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
moderateDriving the scenic Klondike Highway from Alaska to the Yukon
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the legendary Klondike Highway, a 708km (440 mile) paved adventure that links the charming Alaskan town of Skagway to Yukon's historic Dawson City, ground zero of the Klondike Gold Rush. Opened in 1979, this route basically retraces the steps of those intrepid 1898 gold prospectors! Split into the South Klondike Highway (Skagway to Whitehorse) and the North Klondike Highway (Whitehorse to Dawson City), this road trip is a north-south stunner, running from coastal Alaska all the way to the Yukon River. Be warned, though: this drive is remote and weather can be a factor. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 11% in places! The highest point is White Pass, near the border, topping out at 1,010m (3,313ft). It’s usually open year-round and you will share it with big trucks hauling various commodities. Allow 8.5 to 10 hours of driving time *without* stops. But trust me, you'll want to stop! Picture this: stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, and landscapes so unique you'll feel like you're the only person on Earth. Keep an eye out for gorgeous lakes and remnants of old mining structures, a testament to the region's rich history.
hardWhere is Cerro Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through western Colorado, right? The landscape is classic Colorado – rugged and beautiful, with those tough mountain shrubs clinging to the hillsides. Keep your eyes peeled, because you might even spot a deer or elk! You'll be driving on Cerro Summit Road, and the pavement is surprisingly smooth. Sure, there are a few spots where the grade gets a little spicy, but nothing your average car can't handle. This stretch is about 15 miles long, connecting Montrose (the main town in these parts) to the tiny community of Cimarron. Heads up: it’s usually open all year, but sometimes winter throws a tantrum and shuts things down for a bit. It tops out at 8,008 feet above sea level.
hardBeckwourth Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Beckwourth Peak in sunny California! This beast of a mountain climbs to a whopping 7,234 feet in the Plumas National Forest, offering insane views of the Sierra Valley and the surrounding mountains. The road, a dirt Forest Service road, is a bit of a climb. While most of it's doable in a 2WD, you'll DEFINITELY need a 4x4 for the final 3 1/4 miles to the summit where you'll find some comms towers. Be warned: this road is STEEP, averaging an 8.59% gradient! The climb from Portola McLears Road is just over 8km, gaining a hefty 692 meters in elevation. Word to the wise: this road is a NO-GO in winter. But if you hit it right, the views are totally worth the climb! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
moderateLa Ventosa (Mexico 185) is One of the Most Dangerous Roads in Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a wild ride on Mexico Highway 185 near La Ventosa in Oaxaca! This isn't your typical scenic cruise; think of it as a shortcut between the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico – Salina Cruz to Coatzacoalcos, baby! Forget mountains; this route tops out at a chill 230 meters (755 feet), making it a low-lying alternative to the Panama Canal. But don't let the flat terrain fool you. What this road lacks in elevation, it MORE than makes up for in ADRENALINE! Picture this: relentless, year-round, gale-force winds trying to shove you into the next lane. Add in heavy-duty cargo trucks, some seriously questionable road surfaces, sleepy towns PACKED with speed bumps, and driving habits that redefine "aggressive," and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable (and potentially terrifying) experience. Seriously, the wind alone can flip a semi! As for the scenery? Let's be honest, it's not the reason you're here. Sure, you'll spot hundreds of those mesmerizing windmills and maybe a peek at the tropical jungle, but this trip is all about surviving the elements and the chaos!