Where is Trail Canyon Road?
Usa, north-america
17.21 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic desert drive, you HAVE to check out Trail Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park.
You'll find this gem smack-dab in the eastern-central part of California, winding through the park's backcountry. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday cruise. It's a 10.7-mile unpaved rollercoaster, and slow is the name of the game, thanks to the many washes you'll be navigating.
The reward? Pure desert magic. The road takes you to a spring at the canyon forks. The first side canyon on the left offers some great scenery! Forget about looping back to Aguereberry Point Road, though – that section's been closed after a washout.
A high-clearance vehicle is a must for the first 4 miles to the top of the alluvial fan, and then you'll probably want 4x4 for the last 5.5 miles to be safe!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.21 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardVanderbilt
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Vanderbilt, a super cool ghost town nestled in Nevada's Eureka County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road to this old mining town (also known as Geddes) is a mix of gravel and sand, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Word to the wise: conditions change like the Nevada weather! One day it's smooth sailing, the next you're battling washboards. This is seriously remote territory, so make sure your ride is prepped and ready. Break down out here, and you're mostly on your own – plus, cell service can be spotty. Keep an eye out for an ore bin clinging to the mountainside—that's your landmark! Fun fact: This road is actually the remains of the old Eastern California Railway. You'll definitely want something with clearance. A high-clearance two-wheel drive might make it, but for that last stretch, four-wheel drive is your best bet. Dry conditions? Could be a piece of cake. Wet weather? Get ready for a muddy, slippery challenge. Seriously, it can become impassable after it rains. Back in 1870, Vanderbilt was a bustling little place. Think 150 residents, a hotel, stores, restaurants, doctor's offices, saloons – the works! They were pulling gold and silver out of the ground like crazy, employing over 300 miners. Today, all that's left are some mill ruins scattered around Secret Canyon. Nevada's packed with over 600 ghost towns, which is more than actual towns in the state. Pretty wild, right?
hardOreana Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Oreana Peak in Nevada's Pine Nut Mountains is calling your name – if you're up for a challenge, that is. This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a 9,294-foot beast of a peak, and the road to get there? Seriously rough. Expect a super bumpy, tippy ride that'll test your off-roading skills. Word to the wise: winter turns this road into an impassable nightmare. When it's clear, this steep, narrow trail demands a high-clearance vehicle and a dose of patience. Passing other vehicles is a tight squeeze, so be prepared. But trust me, the reward is worth it. On a clear day, the summit views are insane! You'll be gazing over 100 miles, from the Sierras in the west to a sea of Nevada desert peaks in the east. Get ready to make some memories!
moderateOrtega Ridge Road is haunted by 3 ghostly nuns
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Head to the Central Coast of California for a spooky little adventure on Ortega Ridge Road. This super short 1.3-mile stretch is totally paved and winds through Santa Barbara County, nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific. But here's the eerie part: legend says this road is haunted by "Las Tres Hermanas"—three nuns who met a gruesome end during the Gold Rush. Keep your eyes peeled, because travelers often report seeing them on the side of the road, arms crossed. Some even describe ghostly apparitions with glowing blue eyes, dressed in habits, praying. Spooky! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the scenery is gorgeous, making for a memorable (and maybe slightly chilling) drive. Just go from Ortega Hill Road up to CA-192 and see what you find.
hardWhere is Mojave Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Mojave Road winds through California's Mojave National Preserve, offering an iconic 4x4 adventure. Plan on 3-4 days to conquer this 150-mile stretch, also known as the Old Government Road, which runs from the Colorado River to the Mojave River. Originally a Mojave People trail and wagon route, it connects the old Fort Mohave to Camp Cady. Ditch the GPS sometimes and bring a reliable map. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience that demands self-reliance, especially dealing with prickly hazards like Teddybear Cholla cactus. Always pack a spare tire and repair kit! The desert climate brings its own set of challenges, from flash floods to sandstorms and scorching heat. It's wise to travel in groups, since cell service is spotty out there. Most 4x4 SUVs can handle the terrain, but sand can be a beast. Soda Dry Lake crossings can be tricky, and seasonal weather can make sections impassable. Despite these challenges, the views and the sense of adventure make it a memorable journey.