Where is Ebbetts Pass?
Usa, north-america
98 km
2,666 m
hard
Year-round
Craving a seriously epic drive? Then you NEED to check out Ebbetts Pass! Nestled high in California's Alpine County, this road tops out at a cool 8,746 feet. Think tight switchbacks, charming little towns, and views for days – seriously, the alpine scenery is unreal.
This 61-mile stretch of California State Route 4, also known as Alpine State Highway, winds its way from Arnold to Markleeville, making it one of the Sierra Nevada's best-kept secrets. Just remember, the pass is usually open from late spring (think Memorial Day, give or take) to the first big snowfall, usually around early November.
Now, a word of warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart (or large RVs!). We're talking steep climbs, with some sections hitting a whopping 24% grade! Plus, those hairpin turns are seriously tight and sometimes blind, especially on the eastern side. You'll be hugging the road as you navigate those improbable switchbacks! So, leave the big rig at home and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 98 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,666 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the wild Antelope Mountain (in Lassen County, CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about a killer drive up Antelope Mountain in northeast California’s Lassen County. We’re talking serious elevation here – this peak tops out at 7,687 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away in Lassen National Forest. The road's a decent forest road, but trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind, this route is a no-go in winter; the snow usually hangs around until late June or even July. The climb is a real workout. From Eagle Lake Road, it's about 5.4 miles to the summit, and you gain a whopping 2,434 feet in elevation. That’s an average grade of over 8%! And the payoff? A fire lookout tower awaits you at the top! Built in '78, it was actually the first solar-powered lookout in the US. Usually, there's someone up there during fire season. The views? Absolutely incredible. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
easyChinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Chinook Pass in Washington State, a sweet little mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,430 feet. We're talking Yakima County, between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches, right in the heart of the Cascade Range. This totally paved, two-lane ribbon of road—officially known as SR 410, Chinook Scenic Byway, and Stephen Mather Memorial Parkway—hugs the northeast side of majestic Mount Rainier. Completed back in '31, this road is a pure driving joy with twists and turns galore. Five miles east of Cayuse Pass, Chinook Pass marks the eastern gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. Get ready for jaw-dropping views: we're talking Mount Rainier in all its glory, lush forests, sky-high peaks, rugged ridges, and dramatic river canyons. Because commercial vehicles aren't allowed within the park section, it’s a fave for summer road trippers like us. Just a heads-up: Chinook Pass usually shuts down around mid-November and aims to reopen by Memorial Day weekend. But Mother Nature calls the shots, so it all depends on the winter snowfall and spring conditions. The pass closes due to avalanche risks, tricky road conditions, limited space for snow storage, and the lack of nearby emergency services.
extremeHow is the drive to Sullivan Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a trek to Sullivan Mountain, a beast of a peak straddling the US-Canada border in the wild northeast corner of Washington! This isn't your Sunday drive – it's a proper off-road adventure up one of the state's highest routes, smack-dab in the middle of Colville National Forest. Starting from [starting location], you'll be tackling NF-245 (aka Sullivan Mtn Road). This is where things get real: it's narrow, rocky, and seriously rough. Get ready for a climb because the road throws six tight hairpin turns at you as you gain over 3,000 feet in elevation. Summer's peak brings its own set of challenges. Mountain bushes grow wild, encroaching on the road. If you're precious about your paint, prepare for some "pinstriping" from the branches! A high-clearance vehicle? Non-negotiable. You'll need it to navigate the deep ruts and seriously "tippy" sections. Sullivan Mountain has a history as a fire lookout, with a few different structures standing guard over the decades. While the current tower, built of timber, is no longer in use, it's an iconic landmark. Sadly, the lower stairs have been removed, so you can't climb up. Here’s the deal: about a mile from the summit, the road is gated. You'll have to park and hike the rest of the way up the old roadbed. It's a steep climb, but trust me, the solitude at the top is incredible. A word of caution: this is bear country. It's super remote near the Canadian border, so wildlife encounters are possible. Carry bear spray and stay alert, especially on that final hike. That solitude we talked about? It also means you're on your own if things go sideways. Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. The sweet spot to visit is mid-July through September. Always check the weather because if it's wet, the rocky dirt turns into a muddy mess, making the 10.9-mile round trip a real test, even for experienced drivers.
hardTrail Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Trail Mountain in Utah's Emery County is calling your name, but this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about a heart-pumping climb to 9,901 feet (3,018m) above sea level! The road? Let's just say it's… rugged. Think rocky, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Winter? Forget about it, this road is closed. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, steer clear. A 4x4 is an absolute must. And if heights aren't your thing, well, maybe stick to the valley floor. Expect a pretty steep trail!