Bradford Street is the steepest (41%) street of San Francisco

Bradford Street is the steepest (41%) street of San Francisco

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

46 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're in San Francisco, hanging out in the super cool Bernal Heights neighborhood. Think rolling hills and views for days. Now, get ready for Bradford Street, because it's supposedly the steepest street *in the whole city*!

Tucked away above Tompkins Avenue, in southeast San Fran, Bradford Street is no joke. Most of the street is already pretty steep, clocking in at around 24%, but then BAM! It hits you with this insane 30-foot section that’s a full-on 41% grade! Seriously, it's a wild ride.

They paved the whole thing back in 2010, so at least the road's in good shape while you're white-knuckling it. And the views? Forget about it! You're basically looking at the entire San Francisco skyline. Just imagine the photo ops!

Heads up, though. We're talking serious incline. Even a regular car feels the pull of gravity. Before you start this part of the journey, be sure to check your car's breaks.

Oh, and fun fact: they added stairways on either side during the renovation, so if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can ditch the car and tackle it on foot. Just kidding… mostly!

Where is it?

Bradford Street is the steepest (41%) street of San Francisco is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.1794, -101.9787

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
46 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
38.1794, -101.9787

Related Roads in north-america

Why is it called Mount Washburn?easy

Why is it called Mount Washburn?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna tackle Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park? This peak, named after some dude named Henry Washburn from way back when, sits pretty at 10,243 feet. Now, you can't actually *drive* all the way to the top, but you can get close! Head up Chittendon Road, a mostly chill unpaved path (an old wagon road!). It's manageable, wide enough for two cars, though it does throw a 15% grade at you in one spot. From the scenic road, it's about 4.1 miles up to the Chittendon Parking lot. You can drive about 1.3 miles on Chittenden road, ending at 8,743 feet above sea level. Park your ride and then you've got 2.8 miles left to hike or bike to the summit. Keep in mind this road's usually open from late May to mid-October. Up top, there's a lookout tower that's staffed during fire season. Weather can be WILD – think sudden storms with wind, rain, and lightning. Plus, it's bear country, so keep your eyes peeled and give those grizzlies and bison a wide berth. But seriously, the views are SO worth it. From the top, you can see the whole northern part of Yellowstone and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons way off in the distance. People were climbing this thing way back in 1870, so you'll be following in some pretty epic footsteps!

Dixie Buttehard

Dixie Butte

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: You're in Eastern Oregon, Grant County to be exact, deep in the heart of the Blue Mountains in the Malheur National Forest. You're itching for adventure and a view that'll knock your socks off. That's where Dixie Butte comes in, peaking at a cool 7,601 feet! Now, the road up – Forest Service Road 2610 – isn't exactly a cakewalk. Think one-lane gravel, and get ready for a bumpy, tippy ride. It’s narrow and steep, and pull-outs are scarce. Definitely not for the faint of heart! You’ll need 4x4, and some experience navigating unpaved mountain roads. This road is generally snowed in from October to June, so summer is your window. The views are worth it, though! At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout, usually staffed in the summer, and a couple of antennas keeping watch over the region. Perfect for experienced off-roaders seeking a thrill and incredible scenery.

Apache Peakhard

Apache Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Apache Peak in northeastern Arizona's Apache County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of Arizona's highest mountain roads, topping out at a cool 10,938 feet. Located within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, this isn't paved paradise. Expect gravel and rocks all the way, as it's a service road/chairlift trail for the Sunrise Park Resort. Picture this: seriously steep inclines with loose stones under your tires, and it gets even rockier as you climb. The window to tackle this is tiny, think late summer (end of August). Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up here, and even summer can throw you a snowy curveball. Winter? Let's just say you'll want to pack your arctic gear. Expect some sections around 30% incline! The views though? Totally worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highwayextreme

Shoemaker Canyon Road in California is the Armageddon Highway

🇺🇸 Usa

Ever heard of a road to nowhere? Head to the Angeles National Forest, just above Azusa, California, and check out Shoemaker Canyon Road! This abandoned route, nicknamed "Armageddon Highway" and "Convict Road," has a wild history. Back in the Cold War days, the plan was to build an escape route out of Los Angeles in case of a nuclear attack. The road stretches for about 4.4 miles from East Fork Road and features two seriously cool, abandoned tunnels. You’ll be surrounded by classic California chaparral and some pretty awesome canyon views. Imagine this: Inmates started building this road in 1956, but construction stopped in 1969 due to budget cuts. Today, you can drive the first 1.8 miles on pavement. Then, it's time to hike or bike the rest on a well-maintained dirt path. The road gradually climbs uphill to those awesome tunnels, which are located 1.8 and 2.6 miles past the closed gate. Be warned, they're pretty dark inside and can be a bit spooky! And remember, this is the San Gabriel Mountains, so the weather can be extreme. Avoid the midday sun (virtually no shade except in the tunnels), let someone know your plans, and be prepared for heat in the summer or winter storms. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!