Where is the Chester Warner Valley Road?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the northern part of California, specifically Lassen Volcanic National Park. You decide to take a detour on the Chester Warner Valley Road – a roughly unpaved adventure to Drakesbad Guest Ranch.
Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. This route is a bit rough around the edges, a steep, rutted gravel road that might make you reconsider if you're hauling an RV or trailer. Parking at Drakesbad is just for guests, so plan accordingly.
But hold on, don't let that scare you off! The scenery along the way is seriously gorgeous, making it a pretty and enjoyable route, provided you have the right vehicle. Just be aware that being in the Sierra Nevada, the last bit of the road is usually closed from November to May due to snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some serious off-the-beaten-path beauty!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Hurricane Ridge Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hurricane Ridge Road is probably Washington's best driving road. Located within Olympic National Park, this paved road snakes up to Hurricane Ridge, at an elevation of 1,549m (5,082ft) above sea level. Where is Hurricane Ridge Road? The road is located in Clallam County, in the northwestern part of the state of Washington. When was Hurricane Ridge Road built? The road, sometimes referred to as Heart o’the Hills Road, was built in the 1950s to increase visitation to Olympic National Park. It’s the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. Is Hurricane Ridge Road paved? The road is totally paved. It’s 32km (20.1 miles) long. It’s very steep with a few tunnels. This drive begins in downtown Port Angeles and runs up to the top of the mountains, in the middle of Olympic National Park. The road ends at the Hurricane Hill Trailhead parking lot. How long does Hurricane Ridge Road take to drive? Plan about 40-60 minutes to travel without any stop. However, the road is very scenic, leading drivers through the beautiful, dense forest of the Olympic Mountains. In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year. Is Hurricane Ridge Road open? Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. The average annual snowfall on Hurricane Ridge is 400-plus inches. The road may close on short notice due to weather or unsafe road conditions. The road is open throughout the summer. During the winter season, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days. High winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter season. Is Hurricane Ridge Road steep? Starting at Port Angeles, the ascent is 29.9km (18.6 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,500 meters. The average percentage is 5.1%. The maximum slope is 10%. For the first five miles, the road climbs from 400 feet above sea level to just under 2,000 feet at the Heart O The Hills Ranger Station, the only overnight facility at Hurricane Ridge. Over the next twelve miles as you climb up the narrow road and through three different tunnels, the plant life around you goes through a gradual change. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge in Washington North Ogden Divide is an awe-inspiring road in Utah Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardGobblers Knob
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Gobblers Knob in sunny California's San Bernardino County is calling your name, but this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 6,568 feet! Nestled high up in the San Gabriel Mountains, the road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel, rocks, and bumps. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4 (high clearance REQUIRED, folks!), and some seriously steep inclines – we're talking sections hitting a wild 44%! This baby is not for the faint of heart. Road 3N31 off Lone Pine Canyon Road is your gateway, but be warned: conditions change constantly. Usually, you can kiss this road goodbye from October to June, thanks to Mother Nature's mood swings. Scope out what's ahead before you commit, because things can get dicey quick! Expect a slow, obstacle-focused crawl, a whole lotta patience, and maybe even a touch of vertigo. Those first few miles of service road are exposed, and once you crest that ridge, you're REALLY out there. But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just remember to drive smart, and you'll be rewarded with a killer adventure!
moderateWhere is Mullan Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Mullan Pass! Nestled right on the border between Powell and Lewis and Clark counties in Montana, this beauty sits at a cool 5,902 feet above sea level. You'll find Mullan Pass straddling the Continental Divide, hanging out west of Helena in western Montana, practically hugging the Helena National Forest. Fun fact: It's named after Captain John Mullan, the mastermind behind the historic Mullan Road. So, how's the drive? Picture this: a 17.4-mile stretch called Austin-Mullan Pass Road, dating back to the 1860s, connecting US-12 to Birdseye. Heads up – most of the road is unpaved (except for the Birdseye Road section), which means it can be a bit of a bumpy ride! You'll usually have plenty of space for two-way traffic, but watch out for those washboards and the occasional rut. Seriously, the road conditions can change in a heartbeat. One day smooth sailing, the next you might be bouncing all over the place! Any vehicle can usually handle it with care, but always check the current conditions, know your car, and drive smart. Also, keep in mind that being high up in the Montana Rockies means serious snowfall. Winter can make this route a real challenge, so plan accordingly!
moderateWhen was the Klondike Highway built?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Klondike Highway is calling all adventurers! This epic route links the charming Alaskan town of Skagway with Dawson City, Yukon – the very heart of Klondike gold rush history. Think about retracing the steps of those 1898 gold prospectors, but on a smooth, paved road that opened in 1979. Clocking in at 708km (440 miles), this north-south adventure starts in Skagway, Alaska (following Alaska Route 98) and ends in Dawson City, Yukon (via Yukon Highway 2). You'll split your journey into the South Klondike Highway (Skagway to Whitehorse) and the North Klondike Highway (Whitehorse to Dawson City). It's *the* main artery connecting Southeast Alaska to Canada, so expect to share the road with some big rigs hauling goods. The Klondike Highway throws a few challenges your way – it's remote, the weather can be unpredictable, and those 11% gradients can be pretty steep in sections. You'll reach a peak elevation of 1.010m (3,313ft) near the Alaska/Canada border. And guess what? It's generally open year-round! Set aside 8.5 to 10 hours for the drive, and that's *without* stopping to soak it all in! Prepare for stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and even remnants of old mining operations. There are sections of the drive where you might feel like you're the last person on earth, surrounded by raw, untouched wilderness. It's an unforgettable experience.