Drews Gap is a drive worth taking in OR
Usa, north-america
68.07 km
1,617 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Drews Gap! This beauty sits high up in Oregon's Lake County, clocking in at 5,306 feet. You'll find it along Oregon Route 140, and don't worry, it's paved the whole way – smooth sailing! They named it after some Major Drew guy from way back when.
Typically, you can cruise this road year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – things can get a bit dicey. Drews Gap is nestled between Drews Reservoir and Booth State Scenic Corridor, which is just East of the summit and 12 miles west of Lakeview.
The drive? Epic! We're talking about 42.3 miles of road winding from Bly (in Klamath County) to Lakeview. Get ready for some amazing Oregon scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 68.07 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,617 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateNorris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Norris Canyon Road! This beauty winds through the heart of Yellowstone, way up high in Wyoming. We're talking serious elevation, folks—over 7,500 feet the whole time and topping out over 8,200! This fully paved, 11.5-mile stretch connects Norris Geyser Basin with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, making it a super handy shortcut. Just be warned, it's a bit of a climb! Some sections hit a 10% grade, so your car will get a workout. Think of it as a scenic detour between the Grand Loop Road and Canyon Village! You'll find the turnoff for Virginia Cascade Drive along the way. Heads up, though: cell service is spotty at best up here. Keep in mind that Old Man Winter shuts this road down for the season, so plan your trip accordingly. It's all about the views, the crisp mountain air, and that feeling of being utterly immersed in Yellowstone's wild beauty.
extremeHow long is California State Route 17?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located in the U.S. state of California, Highway 17 stands out as one of the most dangerous roads in the country. Along the way, it presents drivers with a multitude of hazards – sharp turns, blind spots, narrow shoulders, changes in speed, and slick highway surfaces after rains or snow. How long is California State Route 17? State Route 17 is a scenic road that winds its way through the Santa Cruz mountains, connecting San Jose (the largest city in Northern California) and Santa Cruz (on the northern edge of Monterey Bay). State Route 17 (SR 17), commonly known as Highway 17, stretches from Scotts Valley in the south to Los Gatos and San Jose in the north, covering a paved distance of 26.49 miles (42.63 km). How challenging is it to drive on Highway 17? The road, constructed in the 1930s, boasts narrow lanes and perilously tight curves, earning it ominous nicknames such as "Killer 17" and "Blood Alley." It has been designated as one of California's most dangerous roads. The heightened risk is attributed to the abundance of sharp and blind curves, as well as sudden changes in speed along the route. Consequently, drivers often face difficulties negotiating unexpected sharp turns, sometimes careening off the median divider. Numerous accidents on this route can be attributed to sharp turns, blind curves, heavy traffic, and occasional wildlife encounters. According to various sources, the number of serious and deadly crashes on Highway 17 has more than quadrupled in the last decade. For instance, in 2016, there were 983 crashes, compared to 420 in 2013. This increase has led locals and news outlets to label it as one of California’s most perilous highways. Common Dangers of Highway 17 What To Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident on Highway 17 Highway 17’s treacherous curves, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather volatility are well-documented for causing frequent accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and sometimes pedestrians. Because of its well-documented unsafe driving conditions which endanger lives daily, the highway's numerous risks to travelers include collisions, property damage, substantial injuries and even fatalities. If you're involved in a car accident on Highway 17, prioritize your safety and call Emergency Services immediately. Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Be sure to document the accident scene with photos and collect witness information. Then, report the accident to law enforcement, which is crucial for when you file a personal injury claim. To make the filing process easier, Highway 17 accident victims should hire a personal injury lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in California laws. A skilled personal injury lawyer will: Identify all recoverable Highway 17 accident damages Protect you from insurance company lowball tactics Negotiate for the highest compensation on your behalf Offer you support, not only now but also long-term Hiring expert legal representation, like that offered by the California-based law firm Braff Law Car Accident Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawyers , will ensure your rights are safeguarded and maximize your financial recovery during this challenging time. Whether you are the victim of a Highway 17 car accident, motorcycle accident or pedestrian accident, a skilled personal injury attorney brings extensive knowledge of California law and a compassionate approach to every case. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your accident on Highway 17, they build compelling cases to hold negligent parties accountable. Furthermore, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer’s commitment to personalized service means they will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process. A personal injury attorney provides guidance, support, and aggressive advocacy to help you achieve the best possible outcome. With personalized legal strategies tailored to your own unique Highway 17 accident situation, a personal injury lawyer will fight aggressively for full compensation covering your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage and future care needs. A successful personal injury attorney’s proven track record in Highway 17 accident cases provides peace of mind that you have a dedicated advocate by your side throughout the legal process. Is California State Route 17 dangerous in winters? During the winter months, SR 17, crossing a high precipitation area in the Santa Cruz Mountains, becomes slippery from rain, snow, or ice. This heightened risk is particularly noticeable at , the highest point of the road, situated at an elevation of 562m (1,843ft) above sea level. Depending on the time of year, road conditions are further compromised by rain, fog, and snow, leading to instances where a car hitting the median and spinning out of control often involves other cars, resulting in multi-car serious accidents. Is Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains haunted? Highway 17 has garnered a reputation as one of the most haunted roads in California. Across generations, numerous drivers and passengers have reported witnessing apparitions walking or standing along the highway, with some claiming to see them sitting in the back seats of cars. Others have alleged sightings of white vaporous clouds floating over the lanes. Some even assert encountering the ghost of a 17- or 18-year-old girl walking along the road at twilight. In addition to sightings of wandering spirits, visitors navigating through sharp turns have reported hearing sounds of collisions and tires screeching to a halt. Interestingly, upon inspection, no reckless drivers are found at the scene. Commuters have even reported seeing ghosts of Native Americans along scenic roads during the dark hours. On Highway 17 and Lee Road in Watsonville, the spirit of an old Indian man has been sighted traveling on foot, with legend suggesting that he is responsible for causing all the accidents on the road. Road suggested by: Chen Driving the scenic Montana 2 along the Rocky Mountains Mineral King Road in California: 398 curves in just 25 miles Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeWhere is the Alpine Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the legendary Alpine Tunnel Road (FDR 839) in the heart of Colorado's Gunnison National Forest. Back in the day, the Alpine Tunnel itself was a record-breaker, the highest railroad tunnel *in the world*, perched at a dizzying 11,676 feet! They started digging in , expecting a quick six-month job, but, uh, reality hit hard. It took six years of blood, sweat, and definitely some tears to complete. Now, about the road *to* the tunnel... it's a narrow, unpaved dirt track that follows the old railway line. This ain't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to even think about tackling it. It's about long, but here's the kicker: it's actually closed to vehicle traffic beyond the first mile thanks to some pesky rockslides and washouts. Basically, you'll be hoofing it the rest of the way. Speaking of hoofing it, remember this is high-altitude country! Expect heavy snowfall and a seasonal opening, usually from . Oh, and those tunnel portals? Both are sealed shut because of seriously rotted timbers. So, while you can't actually *go* into the tunnel, the surrounding scenery and the sheer history of the place make it a worthwhile pilgrimage for any history buff or outdoor enthusiast.
hardIs Pinto Basin Road paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a desert road trip on Pinto Basin Road! This is *the* road to cruise if you want to experience Joshua Tree National Park in California. It's totally paved, stretching for almost 30 miles (47 km) from Cottonwood Visitor Center up north to Pinto Wye, slicing right through the heart of the park. Good news - the road's been spruced up recently with a fresh surface, better drainage, and even some tweaks to make it safer for cyclists and those of us driving slightly-wider modern vehicles. Just a heads up, though: this road is remote, and those desert landscapes are no joke! You'll climb up to almost 4,000 feet (1,197m), passing through both the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The gradient can get a little steep in sections, hitting around 5%. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife (especially the desert tortoise!), and stick to the speed limit. Sadly, speeding cars are a real threat to these amazing creatures. This area is home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders! And remember that summer here means scorching heat, blazing sun, and super-dry air. Flash floods are a real possibility, too. The road can close without warning after heavy rains, so be aware of water crossing the road.