Where is McGee Mountain?

Where is McGee Mountain?

Usa, north-america

Length

10.3 km

Elevation

3,204 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so McGee Mountain in California's Mono County is calling all adventure seekers! This beast of a peak hits 10,511 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. You'll find it hanging out near the Nevada border in northern California.

Now, let's talk about the road. It's a wild, unpaved ride to the top, clocking in at 6.4 miles from the pavement. Get ready for 12 hairpin turns and loose volcanic rocks that'll keep you on your toes. It's a steep, maintained jeep trail that zigzags up from Tobacco Flat, and trust me, the higher you go, the rougher it gets! The elevation gain is a whopping 3,415 feet, so buckle up!

When can you tackle this adventure? The road is usually clear of snow from June to October. But hey, this is mountain country, so always be ready for some winter weather, even in the middle of summer. The scenery is absolutely epic, so take your time and soak it all in!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
10.3 km
Max Elevation
3,204 m
Difficulty
hard

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