Where is Tassajara Road?

Where is Tassajara Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

27.51 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to California's Pacific coast for a wild ride on Tassajara Road. Picture this: you're deep in Los Padres National Forest, cruising (carefully!) on this 17.1-mile stretch of unpaved glory.

Starting from East Carmel Valley Road, you'll be winding north towards the legendary Tassajara Hot Springs, tucked away in the Carmel Valley. But hold on tight, this ain't your average Sunday drive! This road is a real challenge, climbing through some serious mountain terrain.

We're talking one-lane corners, deep ruts that pop up throughout the year, and a peak elevation that'll make you feel like you're on top of the world. The last few miles down into Tassajara are known to be particularly gnarly.

A high-clearance vehicle is practically a must-have here. And be warned: conditions change on a dime depending on the weather. Plus, there are no guardrails to save you, so take it slow, especially around those blind corners. Cell service? Forget about it! Avoid this road at night.

Bonus for stargazers: just east of Tassajara Road, there's another long climb up to the Oliver Observing Station (MIRA), perched way up high. Apparently, the views are out of this world—literally!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
27.51 km
Difficulty
extreme

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