Where is Onyx Summit in California?
Usa, north-america
45.38 km
2,579 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Onyx Summit in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains! This epic pass sits way up high at 8,461 feet, making it the highest state highway summit in these parts.
You'll find it nestled inside the San Bernardino National Forest, southwest of San Bernardino County. The whole 28.2-mile route from Angelus Oaks to Sugarloaf is totally paved (California State Route 38), so no need for a 4x4.
Just be ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 11.2% in places! Once you conquer the climb, get ready for views for days. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, a little gravel road east of the summit can take you even higher, up to 9,127 feet. Just keep your eyes peeled, because it gets a little tight up there!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 45.38 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,579 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateEl Jonuco Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Just off the Monterrey-Saltillo highway, you'll find the turnoff for El Jonuco, a private residential area nestled high in the Sierra Las Cumbres mountains. While the actual neighborhood is off-limits, the access road itself? Totally worth the detour! Starting at around 1,170 meters above sea level, the road climbs to a cool 1,700 meters (that's over 5,500 feet!), giving you some seriously stunning panoramic views. Think dramatic mountain ranges, modern windmills dotting the landscape, and classic desert valleys stretching out before you. The road is a little rugged in places, so keep your eyes peeled, but the scenery more than makes up for it. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you!
hardWhere is Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road! Located in southeastern , this isn't just a drive, it's an experience. Stretching for about 20 miles from the paved British Columbia Highway 93 (Kootenay Highway) to the White River Forest Service Road, this route is a stunner. But hold on, it's not all smooth sailing. Expect narrow, winding sections that'll test your driving skills – especially between km 15 and km 18 – so keep those headlights on! Watch out for mine ore trucks and seriously oversized logging trucks; they own the road, so give them plenty of space. Heads up: you'll be off the grid with no cell service in some spots! Good news: during the , most vehicles can tackle this road. But remember, mountain weather is a beast, so be prepared for anything! Why should you brave this road? Oh, the scenery! Think Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, epic rivers, shimmering lakes, and unbelievably majestic, craggy mountain peaks. Seriously, the views are worth it. Just be warned, this gem gets pretty popular on weekends.
hardSilver Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Silver Peak in Inyo County, California, is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here, a whopping 10,862 feet above sea level — that's some of California's highest drivable terrain! Tucked away in the White Mountains, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The gravel road to the top is definitely rough around the edges, and those hairpin turns will keep you on your toes! The super-steep jeep trail goes almost straight to the summit. You'll need a 4x4 for this adventure. Got a fear of heights? Maybe sit this one out! The views are epic but not for the faint of heart. Hit this road between June and October for the best chance of snow-free conditions. But even then, keep an eye on the weather! A little rain can turn the road into a real challenge, and those loose gravel patches can sneak up on you. Pack for anything – even summer days can feel like winter up there. Once you conquer it, you'll find a communication tower at the top, along with bragging rights, of course.
extremeWhere is Big Southern Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Big Southern Butte, a massive volcanic dome smack-dab in southern Idaho, near the Craters of the Moon. This thing is HUGE – almost 2.5 miles wide and towering over 2,300 meters. So, how do you get to the top? There's this totally unpaved road that winds its way up, about 7.5 kilometers of pure adventure. Originally built for a fire lookout, which is now gone, the road is still maintained and it climbs almost 800 meters. While full-sized vehicles *can* make it, an ATV or UTV is definitely the way to go. It’s generally in decent shape, but some sections are seriously steep. Ground clearance and 4WD are a major plus, especially considering the sheer drop-offs – not for the faint of heart! Cell service is spotty too, so be prepared. But trust me, it's worth it. The panoramic views from the top are insane. Seriously, a full 360-degree vista stretching from the Tetons all the way to the south hills of Twin Falls. You can even spot the Pioneer Range, the Lost River Range, and more! Just a heads up: the road's closed in winter. And because it's super remote, pack plenty of food and water – zero services out there. Mid-May to October is usually the sweet spot, weather-wise, but always check conditions before you go. It gets HOT in the summer with zero shade, so cooler times are ideal. And remember, help might be a while coming, so be extra cautious.