White Mountain Peak in California is one of the highest roads in the USA

White Mountain Peak in California is one of the highest roads in the USA

Usa, north-america

Length

9.01 km

Elevation

4,347 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic climb that even your jeep can handle, head to White Mountain Peak in California's Mono County. At a staggering 14,261 feet, this bad boy's got views for days.

Nestled in the Inyo National Forest, east of the Sierra Nevada, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rough, winding 4x4 dirt road that climbs right past the Barcroft Research Station and practically spits you out at the summit. Be warned, though: a locked gate guards the goods a couple of miles before Barcroft, but keep an eye out – the White Mountain Research Station *usually* unlocks it twice a year!

Once you’re past the gate, things get real. It’s steep, it’s bumpy, and yeah, one wrong move could be a doozy. But the reward? Unbelievable 360-degree views from the Eastern Sierras all the way to Nevada. Just remember, winter slams the door shut on this route, and even in summer, conditions can change in a heartbeat. Snow can roll in anytime!

From the Barcroft Field Station, it's a 5.6-mile push to the top, with a hefty 1,827-foot climb. You'll be grinding up some serious 17% inclines. But trust me, conquering California's third-highest peak is worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Where is it?

White Mountain Peak in California is one of the highest roads in the USA is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.8160, -102.1656

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
9.01 km
Max Elevation
4,347 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
39.8160, -102.1656

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Trail Canyon Road?hard

Where is Trail Canyon Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

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!

How long is the Yerba Buena Road?moderate

How long is the Yerba Buena Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in sunny California, and you decide to venture inland a bit. Boom, you find Yerba Buena Road, a hidden gem in southeastern Ventura County. This 11.3-mile stretch winds its way up from the coast all the way to Mulholland Highway, taking you on a wild ride through the Santa Monica Mountains. Now, heads up – this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's paved, but it gets narrow, and the whole thing is a twisty, turny descent. Keep an eye out for speed demons coming downhill – those curves can sneak up on you! Plus, there can be random rocks and sand on the road. And yeah, those curves can be super sharp, sometimes without guardrails, so stay alert. Speaking of up and down, you'll climb to 2,312 feet, with some pretty steep 11% grades in places. But trust me, the views are worth it. Think lush, wooded areas and breathtaking glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. Just remember, this is a "Slide Area," so the road might close unexpectedly. But if you're up for a little adventure, Yerba Buena Road is a must-do!

McCarthy Road is a drive you'll never forget in Alaskahard

McCarthy Road is a drive you'll never forget in Alaska

🇺🇸 Usa

Deep in Alaska's Valdez-Cordova area lies McCarthy Road, an unforgettable 59-mile (95 km) adventure! This unpaved route, carved from an old mining railway (originally built in 1909!), winds its way west-east from Chitina (at the end of Edgerton Highway) to the remote town of McCarthy, within the breathtaking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Forget smooth sailing – this road throws some curveballs! Expect potholes, mud after heavy rains, and the occasional sharp rock lurking to give you a flat tire. While the state keeps it maintained, narrow bridges (some just one lane) can be tricky, especially for larger vehicles. Keep an eye out for remnants of the old railroad – like rogue railroad ties and spikes! Most cars can handle it during normal summer conditions, but come prepared with a spare tire (or two!) and a good jack. The speed limit's a chill 35mph, and large RVs might want to reconsider. It's wide enough for two lanes most of the way, but stay alert for oncoming traffic on narrower sections. Budget about 2 to 2.5 hours for this winding drive. It's a gateway to mind-blowing scenery, vast wilderness, and adventure galore! You'll be treated to incredible geology, plus opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. And of course, the charming historic communities of McCarthy and Kennecott await. Remember, this area is remote. Cell service is spotty, and there's no fuel in Chitina. This road is for the adventurous! One of the highlights is definitely crossing the Kuskulana River Bridge. This historic 775-foot-long steel deck truss bridge, built in 1910, towers 238 feet above a gorge. It's the ultimate thrill ride! So, if you're craving an authentic Alaskan experience, McCarthy Road is calling your name! Just remember to embrace the wild, be prepared, and enjoy the ride!

Coquihalla Summit in BC is a chillout in high mountainshard

Coquihalla Summit in BC is a chillout in high mountains

🇨🇦 Canada

Cruising through British Columbia? You HAVE to check out the Coquihalla Summit! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,249m (4,097ft), offering some serious views in the Canadian Cascades. Named after the Coquihalla River, this iconic stretch of road, known as British Columbia Highway 5 (or the Coquihalla Highway), stretches for 115km (71 miles) between Hope and Merritt. Built back in 1941, the road is fully paved, but be warned – the ascent can be seriously steep, especially heading north from Hope! While the highway is generally in good shape, keep an eye out for frost heaves and uneven pavement in spots. Good news: it’s a divided highway, so slower traffic isn't a huge deal. Even though it's a modern road, some truckers avoid it because of the extra fuel needed for those intense inclines. This pass is usually open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs. Think sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and fog – making driving tricky. Temps can plummet to -30°C! You’ll see avalanche chutes, a stark reminder of the wild terrain. Winter tires or chains are a MUST from October to April. Pro tip: pack extra fuel, winter gear, a candle, and even a sleeping bag, just in case. And, of course, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape! In the summer, keep an eye on your engine temp because of the constant uphill climb. Trust me, the scenery is worth it!