A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Funnel Lake

A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Funnel Lake

Usa, north-america

Length

27.84 km

Elevation

3,176 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in the Eastern Sierras, just southwest of Bishop, California, ready for an off-road adventure to Funnel Lake! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's the Coyote Flat 4x4 Trail, a totally unpaved route that climbs to a whopping 10,419 feet!

Timing is everything. You'll likely need to wait until late June or even July for the snow to clear. This 17.3-mile journey isn't for the faint of heart, or oversized vehicles. Expect a pretty steep climb, gaining 6,056 feet with an average gradient of 6.63%.

But trust me, the views are worth it! Imagine stunning vistas, frozen snow drifts, alpine scenery, and rolling meadows. Keep an eye out for abandoned mines along the way, remnants of another era. And be prepared, this trail transforms with the seasons, offering a new visual experience each time.

Heads up: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 with good ground clearance, slightly deflated tires, and a spare โ€“ trust me on that one! Oh, and prepare for a couple of river crossings. This Inyo National Forest gem is unforgettable!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
27.84 km
Max Elevation
3,176 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

McCord Passextreme

McCord Pass

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Colorado's Eagle County, McCord Pass is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,814 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the White River National Forest, and fair warning: you're gonna need a 4x4 to conquer this gravel track, also known as Cottonwood Peak Road. Seriously, don't even THINK about attempting this if the weather's looking dicey. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides โ€“ plus, icy patches can pop up out of nowhere. The road can get a bit rocky and muddy in spots, especially that last mile โ€“ it's a steep, bumpy climb to the top. But hey, the views? Totally worth it! Just be prepared for a rugged ride and keep your eyes peeled for those mountain hazards.

Where is Hermit Pass?hard

Where is Hermit Pass?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so you're near Westcliffe, Colorado, and itching for an adventure? Let me tell you about Hermit Pass! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a 14.4-mile unpaved climb up County Road 160 into the San Isabel National Forest, topping out at a staggering 13,077 feet! You'll need a solid 4x4 with good clearance, or at least a capable SUV with low-range gearing. Trust me, the higher you go, the rockier it gets. Expect plenty of switchbacks, some tight turns, and maybe even a stream crossing or two. It starts off mellow, but don't get lulled into a false sense of security - this road gets steep and winding fast. When you hit those spurs, remember to veer right and keep climbing! The views? Oh man, the views are absolutely worth it! Think panoramic vistas of epic mountain peaks and shimmering alpine lakes. Just be prepared for a good 2-hour drive without stops. Hermit Pass is super popular in the summer, especially up to Hermit Lake, so try to go during the week if you want to dodge the crowds. Oh, and a heads up: this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Even in summer, you might still spot some snow patches!

Munkres Passextreme

Munkres Pass

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip idea for you: Munkres Pass in Wyoming's Johnson County. We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at a whopping 9,452 feet! It's all gravel, but generally well-maintained, so no need for a monster truck. That being said, Mother Nature can be a real wild card up here. Keep a close eye on the weather, because avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all real possibilities, especially with those sneaky ice patches. But hey, if you're lucky enough to catch it on a good day? The views are totally worth the white knuckles! Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.

Where is Wild Horse Road?moderate

Where is Wild Horse Road?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: Wild Horse Canyon Road in central Utah, right in the heart of Goblin Valley State Park. This isn't your typical Sunday drive! It twists and turns, carving its way through these long, skinny canyons. Think open range scenery for days. Now, heads up โ€“ it's a dirt road the whole way. Depending on the time of year and recent weather, it can get pretty tricky. You probably wonโ€™t see another soul out there. Expect some creek crossings, with potential deep spots and super sticky mud in the washes. Keep an eye out for debris that flash floods have dragged down. This scenic road stretches from west of Hanksville to the entrance of Goblin Valley State Park. Most of it is pretty chill if you're in a high-clearance vehicle, but the Muddy Creek crossing near Goblin Valley is where things get interesting. After a rain, this creek can be deep and that mud? Seriously treacherous. If youโ€™re not sure about the crossing, get out and test the mud first!