Where is Kolokole Pass?
Usa, north-america
22.2 km
504 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Kolokole Pass! This hidden gem sits way up in the Waianae Mountain Range on Oahu, Hawaii, clocking in at 504m (1,653ft). You'll find it connecting central and western Oahu.
The road itself, Kolokole Road, stretches for about 22.20km (13.8 miles) from Wahiawa to Nānākuli. It's a fully paved ribbon of asphalt, but get ready for some twists and turns! Think steep climbs, tight corners, and some narrow stretches to keep things interesting.
Now, here's the catch: access is usually limited to military personnel. But, rumor has it, the road sometimes opens to the public during emergencies. Keep an eye out, but be aware that heavy rains and rockslides can shut it down in a heartbeat.
Oh, and movie buffs? You might recognize the scenery! This is the spot where those WWII Japanese fighters supposedly flew through on their way to bomb Pearl Harbor in that iconic war film. Pretty cool, right?
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 22.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 504 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow to Get to the Lookout at Eureka Mountain by Car
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to check out Eureka Mountain in British Columbia, Canada. This beast tops out at a whopping 1,968m (6,456ft), offering killer views that'll blow your mind. You'll find this gem nestled near Cherryville, in the heart of Central Kootenay. The peak itself is home to the Eureka Mountain Fire Lookout, a rad tower built way back in '57 to help keep an eye on those sneaky wildfires. Now, getting up there is half the fun. Back in the day, it was just a horse trail, but they carved out a road in '53. Don't expect a smooth ride, though! This 7.9 km (4.90 miles) stretch is all unpaved and seriously steep, gaining 739m in elevation. We're talking an average gradient of 9.35%! Seriously, a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance is a MUST. Those steep inclines are no joke, and your brakes will be screaming on the way down. The views from the top, set in the Monashee Mountains, are totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Keep in mind, this road is usually only open in the summer. Snow makes it a no-go zone the rest of the year. Get ready for an epic adventure!
easyZion Canyon Scenic Drive is a breathtaking ride through the Zion National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Zion National Park on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – also known as the Floor of the Valley Road – and BAM! Red rock canyons towering above you. This iconic 6.2-mile (10 km) stretch of paved road, carving its way from the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway to the Temple of Sinawava, is pure eye candy. Built way back in 1932, this road isn't just a way to get from A to B; it's an experience. Keep an eye out for Walter's Wiggles, it's definitely a must see! The road itself is even colored with a red aggregate to blend with the landscape. The drive itself is short, maybe 20 minutes without stopping, but who are we kidding? You'll want to budget at least half a day to soak it all in! Just a heads up: Mother Nature sometimes throws curveballs. Watch out for slick spots after storms or icy conditions in winter. Reaching an elevation of 4,468 feet (1,362m), during peak season (March to November), you'll need to hop on the park's shuttle buses to avoid the crowds. They run super frequently, though, and in the winter months you can usually cruise in your own car, especially on weekdays. Trust me, this drive is a must-do for any road trip through Utah!
moderateHow long is the Talimena Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Talimena Scenic Drive, a totally paved 54-mile roller coaster of a road that straddles the Oklahoma/Arkansas border right through the Ouachita Mountains! Starting near Talihina, Oklahoma, and winding its way to Mena, Arkansas, this scenic byway (part Oklahoma State Highway 1, part Arkansas Highway 88) was built back in '69 specifically for the views. Speaking of views, this isn't a boring highway. Think winding two-lane road with sharp curves and some seriously steep inclines – we're talking grades of up to 13%! It cuts right through the Ouachita National Forest, so be prepared for a bit of wilderness. You can tackle this road year-round, just be extra careful of icy conditions during winter. Honestly, any bad weather can make the drive a bit stressful, so peek at the forecast before you head out. Thunderstorms can pop up fast and create foggy conditions on the mountain, and keep an eye out for the occasional snake! But all that's worth it for the natural beauty, historic sites, and charming towns you'll find along the way. The route boasts incredible mountain vistas, forested peaks, and sparkling lakes and streams, especially gorgeous when the leaves change in the fall or the spring foliage bursts. You might even catch a view above the clouds! Without stops, you could technically cruise the whole thing in about 2 hours, but that's no fun! With 22 scenic overlooks, you're definitely going to want to budget more time. Fall is the busiest time, with leaf-peepers coming in droves. Spring and summer are great too, and if you're up for it, a rainy day can offer a mystical, secluded experience.
hardIs the road to Greenhorn Summit paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Greenhorn Summit. This stunner sits way up high in California's Kern County, clocking in at 6,102 feet above sea level. The whole route is smooth sailing on paved roads – it's basically Highway 155, also known as the Garces Highway. You'll be cruising for about 56.4 glorious miles, running from Delano (where it meets CA 99) all the way to Wofford Heights near the super scenic Isabella Lake (connecting with CA 178). Now, don't think it's gonna be a boring drive. This baby's got curves! Nestled in the Greenhorn Mountains of the southern Sierra Nevada, expect lots of twists, turns, and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting 10% in places! So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!