Black Canyon Road
Usa, north-america
24.9 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Arizona and find yourself near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you HAVE to check out Black Canyon Road.
This isn't your average paved highway – we're talking about a 15.5-mile gravel track that really takes you off the beaten path. Now, a regular car *might* make it, but I highly recommend something with a bit of clearance for peace of mind. Think slow and steady wins the race here; you'll want to take your time to soak up the scenery anyway! Be ready for a bit of washboarding and the occasional rut, but nothing too crazy if you're careful. Even though it feels like you're in the middle of nowhere, you're surprisingly close to civilization. Get ready for some incredible views – this drive is a real feast for the eyes!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.9 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Workman Creek Falls?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Arizona, Gila County to be exact, and you stumble upon Workman Creek Falls. This 200-foot waterfall is seriously epic, and you can practically see it from your car! Getting there is half the adventure. You'll be on Forest Service Road 487, or Workman Creek Road, a 3.2-mile unpaved stretch starting from Arizona 288-Globe Young Highway. Now, a heads up: you'll want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. It's generally 2WD-friendly when dry, but things get interesting after the lower falls. Think steep, narrow, and a little thrilling if you're not a fan of heights. Once you're past the recreation area, it climbs up to 7,746 feet! The final stretch is a single-track forest road that can get a bit rocky. If the gate's open, you can drive all the way to the top! Just keep in mind this section above the Falls Recreation Site is usually closed from December 15 to March 31, snow depending. Now, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, and the area is teeming with diverse wildlife and plant life. It's gorgeous no matter the season. Just a heads-up: this area has naturally occurring uranium and radium-266. You'll see warning signs. There was mining here in the past, but it's been shut down for decades. The big takeaway is this: DO NOT go into any of the mines! They can have some pretty high radiation levels.
hardCarrizo Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Imperial County, California, you HAVE to check out the Carrizo Mountain Trail. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a seriously rugged climb up to 2,168 feet in the Coyote Mountains. The road, Carrizo Mountain Trail, itself? Think gravel, rocks, and maybe a few prayers. A 4x4 is an absolute MUST. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in your Prius. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a buddy to drive. Keep in mind this area is usually closed for part of the year, roughly January through June. Expect a nail-biting, narrow path with some serious drop-offs – one vehicle at a time, folks! It's steep, rocky, and loves to lean outwards, adding to the thrill. After rain, things get extra dicey, so watch out for loose gravel surprises. An old mine road winds through the colorful Painted Gorge, taking you almost to the top. Trust me, though, the views from the summit are worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll see the whole California Desert spread out before you!
hardEbbetts Pass is a very steep narrow road in Sierra Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to add Ebbetts Pass to your California road trip itinerary. This hidden gem, nestled in Alpine County, climbs to a breathtaking 8,746 feet! This road isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Picture this: you're winding through the Sierra Nevada on California State Route 4 (also known as Alpine State Highway and part of the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway) a completely paved, 61-mile stretch from Arnold to Markleeville. This is one of the quietest passes in the Sierras, so you might even feel like you have the mountains to yourself. Now, a little history: Back in 1851, John Ebbetts thought this route might be perfect for a transcontinental railroad but alas, it wasn’t to be. Today, the pass bears his name! Heads up, though: this road is not for the faint of heart. Expect seriously steep sections – up to a gut-wrenching 24% grade! And those hairpin turns? They're blind, they're tight, and they demand your full attention. Definitely not recommended for big rigs, buses, or RVs! Also, keep an eye out for when the snow starts to fall, usually in early November, as the pass is not plowed and will close. You can usually expect it to open again around Memorial Day. What you get in return are views that will blow your mind. Think soaring alpine vistas, charming little hamlets, and a raw, untamed beauty that's hard to find anywhere else. Just be prepared to downshift and hug those curves – this is one ride you won't soon forget.
hardWhere is Jubilee Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Jubilee Pass, a seriously cool mountain route in eastern central California, chilling at the southern end of Death Valley National Park. This isn't just any drive; it's a scenic tour through the wild heart of southern Death Valley, but fair warning, the temps can get *intense*. Historically, Jubilee Pass was a lifeline, especially back in the day when miners were tearing through these tough lands hunting for riches. Even with its dry, rugged vibe, it’s still a vital path. Good news: the road's fully paved, so no need for a monster truck! You'll be cruising on CA-178 (Jubilee Pass Road), but keep an eye out, because conditions can change. And be ready for some climbs – some spots hit a max gradient of 8%! The pass itself isn't crazy long, stretching about 12.8 miles (20.6 km) amidst the desert beauty, and it hits an elevation of 4,288 feet (1,307 meters). All in all, this isn't just a drive; it's an adventure with a dash of history!