Where is Mount Disappointment?
Usa, north-america
0.8 km
1,797 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: Mount Disappointment, sitting pretty at almost 6,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains, just an hour outside of Los Angeles. Fun fact: back in the day, some surveyors thought it was the tallest peak around, but turns out, San Gabriel Peak was higher. Hence, the name!
The road up, Mount Disappointment Road, is paved, but not exactly smooth sailing. Think hairpin turns galore! It's about 3 miles from Mt. Wilson Red Box Road to the top, and it's a climb, gaining over 1200 feet with a pretty noticeable incline. Unfortunately, the road is blocked by a gate and closed to private vehicles.
So, what's at the top? Well, back in the 50s, they lopped off the summit to build a missile site. Now it's got telecommunication towers all over it. But here's the kicker: the views! Seriously, you get a full 360-degree panorama, from the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles all the way out to the Pacific. Plus, you can check out the old missile pad and some cool rock formations. Nestled in the Angeles National Forest, this drive is surrounded by pine trees and killer scenery. Definitely a unique spot with a wild history!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 0.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,797 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Burro Wash Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Burro Wash Road, snaking through the Nevada desert in Clark County, just south of the Hoover Dam and spitting distance from Arizona. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking about an 18.5km (11.5-mile) off-road adventure that kicks off near Boulder City and plunges you straight into the heart of raw Nevada beauty, finishing up at the mighty Colorado River. You'll start following power lines, cruise through the legendary Black Canyon, and then dive into the wash itself. The reward? Killer views of the river and a chill little beach where you can dip your toes. Now, listen up: this road ain't for your Prius. A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Burro Wash Road is rough, rocky, and constantly changing thanks to weather, flash floods, and the occasional rockfall. Expect washed-out spots, off-camber angles, and plenty of rocky obstacles to test your skills. We're talking sandy washes that turn into extreme rock crawling, rocky descents, and enough adrenaline to keep you buzzing for days. A word to the wise: this route demands respect. Conditions can change on a dime, especially after rain. Some sections are seriously steep and winding, requiring careful maneuvering. Watch out for critters—rattlesnakes call this area home, and springtime brings unwelcome buzzing guests. Cell service is spotty at best, so come prepared and buddy up if you can.
moderateA rugged single-lane road to Surveyors Ridge in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Surveyors Ridge! You'll find this beauty tucked away in Idaho's Shoshone County, chilling at a cool 6,187 feet. Getting there is part of the fun – it's all about Road 395A, a totally unpaved, single-lane track with just enough pullouts to keep things interesting. Think rugged! If your ride's got low clearance, maybe sit this one out. And heads up, things can get slick when it's wet. The prize at the top? A lookout tower with views that'll knock your socks off! Built way back in 1931 and revamped in '64, it gives you a killer panorama of Snow Peak and the endless mountains all around. Just a heads up, you're out there! The nearest town with actual services, St. Regis, Montana, is a good 2.5-hour drive away. Plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is the Italian Bar Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a little off-the-grid adventure? Then Italian Bar Road in Tuolumne County, California, is calling your name! Tucked away in the Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Word is it was named after some Italian explorers who struck gold by the South Fork of the Stanislaus River – pretty cool, right? This isn't a super long haul, clocking in at about 17 miles, but don't let that fool you. The first couple of miles are smooth sailing, but then BAM! You're hitting dirt, and sometimes that dirt is washed away after a storm, so watch out! The speed limit's a chill 15 mph, and trust me, you won't want to go faster. Seriously, this is a 4x4 kind of road! Italian Bar Road, also known as Forest Route 4N26, winds its way from Columbia (via Jupiter!) to where it meets up with other forest routes. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – turkeys, deer, maybe even a bear or bobcat! It's a rugged road, but the scenery is pure Sierra Nevada magic. Just remember to take it slow, soak it all in, and get ready for some serious off-road fun!
hardWhere is Hunter Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hunter Lake – a shimmering jewel nestled high in the Nevada mountains, sitting pretty at a sky-high elevation. This ain't your Sunday drive kind of spot. You'll find it just southwest of Reno, hanging out in the western part of Nevada, right in the heart of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Now, let’s talk about the road. Hunter Lake Road (#41392) is a proper dirt track – rocky, rugged, and totally unpaved. We’re talking steep climbs that'll test your nerve (and your vehicle!). Think narrow – full-size trucks can squeeze by, but an SUV with decent tires is your best bet here. The road stretches about 3 miles, climbing from its start. Expect a serious workout for your engine, with some ramps hitting a maximum gradient. But trust me, it's worth it! The views are absolutely insane. As you climb, Reno spreads out below, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. If you're into remote camping or fishing, this is your paradise. Get ready for a drive to remember.