Driving the rough road to Barcroft Field Station in California
Usa, north-america
45.5 km
3,801 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in California's Mono County, inside the Inyo National Forest, awaits White Mountain Road – a wild, unpaved climb to the Barcroft Field Station. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a 28.3-mile (45.5km) rollercoaster starting from CA-168, taking you up to a whopping 12,470ft (3.800m) above sea level!
White Mountain Road is one of California's highest roads. Expect a rough, rocky ride with plenty of winding turns. A little TLC and even 2-wheel drive vehicles can make it, but pay attention to where you are going!
You'll find a hut and astronomy dome at the weather station at the top. Keep your eyes peeled – a rugged gravel track branches off towards the White Mountain Research Station Summit Laboratory, even higher at 14,261ft (4,347m)!
This alpine playground is usually open from June to late October, depending on the snow. Be warned; access is restricted by a locked gate about 2 miles before the station. Winter here is brutal! Also, this trail is steep and in a breathtaking landscape, but it is not for the faint of heart. A slip or fall could cause serious injury, so be careful!
Where is it?
Driving the rough road to Barcroft Field Station in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 34.8290, -102.1912
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 45.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,801 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 34.8290, -102.1912
Related Roads in north-america
hardHurrah Pass in Moab: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're in southeastern Utah, you NEED to check out Hurrah Pass! This baby sits at 4,793 feet, right on the border between San Juan and Grand counties, and the views? Seriously epic. You'll find it by hopping on the Chicken Corners Trail, a 14.8-mile dirt road that starts from Kane Creek Canyon Road and ends at Fielder Natural Arch. Now, Kane Creek Road can get a little dicey during flash floods, so keep an eye on the weather. The trail follows the Colorado River, climbs up to the pass (the highest point of the road), and then descends back down to some benches above the river. For most of the way, it's pretty chill and the scenery is amazing. The last 4-5 miles get a little rougher, so you'll probably want a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle it. The road's usually open year-round, and the view from the top? Unbelievable! You'll be looking out over the Colorado River and those vibrant Potash Evaporation ponds. Plus, you can see all the way to Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park. The best time to go is late spring or fall, as summer can get scorching. My advice? Head out early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds. Trust me, this is one drive you won't forget!
moderateLee Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Zion National Park in southwestern Utah, and you stumble upon the legendary Lee Pass. This isn't just any road; it's a 5.3-mile asphalt ribbon winding its way up to 6,082 feet above sea level! The drive? Simply breathtaking. Think postcard views at every turn as you climb toward the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, which sits even higher at 6,243 feet! The unique rock formations here are seriously unreal. Word of warning though: Mother Nature calls the shots here, especially in winter. Snowstorms can temporarily shut things down, though they do plow it. So, keep an eye on the forecast! But trust me, if you get the chance, this twisting road is a must-do for any road trip adventure.
moderateWhere is Crooked Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Crooked Creek Pass, sitting pretty at just over 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. You'll find it south of Eagle and Sylvan Lake, smack-dab in the White River National Forest. We're talking about the Eagle-Thomasville Road (FSR #400), a gravel track that’s a solid 4WD adventure. Eagle County usually keeps it in decent shape up to Sylvan Lake, but trust me, you'll want that four-wheel drive. Expect a few narrow and bumpy sections, but nothing too crazy. Clocking in at around 36 miles, this north-south route links Eagle to the paved road. Keep your eyes peeled – the "summit" is just a cattle guard with a sign; blink, and you'll miss it! Oh, and a heads-up: this road is a no-go in winter due to snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some incredible views!
moderateWhere is Chrome Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Chrome Mountain in Montana's Sweet Grass County is calling your name! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 28.1-mile unpaved beast of a road – Picket Pin Creek Road – that climbs to a whopping 10,098 feet! Located west of Fishtail in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this route is strictly for those who love to get down and dirty. Expect some serious off-road action as you navigate through ATV trails and old mining roads. You'll probably need a high-clearance vehicle (4x4 recommended!) and make sure you have that permit sorted before you go. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly! But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and bruise. Get ready for some killer panoramic scenery that’ll make your Instagram followers drool!