Where is Coyote Ridge?
Usa, north-america
25.2 km
3,492 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Coyote Ridge in California, a high-altitude stunner clocking in at 11,456 feet. You'll find it southwest of Big Pine, nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada.
Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire 15.65-mile trek from CA-168 is unpaved and seriously steep – we're talking some ramps with gradients that'll make your palms sweat! You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this beast.
Keep an eye on the calendar, too, because Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect seasonal closures during the winter months, with the road typically opening up again sometime in late spring. But trust me, the panoramic views from the top are SO worth the wait and the rugged journey. Get ready for some serious bragging rights!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,492 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Stunner Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip adventurers, listen up! Stunner Pass in southern Colorado is calling your name! You'll find this beauty hanging out near the Rio Grande National Forest. So, why "Stunner" Pass? Well, legend has it there was a ghost town called Stunner nearby, but it couldn't make it because getting around was such a pain. Ready for the deets? We're talking Forest Service Road 250 (FR-250), a wide, graded road, perfect for hitting up multiple trailheads. It’s a good climb reaching some serious elevation. Speaking of elevation, you'll be way up there, so be ready for some jaw-dropping views. This area can have some serious snow in the winter, so the pass is usually closed during the colder months. Keep that in mind when planning your adventure!
moderateThe road to Taylor Peak in CO: a chillout in high mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an epic Colorado adventure up to Taylor Peak! This hidden gem straddles Pitkin and Gunnison counties, offering views that will absolutely blow your mind. The road tops out at a whopping 11,817 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Located in the Elk Range, within the White River National Forest, you'll kick things off near Aspen (CO-82). The whole shebang is about 24 miles long, with the first 13 or so paved and super scenic. You'll even pass the historic Ashcroft Ghost Town! Now, here's the deal: after the pavement ends, you'll need a 4x4 to conquer the unpaved section. This isn't a Sunday cruise! Snow can linger late into summer, and some years, the peak is inaccessible all year round. Expect a steep climb: you'll gain almost 4,000 feet over those 24 miles, averaging about a 3% grade. The views? Totally worth it. Just be prepared for a real off-road experience!
extremeHow dangerous is Puchutla Road?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an adventure on Mexico 175 (Puchutla Road)! This isn't just a drive, it's an experience, but maybe not for the faint of heart (or stomach). We're talking over 6 hours of constant curves, charming little towns dotted with speed bumps, and absolutely breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This road connects Oaxaca to Huatulco and can get pretty busy. Leaving Oaxaca, you'll cruise on a decent two-lane highway until Miahuatlán (around 5,150 feet above sea level). This is where the real fun begins. You'll climb into the Sierra Madre del Sur, reaching a peak of around 9,100 feet near El Manzanal. Pine forests and unbelievable mountain vistas will surround you. Near Suchixtepec (about 8,460 feet above sea level), the descent begins. Prepare for endless curves and hairpin turns! The road narrows considerably in places, so be ready to yield to oncoming traffic. The scenery is incredible, transitioning from tropical rainforest to oak and pine forests as you drop from San Miguel Suchixtepec (around 8,400 feet) to Puchutla (a mere 500 feet above sea level). Don't miss the San José del Pacífico Pass (around 9,120 feet above sea level). The views are stunning – think lower mountains, charming towns nestled along the road, canyons, and tons of pine trees. San José El Pacífico itself (about 8,130 feet above sea level) is a popular tourist spot, known for its cool temperatures and cozy cabins. Finally, you'll hit Miahuatlán (around 5,450 feet above sea level). The descent is quick and features a few hairpin turns, taking you from pine forests to a drier climate in just a few miles.
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Morgan Summit in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Morgan Summit! This gem sits high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, clocking in at a cool 5,764 feet. You'll find it smack-dab in Tehama County, and it's entirely paved – smooth sailing! Now, here's the thing: this road, shared by Highway 89 and another road you might want to research, is a twisty-turny paradise. Think 140 miles of pure driving bliss, demanding your complete and undivided attention. Keep an eye out for trucks hauling trailers. The 29.1-mile stretch runs from Mineral to Chester (right on Lake Almanor!) and marks the highest point on California Route 36. Expect stunning scenery, but also be aware: some spots have serious drop-offs without guardrails, plus blind curves that will test your skills. Cell service is spotty (if existent at all), so download those maps ahead of time! While the pass is usually open year-round, winter can bring closures due to the weather. So, maybe skip it right after a downpour or at night. When the sun's shining and the roads are clear, though, Morgan Summit is a drive you won't soon forget. Get ready for an adventure!