
Where is Echo Summit?
Usa, north-america
19.79 km
2,255 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk Echo Summit, a killer pass perched way up in California's El Dorado County at a cool 7,398 feet. You'll find it hanging out near the Nevada border in the northern Sierra Nevada.
This beauty, also known as Johnson Pass, was carved out way back in the late 30s and is now a super smooth, paved ride called U.S. Route 50 (or the El Dorado Freeway if you're feeling fancy). Fun fact: it's the highest point on this highway in California.
The whole stretch runs for about 12.3 miles between Meyers and Strawberry. Generally, you can cruise this road year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with heavy weather, so keep an eye on the forecast. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,255 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhat are the most challenging 4x4 off-road trails in the USA?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
# 14 Epic 4x4 Adventures Across America Ready to take your off-roading skills to the next level? We've rounded up some seriously intense routes across the U.S. that'll test your vehicle, your nerves, and your driving abilities. We're talking oxygen-starved Colorado mountain passes at 13,000+ feet, remote Arctic gravel stretches in Alaska, and technical terrain that demands serious 4x4 chops. These aren't leisurely scenic drivesโthey're legitimate challenges where clearance, low-range gearing, and pure driver skill separate the pros from the wannabes. **Hart's Pass, Washington** โ Sitting in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this is Washington's highest drivable point. Built back in 1893 to reach gold and silver mines, it's a piece of history you can actually drive. **Moki Dugway, Utah** โ This graded dirt road is basically carved into the side of Cedar Mesa with wild switchbacks and an 11% grade that'll have your heart pounding. **Shafer Trail Road, Eastern Utah** โ Originally carved out by uranium miners, this route delivers jaw-dropping views but demands respect in wet or icy conditions. One wrong move and you're done. **Mosquito Pass, Colorado** โ Sitting at 13,208 feet in the Mosquito Range, this is summer-only territory. Expect to spend plenty of time crawling in low gear. **The Dalton Highway, Alaska** โ Often called the loneliest road on Earth, this 414-mile gravel stretch between Fairbanks and Deadhorse is as isolated as it gets. **Alpine Loop, Colorado** โ This 63-mile route in the San Juan Mountains tackles two 12,000-foot passesโEngineer and Cinnamon. Bring a short wheelbase, high-clearance 4x4. **Burr Trail, Utah** โ Don't be fooled by its reputation as "regular car passable" in dry weather. When wet, this 68-mile trail becomes impassable even for serious 4x4s. **Imogene Pass, Colorado** โ At 13,114 feet in the San Juan Mountains, this is experienced-driver territory only. Stock SUVs need low-range gearing, high clearance, and skid plates. Mistakes here aren't forgiving. **Lippincott Mine Road, Death Valley, California** โ Just 8.2 miles of pure adrenaline. With no guardrails and steep drop-offs, some sections offer barely a foot or two of gravel on either side. **Hurricane Pass, Colorado** โ This 5.34-mile, one-lane beast sits at 13,238 feet and doesn't mess around. Steep, narrow, and loaded with fatal drop-offs. **Argentine Pass, Colorado** โ At 13,207 feet in the Front Range, it starts rocky and gets narrow at the summit. Snow can block access well into summer, and it's only passable from the Georgetown side. **Taylor Pass, Colorado** โ This 8.5-mile, 11,948-foot route has a tricky creek section with hidden deep holes. Plan on visiting between July and October if you want to actually make it through. **Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway, Utah** โ Don't even think about tackling this 78-mile BLM route when it's wet. Certain sections turn into quicksand pits that'll swallow your rig whole. **White Mountain Peak, California** โ At 14,252 feet in Mono County, this is arguably California's most accessible fourteener via jeep road, but "accessible" is relative. Steep drop-offs and tight sections keep it plenty serious. Hit it between late June and November for the best conditions.
easyIs Hwy 40 in Alberta paved?
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Highway 40 in Alberta? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This epic road, also called the Bighorn Highway or Kananaskis Trail, stretches for 1,021 km (634 miles) from Coleman, nestled in the southwest Alberta Rockies, all the way up to Grande Prairie in the northwest. Now, here's the thing: it's a mix of paved and gravel, so be prepared for a bit of everything. And keep an eye on road closures โ winter weather can shut it down, especially between Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Hwy 541 (usually closed December 1 to June 14). But trust me, the views are worth it! This road winds through the Canadian Rockies, peaking at a whopping 2,217m (7,273ft). That's the highest highway elevation in the whole country! You'll be cruising near the treeline, where you might even spot some lingering snow in summer. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife โ bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, coyotes... it's a nature lover's paradise! Seriously, if you want a scenic day trip to explore Canada and southern Alberta, this is it. Breathtaking views guaranteed!
extremeSidney Peak
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Sidney Peak in Utah's Garfield County, a beast of a mountain road sitting at a cool 10,797 feet above sea level. Nestled in Dixie National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and trust me, it gets steep and gnarly in sections. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. Speaking of tackling, be prepared for rapidly changing weather โ things can get dicey real quick. Plus, closures are pretty common. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely breathtaking! This winding mountain road delivers miles of pure scenic bliss. Just a heads up, though, it can turn into a muddy, slippery mess after a rain shower. So, do your homework, check the conditions before you go, and be prepared. This road is no joke, especially if it's wet or dark. And listen, if you've got respiratory issues or a heart condition, maybe sit this one out. Otherwise, get ready for an epic ride!
moderateWhere is Highwood Pass?
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Okay, buckle up for a drive over Highwood Pass! Perched way up at 2,217m (7,273ft) in Alberta's Kananaskis Country, this is supposedly Canada's highest paved road. Find it just 140 km southwest of Calgary, hanging out in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, south of Lower Kananaskis Lake. The road, is a 148 km (92 mile) stretch of pavement that'll take you from Kananaskis to Longview. Heads up: you might find some ice and snow, and the road gets pretty steep in spots (think 7% grades). Oh, and keep an eye out for bears! This route is usually closed from December to mid-June because of heavy snow and wildlife migrations. You'll be driving right near the tree line, so get ready for some incredible alpine scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Just a warning, the summit can be super windy, and the weather changes fast. The drive itself takes about 1.5-2 hours if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll want to! The views are seriously amazing and worth a full day of exploring.