Where is Sherman Pass?
Usa, north-america
117 km
2,804 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Sherman Pass in California is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 9,200 feet above sea level in Tulare County, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Find it on the eastern side of Sequoia National Forest, right on the edge of the Kern Plateau.
Sherman Pass Road (aka Forest Route 22S05) is fully paved, but don't let that fool you. This 73-mile stretch from Johnsondale to Linnie is a wild ride of twists, turns, and seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 9%! The road's narrow, just 18 feet across, and with those mountainous drop-offs... well, let's just say you'll want to keep your eyes on the road.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views from the top are breathtaking. You'll be gazing at the Sierra Crest and even Mount Whitney on a clear day.
A heads up: Sherman Pass is usually closed during the snowy months, opening up around late May or early June, and closing again in late fall or winter. And those summer months? Prepare for some serious heat! If you're up for a remote and challenging climb with killer scenery, Sherman Pass is your next adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 117 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,804 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardAn old 4wd road to Mount Edwards
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, picture this: You're in Colorado's Summit County, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest. Ready to tackle Mount Edwards? This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about an old, unpaved mining road that climbs to a whopping 12,611 feet! Word is, you can't even drive it anymore, so dust off those hiking boots! Starting from Peru Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 260), it's a quick jaunt of just over half a mile. Don't let the short distance fool you, though, because you'll be gaining some serious elevation, with sections clocking in around a 10% grade. You'll likely find this adventure accessible from March to November, though snow can hang around at the summit well into July. Once you're up there, prepare to be blown away. The views of Grays, Torreys, and Kelso Peaks, plus Stevens Gulch far below, are simply epic.
hardWoody Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Woody Mountain Road in northern Arizona's Coconino County is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 8,006 feet (2,440m) on a gravel and rocky road that'll put your 4x4 to the test. Woody Mountain Road is seriously steep and best tackled when the snow's not flying – winter makes it totally impassable. If heights make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. But if you're game, the payoff at the summit is HUGE. You'll find a lookout with views that'll make your jaw drop. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
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.
hardHow do you get to Punta Allen?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you wanna get to Punta Allen, the chillest village at the end of the Boca Paila Peninsula in Quintana Roo? Get ready for QROO 15, a coastal road that's more of an adventure than a highway. It's about 53 km (33 miles) from Tulum, running along the Caribbean coast, taking you right to the edge of paradise and the entrance to Bahía de la Ascensión. Fair warning: this road, also known as Javier Rojo Gómez, is *unpaved*. Think narrow, think jungle, think Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve vibes. If it's dry, you'll dodge potholes – not too bad. But watch out for those sneaky *topes* (speed bumps)! They can be brutal. The southern half, especially after the Boca Paila bridge, is where things get real. You might need some off-road skills to avoid sinking in the sand. Leave the low-rider at home; you'll want an SUV for this trek. Keep your eyes peeled for potholes and remember if it's been raining, the road can become one with the beach – easy to get stuck without 4WD. No lanes here, just weaving around potholes and watching for oncoming traffic. The speed limit is 40 km/h, and trust me, you'll want to stick to it for the animals' sake! This area is remote – seriously remote. Fill up your tank in Tulum; there's no gas in Punta Allen. Electricity is patchy, and ATMs and internet are non-existent. Aim to finish the 2-3 hour drive before sunset, 'cause you're heading back the same way. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Take your time! There are tons of spots to pull over and enjoy deserted beaches and rocky coastline. Keep an eye out for crocodiles on the first lagoon bridge. You'll see lizards, iguanas, crabs, birds – a whole wildlife parade. Once you reach Punta Allen, you'll understand why the journey is part of the magic. Think pristine white sand beaches and emerald waters stretching as far as you can see – pure paradise!