
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 youโre 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
moderateMount Constitution is the highest road in the San Juan Islands
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Orcas Island, Washington is home to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands! This peak clocks in at 2,411 feet, and getting there is half the fun. Mount Constitution Road, entirely paved, winds its way to the top. It's about 4.7 miles from Olga Road, climbing 1,912 feet with an average gradient of 7.71% and some sections hitting 12%. Expect a few bridges and seven hairpin turns to keep things interesting! Watch out, the signs can be a bit tricky โ small and sometimes not ideally placed โ so take your time and soak in the views! The road usually stays open year-round (snowfall can close it, so check conditions!), and the weather can definitely play a role. It'll take you around 15-25 minutes to drive to the top without stopping. At the summit, the stone observation tower (Ellsworth Storey's Tower) built in the 1930s offers incredible 360ยฐ views of the San Juan Islands, Bellingham, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Anacortes, Port Townsend, and a bunch of cities in the US and Canada! Pack your own snacks and drinks, as there aren't any services up top. Mount Constitution is packed with trails, stunning views, and nearby camping. Plus, it's the second-tallest mountain on an island in the lower 48 states!
moderateDriving an old mining road to Mount Lincoln in Colorado
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through central Colorado, you NEED to check out Mount Lincoln. We're talking serious altitude here, folks โ this old mining road climbs to a whopping 14,097 feet! That makes it one of the highest roads in the entire USA, nestled in the Pike National Forest. Word has it, they named this peak after President Lincoln just to poke fun at the Democrats who named the nearby Mount Democrat. Talk about mountain politics! The Mt. Lincoln Road (also known as Crest Drive) is a super rugged, unpaved track winding through the Mosquito Range. It used to be an old wagon road that went past Quartzville and all the way to the Present Help mine near the summit. Now, a word of warning: This road is NO JOKE. It's on private land and definitely closed during the winter โ often until July! You'll need a 4x4 SUV with decent clearance to even think about tackling it. The surface is rough, and there will be clearance issues! But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with incredible hiking, fishing, and stunning views. Plus, you can explore the remnants of old mines near the top. It's a chance to witness history combined with breathtaking landscapes. Trust me, it's an unforgettable Colorado experience!
moderateHow to get by car to Leman Lake in Banff National Park?
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a secret to share: Leman Lake in Alberta, Canada. Picture this: a high-altitude beauty at almost 6,300 feet, nestled near the BC border in Banff National Park. The water? Crazy clear and blue, thanks to glacial silt โ the colors are seriously intense! Getting there is half the fun (or half the challenge, depending on your perspective!). You'll be cruising on the Albert River Forest Service Road, also known as Leman Lake Trail. And let me tell you, it's unpaved. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this one, and forget about it in the winter. The last 600 meters? Yeah, you're hiking. The whole trek from BC Highway 93 near Radium Hot Springs is about 44 miles. So pack your gear, grab your camera, and get ready for some seriously stunning views!
hardHow long is Mana Road on Big Island?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Psst! Wanna know a local secret on the Big Island of Hawai'i? It's called Mana Road, and trust me, it's an adventure you won't forget. But fair warning, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. This 42.9-mile (69km) dirt road connects Mauna Kea Access Road with the Mamalahoa Highway near Waimea and climbs around Mauna Kea, the island's majestic peak, topping out at 7,293 feet (2,223m). Now, about the road itself: It starts paved, but quickly turns into a wild mix of loose rocks, red dirt, and hard-packed gravel that'll keep you on your toes. It's one of the oldest dirt roads on the island. Is it dangerous? It *can* be. That red dirt turns treacherous in bad weather, plus the road is narrow and steep in sections. Forget about taking your rental car on this one, even if it's a 4x4! Rental companies strictly prohibit it. On a good day, though, you might not even *need* four-wheel drive, but high ground clearance is a must because of some serious ruts. If the weather turns sour, get ready for a real off-road experience. Rain turns everything to mud, so itโs best avoided in those conditions. And be prepared for anything from strong winds to sudden downpours to blazing sunshine. Pack plenty of water and fuel! Set aside about 5-6 hours to tackle this remarkable drive. You'll wind through open ranchlands, conquer challenging uphill climbs, navigate fast descents, and soak in incredible views of the volcano. It's a raw, rugged, and unbelievably scenic adventure!