Where is Cerro Gordo Peak?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Cerro Gordo Peak in California's Inyo County. "Fat Hill," as the Spanish translation goes, is nestled within the Inyo Mountains, boasting a summit with some seriously cool communication towers.
Now, the road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup. We're talking totally unpaved, rough as guts, and skinny enough to make you sweat. Forget about anything but a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure.
From the historic Cerro Gordo Ghost Town (once California's silver king!), you're looking at a roughly 8-mile climb. But oh, what a climb! You'll gain over 4,800 feet in elevation, with gradients reaching a butt-clenching 12% in spots. Talk about steep!
Word to the wise: This road is usually a no-go from late October until at least late June or early July. Winter in the Inyo Mountains is not for the faint of heart!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the unpaved Bajada a Zirupa in Chihuahua
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the wild ride that is Bajada a Zirupa! Nestled in the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement; this is 18.33 miles of pure, unadulterated gravel. Starting near the town of Madera (aka Ciudad Madera) at a cool 7,200 feet above sea level, you'll descend to the tiny village of Zirupa (or Sirupa), which sits pretty at around 4,900 feet. The views? Stunning. The challenge? Real. Word to the wise: this road laughs in the face of anything less than a 4x4, especially after a rain shower. If you're up for an off-the-beaten-path experience with incredible scenery, Bajada a Zirupa is calling your name.
moderateWhere is Mount Tilton?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because we're heading to Mount Tilton in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest, just south of Aspen! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 12,391 feet! The adventure begins on County Road 740, aka Cement Creek Road (FSR #740), and let me tell you, it's an unpaved rollercoaster! From the paved CO-135, you've got about 16.2 miles of rugged terrain to conquer before reaching the summit. Get ready for a serious workout – we're talking an elevation gain of 3,800 feet! The road is usually closed in winter, with access typically possible from mid-June to October, conditions depending. And hold on tight, because you'll be facing some steep climbs - expect grades hitting up to 22.6% in certain spots!
moderateEureka Summit is the highest point on the Glenn Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trippers, listen up! Wanna hit one of the highest paved roads in Alaska? Then you HAVE to check out Eureka Summit! You'll find this beauty chillin' at 3,332 feet above sea level in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. You'll be cruising along the Glenn Highway (that's Alaska Route 1 for you map nerds), a fully paved stretch that's 179 miles long, linking Anchorage to Glennallen. It's the highest point on this epic highway. Picture this: you're driving north from Anchorage, soaking in the Alaskan wilderness, history swirling around you. And right at the top? A cute little lake, a spot to grab grub and gas. Just a heads up, though: Eureka Summit gets hammered with snow in the winter, so plan accordingly!
moderateWhen was the Chain of Craters Road opened?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Chain of Craters Road, a 19-mile stretch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This baby opened in '65, but a lava flow rerouted it in '79, so you're driving on relatively "new" (40-year-old) lava. The road starts at a cool 4,000 feet near Kīlauea Summit, winding down – steeply, I might add, losing 3700 feet – to the coast where lava meets the ocean. There's even a hairpin turn to keep things interesting! Word to the wise: drive slow, especially if it's wet, as the road can get slick. Volcanic activity is unpredictable, so check the daily conditions report before you go. Pack for anything: hot sun, strong winds, or rain. And bring flashlights if you're staying after dark! No gas, food, or water along the way, so fill up and stock up. Give yourself at least 2.5 hours for the round trip, but you'll probably want longer to soak it all in. This drive showcases the raw power and ongoing creation of the Big Island, with craters galore, incredible lava formations, petroglyphs, and maybe even active lava flows. Plus, there are awesome hikes and views along the way. You'll be amazed!