Where is the Harry Wade Road?
Usa, north-america
50 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Harry Wade Road! This epic desert drive plunges you deep into the raw, untamed heart of Death Valley National Park, California. Forget the crowds, this is backcountry exploration at its finest.
You'll find this hidden gem in the southeastern section of Death Valley. Word has it, this may be the same route the legendary Lost '49ers used to escape the valley with their wagons!
So, what's the road like? Well, it's about 31 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road fun, following the Amargosa River. Think rocky sections, soft sand, and incredible views. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here, and 4WD is a must if the river is flowing.
Speaking of the Amargosa River, you'll actually be driving through its bed! If there's water, be prepared for a potential two-foot deep crossing. But beware, heavy rains can quickly turn things muddy and impassable. You'll also encounter sand patches and plenty of washboard along the way. Remember, this area is prone to flooding, so road conditions can change on a dime!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 50 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhat makes SR 99 so dangerous?
🇺🇸 Usa
California’s Central Valley holds a dark record in American transit. In 2019, State Route 99 (SR 99) was declared the most dangerous freeway in the United States. Running through Fresno County, this route combines heavy agricultural logistics, high speeds, and unique environmental hazards that challenge even the most seasoned drivers. Road facts: State Route 99 (Fresno) Fresno County, California, USA High-speed congestion & "Tule Fog" 62 fatalities per 100 miles (National high) What makes SR 99 so dangerous? The notoriety of State Route 99 stems from a combination of poor infrastructure and driver behavior. Historically, the road has featured fewer lanes than modern freeways, despite a high speed limit of 70 mph. The scenery is notoriously monotonous, leading to driver fatigue and "highway hypnosis." However, the most lethal factor in Fresno County is the —a thick, ground-level fog that can reduce visibility to zero in seconds, leading to massive multi-vehicle pileups. Analysis of Fresno’s Deadliest Sectors: Routes 41, 180, and 99 While SR 99 leads in fatal crashes, other routes in Fresno County present significant risks. is known for a high frequency of right-of-way violations, while handles massive commuter volumes that result in severe rear-end collisions. Statistical data from the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) confirms that unsafe speed is a contributing factor in over 50% of the crashes on these three routes. The Risk of Head-On Collisions: State Route 33 In the more rural areas of Fresno County, remains a high-consequence road. Unlike the divided freeways, SR 33 often involves undivided two-lane sections where a single moment of inattention leads to head-on collisions. A notable 2013 incident involving nine fatalities highlights the extreme danger of vehicle overcrowding and high-speed impacts on these narrow corridors. Technical Driving Tips for Fresno County During winter months, Tule Fog can make SR 99 impassable. If visibility drops, exit the freeway immediately; do not stop on the shoulder. The straight, repetitive nature of the Central Valley roads induces drowsiness. Plan stops every 90 minutes. Despite the 70 mph limit, agricultural machinery often enters these routes at much lower speeds, creating dangerous speed differentials. Fresno County reports that over 10% of fatal collisions involve impaired drivers or bicyclists. Note: This analysis is based on historical crash data and infrastructure reports from Fresno County. Travel guide to Hunt Mountain, in the Big Horn Range 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.
moderateWhere is Connors Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Nevada, smack-dab in White Pine County, on the legendary "Loneliest Highway in America" (aka US-50/US-6/US-93). You're about to hit Connors Pass, a sweet spot that tops out at 7,729 feet! This fully paved beauty stretches for almost 27 miles between Ely and Majors Place, winding through the stunning Schell Creek Range. The views? Epic! Think endless vistas and that wide-open Nevada sky. Now, it's not all smooth sailing. Expect some pretty steep climbs – we're talking up to 8% grades in sections – and a fair share of curves to keep things interesting. Just south of the main pass, keep an eye out for a rugged gravel road that shoots up to a communication facility. It's a short but seriously steep climb, averaging 6.55% with a max gradient of 10%, and not for the faint of heart, but those brave enough will be rewarded with even more incredible views! Connors Pass is the highest point on US 93 and US 50 in Nevada. Get ready for a memorable drive!
hardHilman Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Hilman Lake in Colorado's Conejos County is calling your name, but fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a heart-pumping climb to 11,000 feet! The road? Let's just say "rough and rugged" is an understatement. Think rocky, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those without 4x4). Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe grab a postcard instead. Winter? Forget about it – this road's a no-go when the snow flies. And heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. The trail keeps going up until you reach the top of an unnamed peak at 11,430ft! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Just picture yourself surrounded by pristine alpine scenery, with a sparkling lake as your reward. It's an unforgettable experience, as long as you're prepared for the challenge!
moderateDriving to Mackinaw Lake is not a piece of cake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a serious off-road adventure? Check out Mackinaw Lake in northwest Colorado, chilling at a cool 10,810 feet in the Flat Tops Wilderness. The road in, Forest Road 613, is a 12-mile unpaved beast starting from County Road 39 (Derby Mesa Loop). Forget smooth cruising—we're talking rocky sections, serious trail riding, and maybe even some mud, water, and creek crossings to spice things up! Keep in mind, this is a high-altitude paradise, so the window to visit is tight, usually summer only. Expect snow to linger well into June or even July. Seriously, don't underestimate this drive. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range and know your limits. Drive as far as you're comfortable—the views are incredible, but getting stuck is a real possibility!