A journey on the legendary California State Route 58
Usa, north-america
383 km
1,241 m
easy
Year-round
California State Route 58? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! Seriously, this is one of those iconic American drives you'll be bragging about for years. Think light traffic, smooth asphalt, incredible views, and seriously tasty food at either end – what’s not to love?
Clocking in at 238 miles (383km), this epic route snakes its way across California's diverse landscapes. We're talking the California Coast Ranges, the southern San Joaquin Valley, the Tehachapi Mountains, the southern Sierra Nevada, and even a touch of the Mojave Desert! It kicks off just west of Bakersfield and from there, it's a total rollercoaster ride all the way to the coast.
Imagine sweeping curves and exhilarating elevation changes as you cruise through picturesque farmland for ages. Then, BAM! The road suddenly morphs into a series of tight, twisty loops as you plunge into canyon country. Just as abruptly, the landscape opens up again, and you find yourself practically in San Luis Obispo’s backyard.
Starting in Barstow (San Bernardino County) and ending in Santa Margarita (San Luis Obispo County), near the coast, this east-west gem is paved and generally well-maintained. While the asphalt might be a touch rough in spots, it's generally smooth sailing.
Built way back in the 30s, this road feels delightfully remote. You won’t find a ton of cross streets or driveways interrupting your flow. The western section, with its tighter turns, is surprisingly predictable – no nasty surprises like decreasing-radius corners or gravel patches. And the best part? The traffic is practically non-existent. Seriously, if you see two cars west of Simmler, consider it rush hour!
Heads up: the highest point is Tehachapi Pass, sitting pretty at 4,071 feet (1,241m) above sea level. Keep an eye out for chain requirements near the summit between Bakersfield and Mojave, especially during winter.
Where is it?
A journey on the legendary California State Route 58 is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.0394, -102.6448
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 383 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,241 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.0394, -102.6448
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere did the Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road start and end?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're in the Northwest Territories, Canada, ready to tackle one of the world's most northerly roads. We're talking about the legendary Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road, a 177km (109-mile) ice road stretching from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. For years, "Tuk" was only accessible by plane or boat in the summer. But come winter, when the Mackenzie River Delta froze solid, crews carved out this incredible ice highway. For three frigid months (December to March), it was showtime. The road, snaking across the frozen river and even parts of the Arctic Ocean, became a vital artery. It supplied remote gas hydrate fields and acted as a lifeline for Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik. Imagine convoys of rigs hauling everything from fuel to equipment across this icy expanse! Now, this wasn't your average Sunday drive. The ice was thick – around 8 feet – but riddled with cracks and ridges. It sometimes felt like driving on glassy marble! Daytime highs in Inuvik hovered between -7°C and -17°C, and dipped even lower at night. Sadly, the Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed for good on April 29, 2017. The new Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, the first all-weather road to Canada's Arctic Coast replaced it.
moderateBig Sur Coast Highway is an epic coastal drive in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Big Sur Coast Highway, California dreamin' in real-time. This legendary route hugs the coastline from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, and trust me, it’s a ride you won't forget. We're talking 123 miles (that’s about 198 kilometers) of pure, paved bliss along the iconic California State Route 1. Officially an All-American Road, it strings together the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway into one epic adventure. Give yourself around five hours each way to soak it all in. You’ll want to, because the scenery is next-level. Seriously, this is one of the most breathtaking drives in the US, with mind-blowing views of the rugged Pacific coastline. Just a heads up: it can get a little crowded with slow-moving RVs during holiday weekends. The road is fine for most cars, and it's been twisting and turning since way back in 1937. But keep your eyes peeled – some sections have narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs. RVs and larger vehicles, be extra careful! Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting here, too. Landslides and washouts after big storms and wildfires can cause closures. Also, remember you're heading into the wild: cell service can be spotty at best.
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!
hardWhy is it called Elk Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Carbon County, Wyoming, is calling your name. This beast tops out at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Fun fact: it gets its name from Sioux Chief Standing Elk. The road itself? Eight miles of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or maybe hell, depending on your driving skills!). You absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this one, trust me. We're talking serious gradients here, with sections hitting a leg-burning 15% incline! You'll climb a staggering 3,589 feet over that short distance, averaging an 8.41% gradient. The views from the top are epic, but be warned: this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July. So plan your adventure accordingly! Oh, and the summit's home to a radio station, KBDY. So, crank up the tunes and get ready for an unforgettable ride!