Where is Minaret Summit?
Usa, north-america
9.97 km
2,824 m
moderate
Year-round
Minaret Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,824m (9,265ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California. It's
one of the highest roads in California.
Where is Minaret Summit?
The summit is located on the boundary between Mono and Madera counties, in the eastern part of California, within the Inyo National Forest.
How long is the road to Minaret Summit?
The scenic road to the summit is fully paved. It’s called California State Route 203 (also known as Minaret Road). Starting from Mammoth Lakes, the road to the summit is 9.97km (6.2 miles) long, with an average gradient of 5.4%, making it a steep drive.
Is the road to Minaret Summit worth the drive?
The summit features a small parking lot, picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and the Minaret Vista Point, offering some of the best views in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Ritter, Mt. Banner, and, of course, the Minarets. Just beyond the summit lies Devils Postpile National Monument, home to one of the world's most remarkable geological formations—columnar basalt that resembles stacked posts.
Is the road to Minaret Summit open in winter?
Located high in the central Sierra Nevada mountain range, the summit receives significant snowfall in winter. The road is generally closed to vehicular traffic from late November to early April, depending on weather conditions.
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Hardscrabble Mountain in Colorado
A paved road to Signal Mountain in Grand Teton NP
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.97 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,824 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs Mil Cumbres Road paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for the legendary Mil Cumbres Road in Michoacán, Mexico! Officially known as Mexico 15 (or Carretera Morelia-Toluca, if you want to get technical), this fully paved road stretches for 237 km (147 miles) from Morelia, the state capital, to Toluca. But be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive. Mil Cumbres, meaning "One Thousand Hills," lives up to its name with a relentless series of curves that might leave you feeling a little queasy. You'll climb from Paso Ancho, a low point at 980m (3,215ft), to a dizzying 2,930m (9,612ft) near San José de la Cumbre. But oh, the views! This road teeters on the edge of a canyon, offering incredible panoramas of the Michoacán mountains and the Tierra Caliente lowlands. Keep an eye out for waterfalls during the rainy season, and get ready for some seriously stunning sunsets. The landscape is unique, with pine forests right next to you and desert valleys stretching out below, creating a colorful, unforgettable experience.
moderatePtarmigan Peak: Ultimate 4wd destination
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ptarmigan Hill in central Colorado's Eagle County is calling your name! This beast sits at a whopping 12,076 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable peaks. Tucked away in the Rockies at the north end of the Sawatch Range, the road to the top is all rugged, unpaved goodness. Seriously, you're gonna need a 4x4 to conquer this one. You'll find this gem inside the White River National Forest. The climb is short but intense – we're talking 1,934 feet in less than half a mile, with a total elevation gain of 1,079 feet! Sadly, this route is totally snowed in during the winter. But the payoff? Epic! From the summit, prepare to be blown away by panoramic views of the Gore and Tenmile Mountain Ranges. You'll even catch glimpses of the iconic Mount of the Holy Cross and a sliver of I-70. Trust me; it's worth every bump and grind.
easyYellowhead Pass: The Lowest Crossing of the Canadian Rockies
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Yellowhead Pass! This beauty straddles the Alberta-British Columbia border right in the heart of Jasper National Park. Think stunning Canadian Rockies scenery at a chill 1,131m (3,711ft) elevation. You're driving through history here – this spot was a major fur trading route back in the day, thanks to a trapper with a "Yellow Head" nickname! And guess what? It's still the lowest pass through the Rockies, which is why you'll find both the highway and the railway running through here. We're talking about the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), so it's fully paved and kept in good shape. Forget crazy hairpin turns – this is all smooth sailing with gentle slopes and wide, sweeping curves through those amazing forests. The whole stretch from Jasper, Alberta to Tête Jaune Cache, British Columbia is about 125 km (78 miles). Keep an eye out for wildlife! While the slopes are mild (under 5%), be aware of changing conditions and other environmental factors.
moderateWitches Rock Road in Connecticut is said to be the scary of scaries
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky drive down Witches Rock Road in Connecticut's Hartford County! This paved stretch, just a little over a mile long, runs north to south, connecting Fall Mountain Road and Spindle Hill Road, west of Cedar Lake. But it's not just the scenery that'll grab you – it's the legend. Back in the 1700s, locals whispered about witches gathering around a massive rock formation that still leans over the road today. They say the area's cursed and haunted, so keep your eyes peeled – you never know what might cross your path! It's an eerie, atmospheric drive you won't soon forget.