Where is Pine Creek Road?

Where is Pine Creek Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

16.57 km

Elevation

2,400 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Pine Creek Road, nestled in Inyo County, California, near Bishop, is a wild ride you won't soon forget. Think hairpin turns and seriously steep climbs, all wrapped up in the John Muir Wilderness of the Inyo National Forest – hello, Eastern Sierra Nevada views!

This baby climbs! Starting from Highway 395, also known as the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, it winds its way up for 10.3 miles to a whopping 7,874 feet above sea level. That’s an elevation gain of 3,340 feet, with some sections hitting a gradient of over 11%! The road is fully paved, but it's narrow and winding, so keep your eyes peeled.

The road dead-ends at the abandoned Pine Creek Tungsten Mine—a relic of a bygone era. There's a parking lot there for the Pine Creek Pass Trailhead, perfect for stretching your legs.

Word to the wise: this is bear country, so store your food properly! Rattlesnakes are also common in the area. Another thing, avoid drinking water east of Morgan Pass.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
16.57 km
Max Elevation
2,400 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Hidalgo state route 37 Metztitán Canyonhard

Hidalgo state route 37 Metztitán Canyon

🇲🇽 Mexico

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Just south of Los Venados (elevation 1310 meters), where you hit that T junction with Mexico 105, a truly mind-blowing road plunges right into the heart of the canyon and winds its way up into the Sierra Madre mountains of Hidalgo, all the way to the road to Tepehuacán de Guerrero. Trust me, this stretch is all about the views. We're talking jaw-dropping panoramas of the Metztitlán lake, the surrounding valley, and dramatic canyon cliffs that will leave you breathless. The road's paved, so that's a plus, but keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards. Floods and landslides can happen, especially after heavy rains, so stay alert! But with caution, this road is worth the drive.

Where is Hamaker Mountain?moderate

Where is Hamaker Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in southern Oregon, near a cluster of communication towers, awaits Hamaker Mountain! Forget smooth sailing; the road to the top, aptly named Hamaker Mountain Road, is unpaved after you peel off the Green Springs Highway. And heads up: winter shuts this baby down because plows? Nope, not up here! But the payoff? Totally worth it. From the paved highway, it's a jaunt of many miles, with a serious climb to the top. Prepare for a workout for your vehicle (and maybe your nerves!), with an average gradient that'll keep you on your toes. But hold on to your hats, because the views are insane! Year-round, you'll be treated to vistas of rolling hills, plus rivers and lakes sparkling in the distance. This drive is a feast for the eyes!

How long is the access road to Kachina Peak?hard

How long is the access road to Kachina Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kachina Peak! You'll find this sky-high destination nestled in Taos County, New Mexico. Word on the street is it's one of the highest roads in the whole state. Heads up: This isn't your average scenic byway. It's actually a chairlift access road, so a little pre-planning is a must. Starting at the base, you'll climb about along a route. The elevation gain is a thigh-burner. Expect some pretty views, but remember this road gets seriously wild, and becomes totally impassable in winter. So plan your trip accordingly, and get ready for some unforgettable mountain vibes!

Alta Lakesmoderate

Alta Lakes

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: You're in San Miguel County, Colorado, and you're itching for an adventure. I've got just the spot: Alta Lakes! We're talking three stunning alpine lakes perched way up high at 11,430 feet. Now, getting there isn't exactly a Sunday drive. Road 649 is a bit of a beast, all gravel and rocks, so definitely leave the low-rider at home. You're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. And forget about it in winter; it's a no-go. You'll find that a lot of people use this trail, but don't let that scare you away. Yeah, it's bumpy, but trust me, the views are insane. Once you reach the lakes, all that bouncing around will be a distant memory. This short trip is totally worth it for the scenery alone!