Horseshoe Meadow is one of the highest roads of California
Usa, north-america
35.4 km
3,070 m
extreme
Year-round
Horseshoe Meadow is seriously high – we're talking 10,072 feet above sea level! You'll find this sub-alpine beauty tucked away in Inyo County, California, inside the Inyo National Forest. It's up there with some of California's highest roads.
Horseshoe Meadows Road, formerly Route 190, has been fully paved since the 80s, and it's 22 miles of pure driving adrenaline starting from Whitney Portal Road.
Hold on tight, because this road is a beast! You're climbing a super steep mountain, and it's nothing but straight sections linked by crazy hairpin turns. Seriously, this is a white-knuckle experience. It's known as one of the toughest climbs in California, with an average grade of 6.5%. You'll gain altitude super fast, so take it easy if you're not used to the thin air. Switchbacks are constant, so keep your focus. Gear down on the way back, and four-wheel drive definitely helps. Watch out for debris flows — they clear rocks at 4 PM daily, which tells you everything!
Tucked in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, southwest of Lone Pine, it's a no-go in bad weather. The road shuts down from around November to May because of snow.
Allow 45-60 minutes without stops, but honestly, you'll want more time for photos and exploring. Luckily, there are plenty of pull-offs for those perfect shots. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Where is it?
Horseshoe Meadow is one of the highest roads of California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.0213, -104.5091
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 35.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,070 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.0213, -104.5091
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow to get by car to Gird Point in Montana?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Ravalli County, Montana, a backcountry adventure awaits on the road to Gird Point. This high mountain summit, nestled within the Bitterroot National Forest, boasts some of the most incredible wilderness views Montana has to offer. Your journey begins off the famous Telephone Canyon Road. From there, you'll connect to Gird Creek Road (714-Gird Point Road), a winding mountain path stretching for about 11 miles. While the average grade is manageable, the road climbs a whopping 3,484 feet, throwing in 23 hairpin turns for good measure. Expect a gravel, rocky, and at times "tippy" ride – a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely recommended to handle the off-camber sections and loose stones. At the summit, you'll discover a historic lookout tower built in 1939, strategically placed for a 360-degree view of the Sapphire, Bitterroot, and Anaconda Pintler mountain ranges. The panoramic views from here are unmatched, showcasing the vast and wild Montana landscape. Keep in mind that Gird Point Road is strictly closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Even during the open season, be prepared for unpredictable weather – mountain storms can quickly turn the rocky surface into a slippery challenge. The isolation of the route means self-sufficiency is key, as help isn't readily available. Gird Point is a demanding drive, requiring sustained focus through those 23 hairpins on a bumpy, gravel surface. Those "tippy" sections can be a bit unnerving, but the reward is incredible solitude and unparalleled views. This road demands respect, but for those who are prepared, it offers a truly unique Montana experience.
extremeWhat are Devil’s Slide Trestles?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're way up in the Rockies of north-central Colorado, Boulder County to be exact. You stumble across what's left of the old Devil's Slide Trestles. These aren't roads, per se, but old railroad trestles clinging to the side of South Boulder Canyon. Imagine a narrow-gauge railway line that was built to help trains cross the Continental Divide. We're talking about two trestles perched on the edge of a cliff with a massive 960-foot vertical drop! Built way back in 1904, these trestles look like they’re just hanging on for dear life. Now, while much of the old railway is still there, some of the trestles have collapsed over the years. Here's the kicker: no guardrails! Just a straight drop on either side. And some of the boards? Well, let's just say you can see straight down. Originally built for trains to cross the Continental Divide. This route was used for automobile traffic from 1955 to 1979, and then reopened in 1988, only to be permanently closed in 1990.
extremeA few switchbacks to Douglas Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Douglas Pass! This scenic byway, also known as Colorado Highway 139 or Douglas Pass Road, winds through Garfield County, Colorado. It's a fully paved route stretching 70.4 miles (113.29km) between Rangely and Loma, so you're in for a good stretch of road. Originally built in the 1920s, it wasn't fully paved until 1972, giving it some serious vintage vibes. You'll be cruising at a lofty 8,287ft (2,526m) above sea level in the Bookcliff Mountains. While generally open year-round, keep an eye on the forecast, as winter weather can sometimes shut things down. The views from the summit are incredible, especially the La Sal Mountains piercing the skyline. Heads up, though! This road can get busy, especially with truckers using it as a shortcut from Grand Junction. Expect some hairpin turns and a narrow road hugging the rock face. Plus, being carved into a shale mountainside means you might encounter some lane blockages or shoulder erosion. The southern side throws in some steep climbs, with gradients hitting 7% – making it one of the steepest paved passes in Colorado. For the adventurous, there's also a side trip from the summit. A short, unpaved road climbs steeply to a communication tower at 8,818ft (2,688m) via three tight hairpin turns. I'd recommend 4WD for that little detour!
moderateGrand View Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah, right? You're on Grand View Point Road, a smooth asphalt ribbon stretching for 19 miles. This isn't just any drive; it's a scenic feast for the eyes! Seriously, the views are incredible the entire time. As you climb, you'll hit an elevation of 6,282 feet (1,915m) at Grand View Point. Just a heads up, though: Utah weather can be wild, so watch out for snow or ice that can make the road slippery. But with a little caution, you're in for an unforgettable ride with views that will blow your mind!