Where is Kelso-Cima Road?
Usa, north-america
30.41 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising Kelso-Cima Road is a must-do if you're exploring the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. This roughly 19-mile stretch cuts right through the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, linking the historic Kelso Depot with the tiny outpost of Cima, perched high in a mountain pass.
Keep your eyes peeled, though, because while the road is generally in good shape for any car, some sections are showing their age with some seriously bumpy patchwork. You might get bounced around a bit! Also, flash floods can be a hazard, so check local conditions before you head out.
And speaking of hazards, watch out for the local wildlife, especially the desert tortoise. You might even spot some funny "Drive Like a Tortoise" signs – a reminder that speeding is a big no-no in the Preserve, even though the limit's around 55 mph.
Why is this drive worth it? Well, for starters, it's your gateway to some incredible Mojave sights. You'll pass the stunning Kelso Depot Visitor Center, a beautiful old building with tons of info about the area. Then there's the perfectly symmetrical Cima Dome, a photographer's dream. And, of course, you'll be surrounded by the world's largest and densest Joshua tree forest, especially as you approach Cima. The elevation at Cima gives you incredible views! Just remember that cell service is spotty, so plan ahead. Kelso-Cima Road isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 30.41 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Tunnel Mountain Drive?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising just outside the charming town of Banff, Alberta, right in the heart of Banff National Park. You're on Tunnel Mountain Drive, an 8.1 km (5.03 mile) paved ribbon of road that starts near Surprise Corner on Buffalo Street and ends up back on Banff Avenue. This isn't just any drive; it hugs Tunnel Mountain itself, giving you amazing views as it twists and turns. Fair warning: this beauty is closed in the winter – it turns into a cross-country ski and snowshoe haven. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Bow Valley are incredible, with pristine fir and pine forests all around. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot some wildlife like deer, elk, or even a bear! Plan for plenty of stops, especially for snapping photos. The downhill views are a cyclist's dream. Now, a heads-up: Tunnel Mountain Drive gets steep in sections, with some ramps hitting an 11% gradient. It tops out at 1,518m (4,980ft) above sea level. It’s a slower road, popular with cyclists and hikers heading to the trails, so keep an eye out and share the road!
moderateRoad Los Altares (Mexico 58)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Los Altares (Mexico 58)! This asphalt ribbon connects Linares and Iturbide in Nuevo León, Mexico, and it's a wild ride. Picture this: you're snaking through the Iturbide canyon in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, with mind-blowing rock formations towering above. The road hugs a river, adding to the views, but keep an eye out – flash floods can happen! Plus, those majestic mountains aren't just for show; mudslides are a real possibility. But hey, the views are worth it! And make sure you stop at "Los Altares," a famous rest area where you can check out some incredible Aztec murals etched right into the rock. It's a history lesson and a photo op all in one! Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
extremeA wild road to Pipestone Pass in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! I just tackled Pipestone Pass in Montana, and let me tell you, it's a stunner. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 6,469 feet. The whole thing's paved, winding its way through the eastern foothills of the Rockies. But don't think it's a Sunday drive! This baby's got curves and some seriously steep sections to keep you on your toes. Plus, Mother Nature can throw some curveballs, especially in winter – think black ice, blizzards, and winds that'll try to blow you off the road. Located in southern Montana's Pioneer Mountains, inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, it's about 29 miles of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of white-knuckle action). It connects Butte to Whitehall. Budget around 40-50 minutes to soak it all in – and maybe grab a photo or two! Oh, and keep an eye out for the Mount Patterson radio site. Happy trails!
extremeCuesta del Cajón: Driving the scenic road through Chihuahua's pine forests
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Cuesta del Cajón, a mountain passage that cuts through the Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua, Mexico! Picture this: you're snaking through dense pine forests, alongside seriously deep rocky canyons. This isn't just a pretty drive; it's a challenge for both you and your car. This 42.9-kilometer (26.6-mile) stretch of Chihuahua State Route 11 links Babícora and El Largo, and let me tell you, it's not a route to rush. We're talking constant climbs and descents right through the heart of the mountains. The road clings to the edges of those rocky canyons, so keep your speed low and steady. Heads up – there are no gas stations once you're deep in the forest, so plan ahead. And before you even think about starting, check those brakes! The hills put major pressure on them, so use engine braking on the downhills to avoid overheating. This drive is all about precision. There are 20 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Some of those switchbacks are so tight that larger vehicles might struggle, especially with oncoming traffic. Watch out for the pavement, too. Erosion and tree roots cause potholes, sometimes where you least expect them. The vegetation is relentless! Trees and bushes grow right up to the edge of the road and can scratch your paint or block your view on corners. Plus, in the canyons, expect small rockfalls and gravel. A 4x4 will definitely give you an edge pulling out of those steep corners. Beyond the bends, there are steep drop-offs without guardrails, and you might encounter local livestock or wildlife. Thinking of checking out Cascada el Salto or the Cuarenta Casas archaeological site? Be warned, those access roads are unpaved and you'll need a high-clearance 4x4. Low-range gears will be your best friend on those steep ramps. The Chihuahua highlands are known for extreme weather. Winter brings frosts and snow that can shut the road down. Black ice is a real hazard, especially in shady spots. In the summer, watch out for landslides and mudflows blocking the road.