Where is Monitor Pass in California?
Usa, north-america
28.32 km
2,543 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Monitor Pass! This stunner sits way up high in east-central California, practically kissing the Nevada border, right where Alpine and Mono counties meet. Think wide-open spaces and that "I'm the only one here" feeling because traffic is usually super light.
The road itself, officially CA-89 (aka Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), was carved out in the early 50s and named after the old silver mining town, Monitor. We're talking about a 17.6-mile stretch of pure, paved goodness connecting Alpine State Highway south of Markleeville to US-395 north of Coleville, southeast of Lake Tahoe.
Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect a seasonal closure from late November to early April due to snow. Speaking of high, we're talking an elevation of 8,343 feet! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road near the top that climbs even higher to 8,942ft.
Hold on tight, because this road isn't shy about its steepness! You'll find yourself tackling gradients up to 13% in spots. The eastern side, heading towards US-395, is particularly punchy, so gear down and be prepared for a serious climb if you're heading back up. Give yourself about 30 minutes to cruise this pass without stopping to soak it all in (but you *totally* should stop!).
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,543 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardA Feat of Modern Engineering
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, a vibrant blue beauty arching over San Diego Bay. Seriously, this bridge is an architectural masterpiece, famous for its insane curves and those unreal views of the Pacific and the city skyline. It's not just a way to get from A to B; it's an *experience.* Here's the deal: the bridge is super tall – think massive Navy aircraft carriers needing to pass underneath. That's why you get that crazy, swooping curve, making it a photographer's dream. Now, a little heads-up. That 90-degree turn can throw you off if you're not paying attention. There aren't any shoulders, so breakdowns are a major buzzkill for everyone. Plus, being so high up means you can get hit with some serious crosswinds. Despite these minor things, it's still a must-drive. Over 80,000 vehicles use it daily. Caltrans is working hard to keep it safe for everyone, especially with new suicide deterrent fences. This bridge is all about amazing scenery, but paying attention is vital.
moderateWhere is Crystal Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, adventurers! Wanna hit some serious heights in Washington state? Head south of Seattle to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and find Crystal Mountain. We're not talking about a gentle stroll, folks. You're climbing to a whopping 6,240 feet (1,902 m)! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from its taller sibling, Crystal Mountain North. So, how do you conquer this peak? Well, it's about 3.72 miles (6 km) from Crystal Mountain Resort. Keep in mind this is a chairlift access trail, not your average smooth ride! Heads up: don't even THINK about trying to drive it until late June or maybe even July, depending on the snow. But once you can? Get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop!
moderateWhere is Mount Bross?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're in central Colorado, west of Denver, cruising through Pike National Forest, right? You're heading up this insane old mining road, County Road 787 (aka Windy Ridge Road), towards Mount Bross. This isn’t your average Sunday drive—we’re talking about one of the highest roads in the USA, topping out at a crazy 13,356 feet! The road’s totally unpaved, a rugged dirt track that winds its way up into the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Most of the way it's pretty chill, but as you get closer to the top, it gets narrow and rocky. Seriously, full-size rigs might wanna think twice about going all the way. Word of warning: the actual summit is private property, so respect the signs. Plus, this area is packed with old mines, remnants of Colorado's mining boom, which makes it super interesting to explore. Heads up, this road is usually only open in the summer. And trust me, you wanna get an early start. Thunderstorms roll in almost every afternoon, so aim to be off the peak by noon to avoid any lightning drama. But, the views? Totally worth it! This is one of those Colorado trails that has it all: challenging terrain, stunning scenery, a dose of history, and killer hiking and fishing spots nearby. From the top, you can scope out a bunch of other 14ers. And the old mines scattered along the way? So cool to see!
hardWhy is the Seven Mile Bridge famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising down the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys? You absolutely HAVE to experience the Seven Mile Bridge! This iconic stretch connects Knight's Key to Little Duck Key, and it's a straight shot across the open ocean. Seriously, it's about 7 miles long, with a 65-foot high arch that gives you some seriously stunning views. This bridge isn't just a way to get from point A to point B – it's a landmark! It's been featured in a ton of movies (think action-packed thrillers!) and it's easy to see why. Picture this: you're driving along, surrounded by turquoise water as far as the eye can see. It's a two-lane road, so you can really soak it all in. Okay, so it *looks* amazing, but is it scary? Well, it's in the Florida Keys, which means hurricane territory. The current bridge is actually the *second* one built here, designed to be much sturdier than the original after a nasty hurricane wiped it out. While it's super strong, I definitely wouldn't want to be caught on it during a storm!