Why is it called Geiger Summit?

Why is it called Geiger Summit?

Usa, north-america

Length

21.24 km

Elevation

2,076 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Geiger Grade Road (Nevada State Route 341) in Washoe County, Nevada, headed up to a cool 6,811 feet above sea level at Geiger Summit. This paved, but super twisty, 13.2-mile stretch climbs from US-395 south of Reno all the way to historic Virginia City.

The road’s named after Dr. Davison M. Geiger, the guy who put up the cash to build the original road way back in the 1860s. Back then, it was all about connecting Virginia City's booming silver mines to the Truckee Meadows.

Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is stunning – think rugged landscapes dotted with junipers. Plus, there are plenty of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap some killer photos. You'll even find Geiger Lookout Wayside Park along the way. It's a great way to experience a slice of Nevada's mining history with a view.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
21.24 km
Max Elevation
2,076 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

The narrow shelf road to Radical Hill in Colorado is a nerve-wracking challengeextreme

The narrow shelf road to Radical Hill in Colorado is a nerve-wracking challenge

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Radical Hill in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name... if you're brave enough! This beast of a mountain pass sits at a whopping 12,618 feet above sea level and is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking serious pucker-factor. Located near Montezuma, west of Webster Pass, this 7.1-mile unpaved trail throws everything it has at you: massive rocks, a super narrow shelf road that will have you clinging to the edge, and switchbacks that are steep, tight, and will test your driving skills to the max. Seriously, one wrong move and you're likely rolling. This isn't your Sunday drive. You'll need an aggressive stock SUV, low range, and skid plates are a must. Only experienced drivers should even think about attempting this. The best time to tackle Radical Hill? Late August or early September for the best chance of clear conditions. Otherwise, expect snow. Be warned: this road is rocky with loose climbs, off-camber sections, and a final ascent that's eroded and unforgiving. If you're afraid of heights or rough roads with major drop-offs, this might be a little intense. But hey, if you can handle it, the reward is HUGE. The summit is surprisingly flat with plenty of parking, so you can soak in the incredible panoramic views. You'll spot Webster Pass, Handcart Peak, Teller Mountain, and loads of relics from Colorado's mining past. It's a tough climb, but the scenery is totally worth it!

Where is Palo Flechado Pass?easy

Where is Palo Flechado Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Palo Flechado Pass in New Mexico, a sweet spot sitting way up at 9,117 feet! You'll find it straddling the line between Taos and Colfax counties, smack-dab in that gorgeous high desert of northern New Mexico. Good news: this beauty is totally paved as you cruise along U.S. Route 64. The whole shebang stretches for about 30.8 miles (almost 50km), connecting the charming villages of Taos and Eagle Nest. Get ready for some serious Sangre de Cristo Mountain views!

Where is the ghost town of Bodie?moderate

Where is the ghost town of Bodie?

🇺🇸 Usa

Bodie, a true ghost town gem, sits way up in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, practically on the Nevada border. You'll find it nestled in the Bodie State Historic Park, northeast of Yosemite, at a lofty 8,379 feet! The town was named after Waterman S. Body (or William Bodey), who found gold nearby. Getting there is part of the adventure. Most of Bodie Road (CA-270 W) is paved, but the final 3 miles? Think rough, dusty dirt. You'll be crawling along, probably taking 35-45 minutes for that last stretch. It's bumpy and slow-going, but generally okay for most vehicles. Just take it easy, especially if it's been raining or snowing! The whole road from US-395 is only 12.5 miles, but feels like a journey back in time. This place is seriously authentic, a real slice of the Old West. From 1877 to 1882, Bodie boomed with nearly 10,000 residents and churned out over $38 million in gold and silver. Now, only about 5% of the town remains, but it’s an eerie and impressive sight. Legend says Bodie's even haunted, with restless spirits guarding against anyone trying to steal artifacts! Heads up on the weather – it can be wild! Bodie is usually open year-round, but sometimes closes from November to May because of snow. Winter brings sub-zero temps, strong winds, and white-out conditions. Summer can be scorching. Layered clothing is a must. In winter, you might need skis, snowshoes, or a snowmobile to get in. Spring can be muddy.

Explore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Parkextreme

Explore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park

🇺🇸 Usa

# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.