Why is it called Mount Lowe?
Usa, north-america
13.67 km
1,878 m
hard
Year-round
The Mount Lowe Fire Road, nestled in sunny Los Angeles County, California, is a real blast from the past! Named after Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, this gravel fire trail winds its way for about 8.5 miles (13.67km) from Brown Mountain Truck Trail to Mt Wilson Red Box Road. It's a steep climb, mind you, with gradients hitting a hefty 20% in places.
Built on the remnants of a scenic tourist railway (that whisked visitors up to Mount Lowe and Echo Mountain back in the day — think 1893!), this road offers more than just a workout. You can explore the ruins at Echo Mountain and the Alpine Tavern, and spot fascinating bits of Americana and relics from yesteryear. Think old tunnels, bridges, and hotel ruins. It's also your jumping-off point to conquer San Gabriel Peak, Mt. Disappointment, and a few other peaks in the area.
While the lower section is paved, most of the trail is unpaved, snaking through the Angeles National Forest with amazing views of mountains, canyons, and pine forests. Be warned, it's closed to motorized vehicles (barrier at both ends!), so plan on hiking or biking. The last half-mile or so leading to Eaton Saddle can be a bit tricky, often impassable to vehicles, and goes right through a tunnel. This section clings to the dramatic south face of San Gabriel Peak. Definitely a trip for those who love a bit of history and a good leg burn!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 13.67 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,878 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico, right in the heart of Eddy County. You're winding your way through the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, heading towards the incredible Carlsbad Caverns – a mind-blowing network of limestone caves sculpted over, like, 250 million years. The whole drive, which they also call Reef Top Circle, takes about 45 minutes and is a chance to soak in all the desert has to offer – plants, critters, the whole shebang. There are marked stops along the way so you can delve deeper into what you're seeing with a guide. You can do this drive any time of year, but be warned, it can get HOT in the summer months. Fall is where it's at, though – just perfect driving weather. The dirt road itself is almost 10 miles long, a one-way loop that kicks off from Carlsbad Cavern Highway (Highway 7) near the visitor center and loops back around. Keep in mind this is a bit rough for cars that sit low to the ground, and it's a no-go for RVs, buses, or trailers.
easyBrazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Brazos Summit in northern New Mexico! At a whopping 10,528 feet, this is one of the highest roads you can find in the state! You'll find this gem in the Carson National Forest, and it's an easy cruise – fully paved as US Route 64. No white-knuckle hairpin turns or scary drop-offs here, just a smooth, steady climb with a max gradient of 7%. Snaking through the San Juan Range (aka the Tusas Mountains), this almost 50-mile (77.73km) beauty connects Tierra Amarilla to Tres Piedras. Give yourself an hour of driving, but honestly, you'll want longer – it's THAT scenic. If you're chasing mountain views and some serious solitude, this is your road. Picture this: miles and miles of aspen groves, making it a fall foliage paradise. Late September and early October is the sweet spot. But even in summer, it’s the perfect escape from the heat. Seriously, the aspens in autumn are like nature's own fireworks display.
hardHow long is U.S. Highway 14 Alternate?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading through Wyoming and want a scenic detour? Check out US14-A, the Medicine Wheel Passage! This baby winds for 98 miles between Cody and Burgess Junction, taking you right through the Bighorn Mountains. Word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive for just anyone. We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 9,455 feet! Translation? It's closed in winter, and even in summer, it's a challenge. Expect some seriously steep grades (up to 10%!), hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, and plenty of blind corners. If you're in an 18-wheeler or an oversized vehicle, maybe sit this one out. Motorhome drivers, gear down and save your brakes! But oh, the views! This drive is drop-dead gorgeous. Think wildlife, endless vistas stretching over 200 miles in some spots, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over every five minutes (and you probably will!). Allow about 2 hours to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Just be prepared for a remote and challenging, but ultimately rewarding, experience.
moderateWhere is Mount McIntyre?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a Yukon adventure! We're heading up Mount McIntyre, a local favorite in northwestern Canada. Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road to the top? Let's just say it's "rustic." It's unpaved and can get pretty gnarly, so you'll definitely want a 4x4 with decent clearance to make it. Locals say it's only accessible for part of the year. The payoff? Epic views and a VHF Omni Directional Radio Range (VOR) at the very top! The climb is around 14.7 km (9.13 miles) from bottom to top. Over this distance, you'll gain a hefty 827 meters in elevation, so that's an average gradient is 5.62%. This route is seriously scenic but keep your eyes on the road!