Where is Mueller Tunnel?
Usa, north-america
13.67 km
58 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, listen up, fellow adventurers! Wanna explore a super cool, slightly sketchy tunnel near L.A.? Head to the San Gabriel Mountains, about an hour outside the city, and find the old road connecting Brown Mountain Truck Trail and Mt. Wilson Red Box Road. This 8.5-mile unpaved stretch is now closed to cars, but that doesn't mean the adventure is over!
Nestled at the foot of San Gabriel Peak, you'll discover the legendary Mueller Tunnel. Carved back in '42, this 191-foot tunnel had a rough patch in '07 with a major collapse, but it's been fixed up since.
Now, here's the deal: While cars used to squeeze through, some massive boulders now guard the entrance. But hey, that just makes it more fun for hikers and bikers! Just a heads-up: this area's a bit dicey, known for rockslides and the occasional wildfire. So, keep your eyes peeled and be smart out there! The views are worth it, trust me!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 13.67 km
- Max Elevation
- 58 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardCan you drive through La Veta Pass in CO?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Then check out La Veta Pass! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,396 feet, straddling Costilla and Huerfano counties. Can you drive it? Absolutely, if you're prepared! We're talking about the *original* La Veta Pass, aka County Road 443, and it's a totally unpaved gem. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, but the payoff is a seriously uncrowded drive. How long is this slice of off-road heaven? It's a sweet 5.6 miles snaking off Highway 160 in south-central Colorado. Back in the day, there was even a narrow-gauge railroad chugging through here! It later became a wagon road and finally a highway in the early '20s. Just a heads-up: being nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains means this road is a no-go in winter. And if you make it to the top, keep an eye out for the Uptop Historic District, a legit ghost town!
hardIs the road to Rhyolite Mountain unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Rhyolite Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in Teller County at a cool 10,597 feet above sea level, getting here is half the fun. Forget smooth sailing; the road to the top is a rugged, unpaved rollercoaster, so you'll want a vehicle that's up for a challenge. You might even spot it marked as Rhyolite Mountain Mesa on your maps. Heads up though, this isn't a year-round joyride. Typically, Old Man Winter shuts things down from late October until late June or early July, depending on how much snow decides to stick around. Starting from good ol' Highway 67, you’ve got a quick 1.24-mile sprint to the summit. Don’t let the short distance fool you; you'll gain about 400 feet in elevation, giving you an average incline of around 6%. Get ready for some seriously stunning views as you climb!
hardPiilani Highway is a road with bad reputation in Hawaii
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the southern coast of Maui? Then the Pi'ilani Highway, also known as the "back road to Hana," is a must-do! This loop around the island dishes out serious scenery. Think stunning shorelines, vibrant beach colors, and the endless, majestic Pacific. Hawaii Route 31 clocks in at 38 miles (61 km), a real roller coaster with twists, turns, and plenty of ups and downs. There's a roughly 6-mile (10 km) stretch that's the most… adventurous. Sometimes, it narrows to a single lane around super-sharp bends! Places like Lelekea Bay are just a lane and a half wide, hugging the sea cliffs around blind curves. They've even installed rockfall fencing – that’s how close you are to nature! Honk those horns heading into blind corners! Okay, let's be real: this isn't your average smooth ride. While mostly paved, expect sections of gravel and dirt. You won't need 4x4, but be prepared for some bumpy patches. It's more like an old paved road that's been patched… and patched… and patched again with asphalt. Slow and steady wins the race here – you might even need to crawl along at 5 mph (8 km/h) on the roughest bits to protect your rental car's suspension. Heads up: some rental agreements specifically forbid driving this section, probably due to its remote location. Definitely avoid it during or after heavy rain. Sometimes, vehicles get stuck, or the road closes altogether. But trust us, the views are worth it. You'll see pebble beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and a totally undeveloped coastline. This area is probably the least visited part of Maui, making it feel raw and incredibly wild.
moderateDriving the historic road to Walker Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Walker Pass! This epic mountain pass sits way up high in California's Kern County, clocking in at a cool 5,259 feet. You'll find it in the southern Sierra Nevada, connecting the San Joaquin Valley with the Mojave Desert. This pass has some serious history. It's named after Joseph Walker, a total legend who blazed trails through here back in the 1800s. Think wagon trains and Gold Rush pioneers! These days, it's a fully paved road – State Route 178 – but don't let that fool you. This isn't your average cruise. It's a twisting, turning two-lane adventure that stretches for about 19.4 miles between Canebrake and Freeman Village. The pass is usually open year-round, making it a pretty reliable route. However, keep an eye on the weather during winter, because it can get snowy, and temporary closures happen. Plus, watch out for rockfalls – those sneaky rocks can be a hazard any time of year! But hey, the views? Totally worth it.