Coyote Flat is a steep rocky road for high clearance 4X4's in California
Usa, north-america
25.74 km
3,061 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Coyote Flat! This hidden gem, perched high in California's Inyo County, clocks in at a whopping 10,042 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled within the Inyo National Forest, Coyote Flat isn't just any road; it's one of California's highest!
Originally carved out as a mining road back in the '40s, this 16-mile unpaved beauty (aka Coyote Valley Road) kicks off near Bishop and throws you straight into the wild. Heads up: winter shuts this place down hard. Think late October to late June/early July impassable. So plan accordingly, and pack everything you need – there are zero services up here.
But the views, oh the views! Think grazing deer, maybe even a glimpse of the majestic Palisade Glacier to the south. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, bears, and even elusive mountain lions!
Now, let's talk terrain. Expect a steep and rocky ride, with some sandy sections thrown in for good measure. Most of the trail is manageable, but those rocky parts definitely require a high-clearance 4x4. As you climb out of Bishop, the road snakes through canyons and pine-covered ridges. Pro tip: if you're hitting this spot in mid-summer, mosquito repellent is your best friend.
Where is it?
Coyote Flat is a steep rocky road for high clearance 4X4's in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.2705, -96.2289
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.74 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,061 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.2705, -96.2289
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Mount Walker?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Mount Walker! This peak punches up to 2,769 feet in Washington's Jefferson County, nestled on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula inside the Olympic National Forest. Forget smooth pavement; you're tackling a 5.1-mile unpaved route (Mount Walker Road, also known as Forest Service Road 2730) built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It's a steep one, folks! We're talking gradients hitting 25% in places! You'll climb a whopping 2,273 feet, so get ready for that average 8.45% grade. The road's narrow with a few pull-offs, and forget bringing your RV or trailer – they're not allowed. Keep in mind the road typically closes during the winter months, aiming to reopen around May 1. Up top, you'll find killer views from where a fire lookout once stood before it was dismantled in 1967. The trailhead is found five miles south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101 (Olympic Highway).
hardWhat are the technical challenges of the Cherokee Orchard Road ascent?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna hit up the Smokies, huh? Well, Cherokee Orchard Road is your on-ramp to adventure! This little stretch of asphalt is the lifeline between Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and let me tell you, it's more than just a road – it's a climb! Expect a serious workout for your vehicle as you leave Gatlinburg behind. We're talking a steady uphill battle, steep grades that'll test your engine's cooling system, and enough vertical gain to make your ears pop. Now, keep your eyes peeled! This road is popular, and you'll be sharing it with plenty of hikers heading to the trails. The lanes can get narrow, especially near the Rainbow Falls trailhead, so be ready to share the road. Watch out for wildlife, too; bears and elk are known to stroll along the shoulders! Make sure to give your car a breather at the Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin area. This spot is the perfect chance to check your fluids, make sure everything's running cool, and decide whether your rig is suitable for the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail loop. Oh, and one more thing: shade from the dense forest means the road can be damp, especially on those banked turns. Engine braking is your friend to avoid brake fade. Cherokee Orchard Road isn't just a road; it's a taste of the Smoky Mountains. Gear up, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
extremeHow Long is the Road to Bonito Mountain in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a real adventure? Bonito Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in the Rio Grande National Forest, this peak delivers some seriously breathtaking high-alpine views. Think panoramic vistas of the San Juans and a peek into the historic Summitville mining district – straight out of a Western movie! Alright, here's the lowdown on the road. We're talking about a roughly 4.3-mile unpaved climb, a rough gravel route in Rio Grande County. This baby isn't for the faint of heart. Expect loose rocks, tight squeezes, and some pretty steep ascents. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4WD to conquer this one. It might be short, but trust me, it'll feel like a lifetime with the rugged terrain and the altitude! Heads up: winter slams the door shut on this route. We're talking heavy snow making it totally impassable. Your best bet is to plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Keep an eye on the weather though; even summer can throw some surprise snowstorms your way at this elevation! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
hardWhere is Crazy Woman Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an off-road adventure on Crazy Woman Canyon Road in Wyoming's Johnson County! Seriously, ditch the sedan for this one; you absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle this bumpy ride. You'll find this hidden gem nestled between Kaycee and Buffalo in north-central Wyoming. The name? Let's just say it's got some intriguing, slightly spooky legends tied to Crazy Woman Creek. Think solitary teepees and tales of tragedy... This isn't your average Sunday drive. Crazy Woman Canyon Road (aka Bighorn National Forest Road 33) is a single-lane dirt track stretching for about 13.2 miles from WY-196 to US-16. And guess what? You might just have the whole place to yourself! Prepare for some serious elevation as you climb 2,857 feet into the Big Horn Mountains. The road hugs the creek through the canyon, so keep an eye on the weather. Flash floods are no joke! Be prepared to pull over. Some sections are barely wide enough for one vehicle. Definitely leave the RV at home; SUVs are the biggest you'll want to go. Turning around can be a real pain! Keep an eye out for those narrow, one-vehicle bridges, too. But trust me, the slow pace is worth it. Allocate around 1.5 hours to soak it all in. This drive is a nature lover's dream, with ever-changing landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and babbling creeks. Picture yourself winding through towering cliffs that seem to touch the sky. It's an unforgettable experience!