
Where is Mount Baldy?
Usa, north-america
20.92 km
3,408 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're itching for an off-road adventure in Arizona, Mount Baldy is calling your name. This extinct volcano, nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, clocks in at a whopping 11,181 feet above sea level.
Heads up: the road to the top is all dirt, so you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. From the start at AZ-273, it's a 9.75-mile climb with some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of up to 9%! You'll gain over 2,100 feet in elevation, so get ready for those views.
Speaking of views, you're in for a treat. This area of the White Mountains is stunning. But, pro tip: this road is usually snow-covered until late June or even July. Also, the very top of Mount Baldy sits on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, and access is restricted to tribal members only. So keep that in mind when you're planning your trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.92 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,408 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCalifornia Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on California State Route 39! This epic stretch of road straddles Orange and Los Angeles counties, carving its way through the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at around 50 miles (80 km), you can cruise from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) all the way up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2). Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, Route 39 made a cameo in *Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift*. Now for the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been off-limits since a massive mudslide back in '78. This means the last 6 miles (9.65km) or so are a no-go for cars. We're talking rockslides, erosion, and enough dirt to make your off-roader blush. Budget a cool $100 million to get it back in shape. While it's technically closed, you might spot hikers or bikers braving the washed-out sections, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. Just be warned: Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs here. We're talking snow, avalanches, and landslides galore. Emergency vehicles can still squeeze through, but those "roads" get pretty narrow and gnarly! Despite the challenges, this forgotten highway is a trip back in time. You can practically feel the ghosts of California's past as you explore the remnants of this once-bustling route. So, if you're up for an adventure and a dose of history, Route 39 is calling your name!
hardButler Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving some seriously epic views in Southern California, you HAVE to check out Butler Peak in the San Bernardino Mountains. This beast of a peak tops out at 8,431 feet! The road to the top, Forest Road 2N13B (aka Butler Peak Road), is a real adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps – you'll definitely want a vehicle with some ground clearance and decent tires. I’d recommend 4x4, but if you're a confident driver, you *might* be able to get away with 2WD – just be aware of the loose gravel and steep sections. You'll likely find the road closed from October to June, depending on the weather. The payoff is SO worth it! This road, originally built in 1948, winds its way up to a historic fire lookout tower (built in 1931). Just be smart and avoid it during thunderstorms! Once you're at the top, prepare to be blown away by 360-degree views of San Gorgonio Peak, Big Bear Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Apple Valley, and the Inland Empire. It's a panorama you won't forget. Get ready for a steep climb!
moderateHow long is Staircase Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, fellow adventurers, because I'm about to tell you about Staircase Road in Washington state! Picture this: you're cruising along Highway 101 near Hoodsport and decide to venture off the beaten path. That's where the fun begins! Staircase Road, or Forest Service Road 24, is waiting for you, a mostly unpaved beauty stretching for 16 glorious miles into the heart of Olympic National Park. Seriously, this road is a gateway to some serious natural wonders. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet here. You'll be winding your way along the shores of Lake Cushman, with views that'll make your jaw drop. Keep in mind, though, that this road plays by its own rules. It can be closed unexpectedly due to snow or other weather nastiness, so always check conditions before you go. If you make it to the end, you'll be rewarded with a campground and a ranger station, the perfect basecamp for exploring even further. Trust me, this drive is worth it for the scenery alone!
extremeShoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever heard of a road to nowhere? Head to the Angeles National Forest, just above Azusa, California, and check out Shoemaker Canyon Road! This abandoned route, nicknamed "Armageddon Highway" and "Convict Road," has a wild history. Back in the Cold War days, the plan was to build an escape route out of Los Angeles in case of a nuclear attack. The road stretches for about 4.4 miles from East Fork Road and features two seriously cool, abandoned tunnels. You’ll be surrounded by classic California chaparral and some pretty awesome canyon views. Imagine this: Inmates started building this road in 1956, but construction stopped in 1969 due to budget cuts. Today, you can drive the first 1.8 miles on pavement. Then, it's time to hike or bike the rest on a well-maintained dirt path. The road gradually climbs uphill to those awesome tunnels, which are located 1.8 and 2.6 miles past the closed gate. Be warned, they're pretty dark inside and can be a bit spooky! And remember, this is the San Gabriel Mountains, so the weather can be extreme. Avoid the midday sun (virtually no shade except in the tunnels), let someone know your plans, and be prepared for heat in the summer or winter storms. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!