Where is Cerro Gordo?
Usa, north-america
20.27 km
2,502 m
extreme
Year-round
Craving a unique road trip? Head to Cerro Gordo, a silver mining ghost town nestled in California's Inyo County. The adventure starts on Cerro Gordo Road, a 12.6-mile dirt track that winds from California State Route 136 (near Keeler) up into the Inyo Mountains.
This isn't your average Sunday drive! The road climbs rapidly, hugging the ridge and delivering breathtaking views. While a 2WD vehicle might get you to the ghost town itself, venturing east requires a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the washed-out and rocky terrain. Be prepared for steep ascents that'll have you shifting into low gear.
Cerro Gordo Road is remote, and this narrow, winding route is prone to washouts and rock slides. But the payoff? Stunning vistas, fields of wildflowers, and a glimpse into California's wild west history. You'll find yourself snapping photos at every turn! Just watch out for rattlesnakes along the way.
Keep in mind, this road isn't always accessible. Topping out at 8,208 feet, snow can close it down between November and April, so plan your trip for late spring, summer (though it can get scorching!), or autumn.
For the truly adventurous, a short but challenging 4x4 road north of the town climbs even higher to an FAA site at 9,222 feet. At 1.8 miles, it's one of California's highest roads!
Just remember to check current road conditions before you go and be prepared for an unforgettable journey.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.27 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,502 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhat are the highest roads of Vermont?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Vermont, the Green Mountain State, and it's living up to its name! This northeastern gem, snuggled up against Canada and bordered by New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York, is seriously gorgeous. It's not jam-packed with people, which means you've got plenty of space to breathe and soak in the views. Prepare for some serious hills and mountains – we're talking about the Green Mountains themselves, running right through the heart of the state! Imagine driving through dense forests, with the iconic range shaping the landscape around every bend. And get this – the Connecticut River acts like a natural border with New Hampshire, adding even more charm. Plus, over 800 lakes dot the landscape, so you're never far from a postcard-perfect view. It's the perfect road trip material!
hardWhere does Coffee Pot Road start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Coffee Pot Road (#600), snaking through Colorado's Garfield County, is a visual feast! Think jaw-dropping views paired with a healthy dose of adrenaline. This 26-mile gravel track kicks off right near I-70 (Dotsero exit), starting smooth but soon turning to well-maintained dirt. It climbs like crazy from the Deep Creek confluence all the way to Deep Lake near the Flattops' southern edge. Expect hairpin turns right off the bat and major drop-offs – seriously, no guardrails here! The first 10 miles are especially twisty and narrow. You'll be hugging the edge in spots. This road demands your full attention. Watch out for loose gravel, especially on the shoulders, and blind curves where two cars barely fit. But the scenery? Unforgettable! You'll wind through high desert landscapes, shimmering aspen groves, wide-open tundra, and classic alpine forests. Passenger cars can usually handle the lower stretches, but be prepared for it to get a bit rougher near the top. Speaking of which, you'll top out at a cool 10,662 feet in the White River National Forest. Keep in mind: this road's a fair-weather friend, open roughly from mid-April to mid-November. Fall travelers beware: snow can shut it down quick, and there's no plowing!
easyWhere is Height of Land?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Maine, in Franklin County, specifically, and you stumble upon this place called Height of Land. It’s not just a name; it’s a promise! We're talking an elevation of 2,247 feet (685m), so you know the views are going to be epic. You'll find this gem in the Rangeley Lakes Region, so you already know you're in for some serious natural beauty. The best part? The road is completely paved, smooth sailing all the way. It's actually part of the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, a 52-mile stretch of pure driving bliss. Trust me; you'll want to roll down the windows for this one. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! It's seriously one of the most stunning spots in Maine. They've even got plenty of parking so you can take your time soaking it all in. You'll be treated to panoramic views of pristine lakes like Mooselookmeguntic, majestic mountains, and even a glimpse of the White Mountains in the distance. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
hardLulu Pass in Montana is worth the white-knuckle drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventure seekers! Wanna tackle one of Montana's highest roads? Head to Park County and take on Lulu Pass, topping out at a cool 9,872 feet! You'll find it north of Cooke City, nestled in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the southwestern part of the state. Fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive. It's a 5.2-mile unpaved climb up an old mining road from Beartooth Highway (US-212). Think rough terrain and pretty steep inclines. You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one. Keep in mind, Lulu Pass is typically snowed in from November to May. Even during the open season, the weather up here can be super unpredictable – think sudden chills and surprise storms. Be prepared! Up top, you’ll find some cool historic ruins from the old New World Mining District. But the real reward? The mind-blowing views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and those gorgeous alpine meadows. Trust me, the bragging rights are totally worth it!