
Why visit Stevenson's Creek Falls?
Usa, north-america
11.42 km
390 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Fresno County, California, to check out Stevenson's Creek Falls, huh? Good choice! This hidden gem boasts a mind-blowing 1,280-foot drop, making it one of California's tallest waterfalls and the biggest in the county.
You'll find it nestled in the San Joaquin River Canyon, where it tumbles down in four gorgeous tiers before joining the river.
Now, about getting there... Million Dollar Road (aka Million Dollar Mile) is the way to go. It's mostly paved, but be warned: things get a little tight in spots, so keep your eyes peeled. This 7.1-mile stretch runs through the Sierra National Forest, connecting Big Creek Powerhouse #3 to #8, all thanks to Southern California Edison, who built it back in 1922. It got its name "Million Dollar Road" because it cost a fortune per mile to build way back then.
Here's the catch: there's a gate at the beginning of the road. Only Southern California Edison vehicles, hikers, and cyclists are allowed to pass. So, ditch the car and get ready for a hike or bike ride to truly experience this natural wonder!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 390 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Hawkins Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're north of Markleeville, California, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state, winding your way through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You're on the hunt for Hawkins Peak, reaching a lofty 9,688 feet above sea level—one of the highest roads in California! This peak? It's named after some dude named Hawkins, the first white settler around these parts back in the 1850s. He was a squatter on a cattle ranch to the east. Pretty cool, huh? Heads up: the road to the summit is unpaved and rocky, so you’ll definitely want a 4x4 with some decent clearance for that final push. It's not super long, but it's a climb. We're talking a serious elevation gain, with an average gradient that hits a max of 17.8% in spots—hold on tight! But the real payoff? The views from the top are epic. You can soak in the snowy Sierra Nevada range and the vast high desert of Nevada. Just keep in mind, this road is totally impassable in the winter.
moderateWhy is it called Conway Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Conway Summit in California's Mono County! This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure reaching 8,143 feet! Named after a local legend, John Andrew Conway, this fully paved stretch of U.S. Highway 395 is the highest point on the road. Prepare for a feast for the eyes! The views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada are seriously stunning. The drive itself is about 19.5 miles long, cruising north to south from Willow Springs to the town of Lee Vining, right on Mono Lake's edge. Heads up, though: being in the Eastern Sierras, Conway Summit is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with temporary closures in winter. Snow can get intense! Want to go even higher? Just east of the pass, there's a little gravel road that climbs to 8,415 feet where the radio towers are. Word of warning: it's steep (like, 8% steep!), and you'll definitely want a 4x4 to handle it. Get ready for an epic adventure!
hardWhere is Salmo Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! We're heading to Salmo Mountain, tucked away in the northeastern corner of Washington, practically spitting distance from Canada and the Idaho border. This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to one of Washington's highest points! You'll find it nestled in the Colville National Forest, right on the edge of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. The reward for making it? The northeasternmost lookout in the state! Picture this: panoramic views stretching into Canada, Washington, and even Idaho. The road itself? It's a well-maintained gravel track that winds for 7.2 miles to the top, gaining a hefty 2,641 feet in elevation – that's an average grade of 7%! Most vehicles can handle it, though the last hundred yards or so can get a little rocky, so maybe think twice about bringing your low-rider. Be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride near the end, where some four wheel drive might be preferable. Keep in mind, this road is usually closed during the winter months (weather depending). So, if you're chasing those views, plan accordingly!
moderateA beautiful road with lots of historical sights to Hancock Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hancock Pass in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up at 12,145 feet, this isn't just a drive, it's a trip back in time, loaded with mining history and jaw-dropping scenery. Seriously, it's one of Colorado's highest roads! You'll find it straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties, right in western Colorado. Picture this: you're cruising along a totally unpaved path (Forest Road 839 to the south, Forest Road 299 to the north), originally carved out back in the 1880s for mining. The road starts out pretty mellow, following an old railroad grade, but don't get too comfy! Once you peel off the rail grade, things get a bit more challenging – rocky, slow going, but still manageable in a sturdy SUV with some grit. Skid plates? Definitely a plus. The road narrows, and bam, you're above the treeline! Heads up, though – Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, you can't even THINK about tackling this pass from late October to late June/early July (snow, duh!). And even then, keep an eye out – snow can stick around well into July. Don't even try it if there's snow. This epic 16.8-mile stretch runs from the ghost town of St. Elmo to Pitkin. Once you make it, you'll find plenty of room to park and soak it all in. Trust me, the views are insane, and they somehow get even better on the other side. You're in a high alpine wonderland, so pack smart – supplies, water, and warm clothes, even if it seems warm down below.