Where is Leavitt Lake?
Usa, north-america
4.5 km
2,917 m
moderate
Year-round
Leavitt Lake, nestled high in the eastern Sierra Nevada near the Nevada border, is a true alpine gem at 9,570 feet! Getting there is an adventure in itself. Leavitt Lake Road (Forest Service Road 077) is a 2.8-mile dirt track that branches off CA-108 and demands a high-clearance SUV with 4-wheel drive – seriously, leave the sedan at home. Be prepared for a steep climb too; some sections hit a 15% gradient! You'll gain over 1,100 feet in elevation, averaging a 7.5% grade, with a couple of shallow stream crossings to keep things interesting. Keep in mind this road is a no-go in winter and often well into summer due to snow. The lake itself can be iced over until July! But trust me, the stunning views and the remote alpine beauty are so worth the challenging drive. Just south of the lake, a smaller gravel track continues even higher, topping out at 10,649 feet!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,917 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs Lime Creek Road in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lime Creek Road in Colorado's San Juan County is not for the faint of heart, but oh-so-worth-it for the views! This isn't your typical Sunday drive. Forget pavement – we're talking 11.1 miles of unadulterated, rocky, and bumpy dirt, winding its way through the San Juan National Forest south of Silverton. Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. Fair warning: this road gets narrow, REALLY narrow. Think driving on the edge with some serious drop-offs. Not great if heights make you queasy. And forget about easily passing other cars; it's mostly a single-lane affair. Steer clear after rain or snow, as flash floods are a real possibility. But here's the kicker: this route was the original highway between Silverton and Durango back in the mid-1800s! Plus, Lime Creek Road runs parallel to the iconic Million Dollar Highway. High up in the San Juan Mountains, you'll climb to a breathless 9,829 feet above sea level. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed-in during the winter months. Give yourself about two hours to tackle this beauty. The reward? Views for days, a sense of freedom you can't find anywhere else, and the sweet, sweet air of the Colorado Rockies. Plus, you'll end up at Potato Lake (aka Spud Lake) – a perfect spot to soak it all in!
moderateWhere is Stunner Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip adventurers, listen up! Stunner Pass in southern Colorado is calling your name! You'll find this beauty hanging out near the Rio Grande National Forest. So, why "Stunner" Pass? Well, legend has it there was a ghost town called Stunner nearby, but it couldn't make it because getting around was such a pain. Ready for the deets? We're talking Forest Service Road 250 (FR-250), a wide, graded road, perfect for hitting up multiple trailheads. It’s a good climb reaching some serious elevation. Speaking of elevation, you'll be way up there, so be ready for some jaw-dropping views. This area can have some serious snow in the winter, so the pass is usually closed during the colder months. Keep that in mind when planning your adventure!
moderateDriving the scenic Cherohala Skyway through the mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Tennessee and North Carolina? You HAVE to experience the Cherohala Skyway, one of the most breathtaking drives in the USA! This beauty took 34 years and over $100 million to build, finally opening in 1996, and it's now a designated National Scenic Byway. The name? A blend of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it winds through. We're talking 51.8 miles (83.36km) of pure, paved road magic stretching from Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC (aka Tennessee State Route 165 meets North Carolina Highway 143). They also call it the Overhill Skyway, FYI! Get ready for some serious elevation – the highest point is 5,400ft (1,600m) near the state line at Santeetlah Overlook. Even in July, this place can be shrouded in fog and feel super chilly, so pack accordingly! Mountain weather is no joke. Just south of the legendary Tail of the Dragon, this mile-high drive is always a unique experience, a hidden gem snaking through the mountains. Think long, sweeping corners that are a dream for motorcycles and sports cars. This is a 2-lane road with wide shoulders and 15 scenic overlooks. Word to the wise: it can be desolate at night and treacherous in winter. Imagine yourself surrounded by forests of hardwoods and evergreens. Seriously, bring your camera! The Cherohala Skyway delivers incredible mountain views, vibrant foliage, and cascading waterfalls. You could technically drive it in 2-3 hours non-stop, but WHY would you want to? This easy drive is smack-dab in the heart of the stunning southern Appalachian Mountains.
extremeHow to get to Cerro Gordo, California's Silver Mining Ghost Town, by car?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure up Cerro Gordo Road! This 12.6-mile (20.27km) climb takes you from California State Route 136, near Keeler, all the way up to the legendary silver mining ghost town of Cerro Gordo, nestled in the Inyo Mountains east of Owens Lake. The road starts off easy enough – you can probably make it to the town site in a two-wheel drive. But trust me, if you're planning on going any further east towards White Mountain Talc Road, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously, it gets super rocky and washed out! Be prepared for some seriously steep climbs that'll have you reaching for those low-range gears. This is a remote route, so make sure you're well-prepared. The narrow, winding gravel road can be prone to washouts and rock slides, so keep your eyes peeled. But oh man, the views! This drive is incredible. You'll be treated to amazing vistas, wildflowers galore, and a peek into the past with the historical mining structures. Don't forget your camera – you're gonna want to document this trip! And keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. Reaching a lofty 8,208 feet (2.502m) above sea level, this road can be snow-covered between November and April, so check conditions before you go and be prepared for possible closures or the need for chains. Late spring, summer (though it can get HOT!), and autumn are your best bets for a visit. Cerro Gordo is typically open all week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (standard time) or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (daylight savings time), weather permitting. For the ultimate thrill-seekers, there's a short 4x4 road north of town that climbs even higher to an FAA site at 9,222 feet (2.811m). At 1.8 miles (2.89km) long, it’s one of the highest roads in California.