a stunning 13-mile cruise downhill into Eagle Nest through the Moreno Valley. It's mostly downhill, and the views are incredible!
hardWhere is Whites Flat?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk Whites Flat in Utah's Garfield County, nestled in the Dixie National Forest. Picture this: you're cruising at a whopping 8,566 feet above sea level, surrounded by epic alpine meadows. Now, FR-152 (that's the road's name) isn't paved, so be ready for dirt and volcanic rock. Things get seriously muddy and slippery after rain, so a high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended—it's essential. Expect ruts and rocky sections that'll test your off-roading skills. Keep in mind that heavy snowfall makes this route impassable from late October to late June/early July. And even in summer, watch out for those sneaky afternoon thunderstorms that can change road conditions in a heartbeat. This north-south route connects to Upper Valley Road and clocks in at about 40-60 minutes, depending on how brave you're feeling. You'll be treated to views of the Escalante canyons to the south as a reward for your daring driving.
hardA scenic paved road to Mount Norquay in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about Mount Norquay in Alberta, Canada, nestled right in Banff National Park. This peak, named after a Manitoba premier from way back, tops out at 1,720m (5,643ft). The Mt Norquay Scenic Drive? Totally paved and calling your name! It's a short but sweet 5.8 km (3.6 miles) up from the Trans-Canada Highway, but don't let the length fool you. You'll be climbing 318 meters, so get ready for some steep sections and six seriously sharp hairpin turns – watch out for loose gravel! These twists and turns wind you right up to the Norquay Ski resort. The views? Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously epic! You'll get incredible vistas of Banff and the surrounding landscape... if the fog doesn't roll in, that is! Catch it at the right time, and you might even see some alpenglow painting the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the way! Locals say the best lookout isn't at the official viewpoints, but from the meadow at the very end of the road. Just a heads-up: this is grizzly bear territory, so be aware of your surroundings!