Where is Coyote Flat?
Usa, north-america
25.74 km
3,061 m
moderate
Year-round
Coyote Flat, nestled high in California's Inyo National Forest, is a must-see for adventurous travelers. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though! We're talking a 16-mile unpaved journey starting near Bishop, climbing to a lofty 10,042 feet.
Built back in the '40s as a mining road, Coyote Valley Road is best tackled in a high-clearance 4x4. Expect steep, rocky, and sometimes sandy terrain as you wind through pine forests and canyons.
Keep in mind, this area is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly. And come prepared—there are no services or water sources up there!
But the views? Totally worth it! Think grazing deer, glimpses of Palisade Glacier, and maybe even a coyote, bear, or mountain lion sighting if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective!). Don't forget your mosquito repellent if you're visiting in the summer!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.74 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,061 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving the scenic Montana 2 along the Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Montana 2, aka Old US Highway 10, from Butte to Three Forks, is calling your name! This ain't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in the eastern foothills of the Rockies, you're in for a wild ride! We're talking twists, turns, and some seriously steep climbs that'll get your heart pumping. Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting here, so keep an eye on the weather – it can change on a dime. Winter brings black ice, blizzards, and winds that'll test your driving skills. The road climbs to a dizzying 6,469 feet (1,971m) at Pipestone Pass, smack-dab in Silver Bow County. And the views? Unforgettable! This 63-mile (101 km) stretch winds through the untamed beauty of southern Montana’s Pioneer Mountains, smack in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The good news? It's paved the whole way, so you can focus on soaking in the stunning scenery as you cruise through the wilderness. Get ready for an epic adventure!
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!
moderateAn epic enthralling road to Cortes Pass
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso de Cortés! This legendary pass sits way up high at 12,112 feet, straddling the line between Puebla and the State of Mexico. We're talking seriously high – one of the highest roads you'll find in Mexico! You'll find this beauty nestled in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, chilling between the majestic Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes, just southeast of the bustling Mexico City. The road itself, also called Tlamacaxco, is paved the whole way. Get ready for a twisty, uphill climb that's pretty darn steep, winding through forests of trees. It's about 27 miles from the town of Amecameca de Juárez (in Mexico State) on the west side, all the way to San Nicolás de Los Ranchos (in Puebla) on the east. Give yourself about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. Once you reach the top, there's a big parking lot, a bar (hello, celebratory drink!), and an info center. Plus, it’s the jumping-off point for a hike to Estación de Altura Altzomoni, a crazy-high weather station sitting pretty at 13,074 feet!
moderateWhere is Jones Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Jones Pass in Colorado is calling your name! This epic mountain pass sits at a whopping 12,480 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand Counties, west of Denver, in the Arapaho National Forest. The road to the top? It's Jones Pass Road (Forest Road 202), a totally unpaved dirt road with some seriously steep sections. You'll want a vehicle with medium to high clearance to tackle some of the tougher spots, but in good conditions, most vehicles can make it. Don't let the winding turns and grades scare you off, though! Think hairpin turns with incredible views, and be prepared for a bit of a thrill if you're not a fan of heights – some of those switchbacks are right on the edge. But the road is generally well-maintained. Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so aim for a late summer adventure. Starting near Berthoud Falls off Hwy 40, it's a 5.4-mile climb to the top with an average gradient of 9.14%. It's a steady climb, then a steep drop on the other side. Factor in about an hour from the highway to the summit, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely stunning! Think wildflowers, alpine vistas, and glimpses into Colorado's mining history. Plus, there's parking at the top so you can soak it all in. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery!