
Where is Daylight Pass?
Usa, north-america
54.39 km
1,316 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Daylight Pass! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty high up in California's Inyo County, clocking in at 4,317 feet above sea level. We're talking eastern California, nestled between the Funeral and Grapevine Mountains, practically waving to Arizona, all inside the incredible Death Valley National Park.
The drive? Forget about it! Every single bend in Daylight Pass Road (aka Highway 374) serves up a different, ridiculously gorgeous view. And the best part? Tons of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap those Insta-worthy pics.
The road itself is paved, a narrow two-laner with practically zero shoulder. So, cruise slow and steady, especially on those curves. Speaking of tough stuff, parts of this 33.8-mile route get a bit steep, hitting a 7.4% gradient, so be prepared for that. Oh, and pro tip: if you're heading there between May and September, remember it's going to be HOT β think average temps of 101-116 degrees!
The pass connects Beatty, Nevada (a cute little town along the Amargosa River) to Stovepipe Wells, California. It's a drive you won't soon forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 54.39 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,316 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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