
Where is White Mountain Road?
Usa, north-america
45.5 km
3,000 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on White Mountain Road in California's Inyo County! This isn't just a drive, it's a climb to the top of the world (almost!).
Located in the heart of the Inyo National Forest, this 28.3-mile stretch is a gateway to some seriously breathtaking scenery. You'll be winding your way up into the White Mountains, with unmatched views of the Eastern Sierra practically begging for a photo. Plus, you're super close to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest living trees on Earth!
Now, a heads-up: the first 10.2 miles are paved, starting from CA-168, but after that, you'll be cruisin' on gravel. Itβs doable in a 2-wheel drive if you take it easy, but be sure to watch out for sharp rocks. Heavy-duty tires are your friends here!
Speaking of "up," this road is STEEP, averaging a 6% gradient. And the whole thing sits at over 3,000m above sea level! This trail definitely isn't for the faint of heart β there are some spots where you'll want to keep your eyes on the road!
You can usually access this slice of heaven from mid-May to late November, weather depending. But keep in mind, the road ends at Barcroft Field Station, where a locked gate restricts the final 2 miles, sitting at 3,800m.
If you are searching for a fun old mining road through Joshua Tree, you can also check out Old Dale Road!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 45.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,000 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardA wild 4x4 road to Teddys Peak in CO
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious dose of Colorado high country, you NEED to check out Teddys Peak. This unpaved beast of a road tops out at a whopping 12,066 feet, straddling Costilla and Huerfano counties in southern Colorado. Tucked away in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, inside the San Isabel National Forest, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking rough and rugged terrain that demands a 4WD vehicle with some decent clearance. Be ready for some steep climbs, too β there are sections hitting an 11% grade! Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect the road to be closed from around November due to heavy snow. Even in the summer months, don't be surprised if you run into a bit of the white stuff. But trust me, the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, plains, and forests from the summit are totally worth it. Get ready to have your breath taken away!
moderateWhere is Eureka Highway?
π¨π¦ Canada
Okay, picture this: you're in Nunavut, Canada, way up on Ellesmere Island β talk about remote! You're cruising along the Eureka Highway. Now, "highway" might be a bit of a stretch, because it's a 20 km (12 mi) stretch of unpaved road connecting the Eureka Weather Station to CFB Eureka and Eureka Airport. Think rugged, not refined. Eureka itself is pretty cool β a research base smack-dab on the Fosheim Peninsula. The views are stark and stunning. Just remember, this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking about a place where even though precipitation is minimal, the snow hangs around forever because, well, it's cold! And from mid-October to late February? Prepare for total darkness. Keeping this road open is a constant battle with Mother Nature!
moderateWapusk Trail is the longest seasonal winter road in the world
π¨π¦ Canada
Deep in the Canadian wilderness, near the edge of Hudson Bay, lies the Wapusk Trail. This incredible route is the longest seasonal winter road on the planet! Every January, it's carved out of snow and ice, a temporary lifeline for remote communities otherwise only accessible by air. Think of it: traversing frozen muskeg, lakes, rivers, and creeks! This icy highway stretches 772 km (479 miles) from Shamattawa and Gillam, Manitoba, east to Peawanuck (and even as far as Winisk some years). The route breaks down like this: Peawanuck to Fort Severn is 252 km, Fort Severn to the Manitoba border is 234 km, then it's 90 km to Shamattawa, and finally, 196 km to Gillam. Word is, the first 90 km west of Fort Severn can get pretty dicey in high winds. You might see 30-40 trucks braving this route, delivering essential goods, fuel, and supplies. The whole concept of these winter roads dates back to the 1950s, offering a more affordable way to reach isolated northern communities than flying everything in. The route has even been featured on Ice Road Truckers. Expect the drive to take 12-17 hours, depending on the conditions. Be warned: this is seriously remote territory! So, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. It's crucial to be prepared for anything. Breakdowns can be extra problematic due to limited passing traffic, few inhabitants, and spotty cell service. Winter survival gear and communication equipment are a must. Pack emergency supplies, spare parts, and, most importantly, know your route like the back of your hand!
extremeWhere is Morton Peak located?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: Morton Peak, smack-dab in SoCal's San Bernardino National Forest. It's a total throwback to old-school fire lookout vibes and a killer climb. We're talking Forest Service Road 1S13, a legendary fire-lookout route. You're starting in that classic high-desert scrub, but BAM β suddenly you're twisting through gnarly forest terrain, heading deep into the mountains. It's a local favorite for a quick escape from the city. The peak is named after a big shot in the U.S. Forest Service way back when, solidifying its place in California history. At the top? A historic fire lookout tower, totally revamped in 2001. Volunteers keep an eye out for smoke, and you get insane 360-degree views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Now, here's the deal: you CAN drive to the top, but Forest Service Road 1S13 is a rough and tumble dirt track. It's narrow with serious drop-offs. I'm talking high-clearance vehicle, and after rain or snow, 4WD might be your only hope. It's only 4.8 miles from the highway, but don't let that fool you. You're gaining over 1300 feet in elevation. The average incline is intense, with spots maxing out at 13%. You'll need some serious momentum. Heads up: this isn't a Disney ride. Bears, rattlesnakes, bobcats, mountain lions...they're all around. Be smart when you get out of your car. The road turns into a mud pit in the rain. And check the National Forest alerts before you go, especially in winter. Snow can shut this thing down HARD.