Where is Donner Pass?
Usa, north-america
24.14 km
2,210 m
hard
Year-round
Donner Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,210m (7,250ft) above sea level, located in Nevada County, in the U.S. state of California.
Where is Donner Pass?
The pass, also known as
, is located west of Truckee, in the eastern part of California, within the Tahoe National Forest.
Why is it Called Donner Pass?
The pass gets its name from the
ill-fated Donner Party
who overwintered there in 1846.
How Long is Donner Pass in California?
The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Interstate 80. The pass is 24.14km (15 miles) long, running east-west from Truckee to Kingvale.
Is Donner Pass in California Open?
Set high in the northern Sierra Nevada, the pass is
, but conditions on the pass in the winter often cause temporary closures or require you to use chains on your tires. Winters at the summit can be brutal, as it’s one of the
in the contiguous United States.
Is Donner Pass Dangerous?
It’s usually known as one of the
more dangerous areas for truck drivers
and is the site of many fatal accidents. The pass has a steep approach from the east and a gradual approach from the west. In such trips, road emergencies may be inevitable. If you do not have health insurance or are short on money, planning your cash expenses is crucial. Consider seeking
financial assistance from trusted sources
, whether online or offline, to ensure your trip is safe.
Interstate 70 is a remote scenic drive in Utah
Sherman Pass in California has lots of twists and turns
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.14 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,210 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMissouri Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're in Chaffee County, Colorado, itching for an adventure. Buckle up and head toward Missouri Hill! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,086 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives. You'll be cruising on Taylor Mountain Trail (that's County Road 228), a rugged gravel and rocky path that used to be a mining road. Word to the wise: this road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. If unpaved mountain roads give you the jitters, or heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Seriously, a 4x4 is a MUST. Get ready for some seriously steep switchbacks as you climb. Keep your eyes peeled for places to pull over, because you might run into someone coming the other way in a tight spot. As you make your way up, you'll be passing by tons of old mining relics, a cool peek into Colorado's history. And oh yeah, the views? Totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Caineville Wash Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Utah, smack-dab in the middle of Cathedral Valley, part of the epic Capitol Reef National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's the Caineville Wash Road, a 15.4-mile sandy rollercoaster leading to the legendary Temple of the Sun and Moon. Forget pavement – this is pure, unadulterated dirt road magic! We're talking one-lane trails, dramatic twists, and some seriously stunning rock formations that'll make your jaw drop. High clearance is a MUST, and honestly, you'll probably want a 4x4 to navigate the deep sand and tricky spots, especially after a storm. Keep your eyes peeled because the turnoff from Highway 24 isn't super obvious, so maybe do a little homework before you head out. Trust me, this off-road adventure is worth it for the insane photo ops alone!
hardMauna Loa in Hawaii: A Road Through Lava
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Epic Drive Up Mauna Loa Want to experience something truly otherworldly? Head to Hawai'i and tackle the Mauna Loa Scenic Drive—a wild 17-mile journey up one of the country's highest paved roads. Starting from Saddle Road at 2,001m, you'll climb 1,401 meters of elevation through a genuinely alien landscape of solidified lava to reach Mauna Loa Observatory at 3,402m (11,161ft). Built back in the 1950s, this narrow asphalt ribbon cuts through volcanic terrain that looks like the moon. "Mauna Loa" means "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian, and you'll understand why as you wind upward with an average 4.98% gradient. The road's rough, patchy surface features a white fog line down the middle—straddle it to avoid your tires on the jagged lava rocks lining the narrow shoulders. Fair warning: don't attempt this if you have heart or respiratory issues. The road gets serious about hazards with warning signs everywhere, and for good reason. It's basically a single lane with blind hills, tight turns, and zero forgiveness if visibility drops. Fill your gas tank before you go—there's nothing at the observatory. The rewards, though? On crystal-clear days, the views are absolutely stunning. You'll spot Mauna Kea, Kohala, Haleakala on Maui, and sometimes even other islands in the distance. The drive winds through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with plenty of pullouts to stretch your legs and soak it in. Here's the catch: weather can turn on a dime. Fog, clouds, snow, rain, and whiteouts are all possibilities year-round. If conditions start deteriorating, bail out immediately—this road is genuinely dangerous in poor visibility. Winter can bring blizzards and high winds, temperatures drop below freezing at night always, and remember, this is an active volcano (last erupted in 1984). Most of the road is drivable in any 2WD vehicle, but plan your visit for the clearest day possible and respect this mountain's power.
hardWhere is Taylor Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high – like, 11,948 feet high! – right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. There’s even a creek crossing that can be tricky – scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and you’re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!