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
hardWhere Is Montana Mountain Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through central Arizona and crave a serious off-road experience, Montana Mountain Trail in the Superstition Wilderness is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-desert loop that'll test your skills and reward you with views for days. Think dramatic climbs up the mountain, a few river crossings to keep things interesting, and panoramic vistas of the desert meeting the mountains. The trail? It's a bit of a wildcard. Most of the way it's decently wide and graded, but be prepared for steep, rutted spots and areas where it gets narrow and rough. A stock vehicle with good ground clearance is definitely your best friend here. Heads up: this road climbs high, topping out well above sea level! If you're thinking of hitting it after a snowfall, think again. Those steep sections can get super sketchy. And in winter, parts of the loop can become impassable if there's been any snow. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the views in the Tonto National Forest are totally worth it. Get ready for some seriously diverse scenery and a ride you won't soon forget!
hardIs the road to Picket Pin Mountain in Montana unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Picket Pin Mountain in Montana! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on unpaved climb on U.S. Forest Service Road 140 (aka Picket Pin-Iron Mountain Road). You'll NEED a 4x4, trust me. This area is riddled with ATV trails and relics from old mining days, so keep your eyes peeled. Nestled way up in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Picket Pin is a high-altitude experience, topping out at 9,046 feet! That means stunning views, but also a short window to enjoy them. The road's usually snowed in from October through June, weather depending, of course. The fun starts at County Road 420 (Stillwater Road) near Nye, and from there it's about 17.8 miles to the top. Don't let the distance fool you – you'll be climbing 4,524 feet along the way, with some seriously steep sections. That's an average gradient of 4.81%, so get ready for some low-gear action!
hardGrouse Creek Gap
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventurers, let's talk Grouse Creek Gap! Picture this: Southern Oregon's Siskiyou Mountains, and you're heading up, up, up to 6,640 feet above sea level. The route? It's NF-20, a gravel road that winds its way to the top. Now, don't expect a smooth ride here. This is an adventure, not a Sunday drive! But hey, as long as you've got a vehicle with decent clearance and take it slow, you should be golden – especially when the road is dry. Watch out for washboarding, ruts, and dips – it's all part of the fun! You'll be treated to some unreal scenery along the way. Get ready for some serious mountain views!
easyHow long is California State Route 58?
🇺🇸 Usa
Highway 58 in California? You NEED to drive this. Seriously. It's easily one of the most scenic routes in the US, hands down. Think light traffic, a smooth road, incredible views, and amazing food options at either end. Stretching a cool 238 miles (383km) across the western part of California, this baby cruises through the California Coast Ranges, the southern San Joaquin Valley, the Tehachapi Mountains, the southern Sierra Nevada, and even a slice of the Mojave Desert. Talk about variety! Starting just west of Bakersfield, Highway 58 is a total rollercoaster to the coast. For over an hour, you're carving through these long, sweeping bends with insane elevation changes, surrounded by beautiful farmland. Then, BAM! The road tightens up, throwing you into a series of twisting loops as you dive into canyon country. Just as suddenly, you're at San Luis Obispo's doorstep. You’ll be cruising on a paved east-west highway, sometimes known as State Route 58 (SR 58), Calf Canyon Highway, Carrisa Highway, Bakersfield-McKittrick Highway, Rosa Parks Highway, Rosedale Highway, Barstow-Bakersfield Highway, Kern County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and Mojave-Barstow Highway. The asphalt is a little rough in spots but totally solid. Built way back in the 30s, the road's got that classic feel. You barely see any cross streets or driveways out there. The western end gets twisty, but it's all predictable – no surprise turns, no gravel piles waiting to ruin your day. And the traffic? Forget about it. If you spot more than two cars west of Simmler, call it rush hour! Heads up, though – this road does have a mountain pass that hits 4,071 feet (1,241m). Chains might be required near the summit between Bakersfield and Mojave sometimes, so check conditions before you go.