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 Leavitt Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Leavitt Lake, nestled high in the eastern Sierra Nevada near the Nevada border, is a true alpine gem at 9,570 feet! Getting there is an adventure in itself. Leavitt Lake Road (Forest Service Road 077) is a 2.8-mile dirt track that branches off CA-108 and demands a high-clearance SUV with 4-wheel drive – seriously, leave the sedan at home. Be prepared for a steep climb too; some sections hit a 15% gradient! You'll gain over 1,100 feet in elevation, averaging a 7.5% grade, with a couple of shallow stream crossings to keep things interesting. Keep in mind this road is a no-go in winter and often well into summer due to snow. The lake itself can be iced over until July! But trust me, the stunning views and the remote alpine beauty are so worth the challenging drive. Just south of the lake, a smaller gravel track continues even higher, topping out at 10,649 feet!
moderateHow long is the Kolob Canyons Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a quick but stunning detour through Utah's Zion National Park! We're talking about Kolob Canyons Road, a paved 5.4-mile ribbon of asphalt that climbs from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (off Old Highway 91) up to the Kolob Canyons Overlook. It's a short and sweet drive – only about 11 minutes without stops – but trust me, you'll want to budget at least 30 minutes to soak it all in. This little gem packs a punch, gaining a hefty 1,100 feet as it climbs, so expect a pretty consistent uphill grade. The views are absolutely worth it, though. Think vibrant red canyons, crazy cool rock formations, and photo ops galore. Keep an eye out for wildlife and definitely take advantage of the turnouts to stretch your legs and snag some pics. Heads up: being high in Zion, this road can close in winter due to snow and ice, so check conditions before you go. You'll top out at 6,243 feet, so breathe in that crisp mountain air and enjoy the ride!
extremeWhy is Lombard Street famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in San Francisco, California, and you absolutely HAVE to check out Lombard Street! Nestled in Russian Hill, specifically the block between Hyde and Leavenworth, awaits the "most crooked street in the world!" This isn't your average drive. We're talking eight crazy hairpin turns packed into just one block. Seriously, it's a slow crawl – think 5 mph max – but totally worth it for the experience (and the photos!). Why so twisty? Back in 1922, they realized the natural 27% grade was way too steep for cars, so they zig-zagged it into what we see today. Safety first, but make it fun! As you wind down this one-way street (downhill only!), you'll be surrounded by stunning Victorian mansions, bursting flower boxes, and incredible city views. It's picturesque AF. Word to the wise: expect some bumper-to-bumper action, especially during the summer. But hey, the anticipation just adds to the thrill. Lombard Street is so famous it’s even been featured in movies like ‘Vertigo’ and TV shows like ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Monk’. Whether you’re behind the wheel or just watching from below, Lombard Street is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
extremeWhere is Cottonwood Canyon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Cottonwood Canyon Road is a wild ride through the heart of Death Valley! This Inyo County, California gem is a true desert adventure. You'll find this canyon clinging to the northern edge of Death Valley National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the namesake cottonwood trees that line the stream at the end of the road. Plus, there's even a spur road to Marble Canyon – just look for the metal post about 2 miles in! Now, about that road... it's unpaved and primitive for its entire length, about 25 miles running deep into the Cottonwood Mountains! You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle for the first 8 miles to handle the sand, washboard, and rocks. But beyond that, you NEED 4x4 to conquer the deep sand, rocky washes, tight corners, and the occasional boulder. Fair warning: the last mile and a half can be seriously washed out. Speaking of washouts, this road is super sensitive to rain, so check local conditions before you go. Conditions can change in a heartbeat here, so be prepared for anything. But if you're up for a challenge, Cottonwood Canyon Road delivers with some seriously stunning desert scenery!