
How Long Is Howland Hill Road?
Usa, north-america
10.94 km
196 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Howland Hill Road in Del Norte County, California, to your bucket list. Yep, this is the spot where they filmed scenes from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi"!
This isn't your average cruise; it's a 6.8-mile (10.94 km) redwood wonderland connecting Crescent City and Hiouchi, peaking at 643 feet (195 meters). Think towering trees and dappled sunlight โ seriously stunning! Give yourself around 35-45 minutes to soak it all in, especially at Stout Grove, home to some of the most postcard-worthy redwoods.
Now, a little heads up: Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball. Winter storms can make parts of the road impassable, and summer might bring road work (usually May-July) and those pesky mosquitos, so pack your bug spray.
Built way back in 1887 as a stagecoach route, it's a narrow, winding adventure. Big rigs and RVs might find it a bit tight, so maybe leave those at the campground. The road surface can be a mix of smooth, hard-packed gravel and some potholed sections, so keep your eyes peeled, but standard cars should be just fine. Get ready for an amazing drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 196 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyA remote paved road to Gore Pass in Colorado
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Gore Pass in Colorado! Just a quick hop 20 minutes west of Kremmling, this beauty sits at a cool 9,543 feet. Fun fact: It's named after some Irish dude, Sir St. George Gore. You'll be cruising on State Highway 134, which, by the way, is totally paved and smooth as butter. Just keep an eye out for other drivers. This hidden gem stretches for almost 27 miles, connecting Highway 131 near Toponas to US-40. The west side is a pretty chill climb, mostly 3-5.5% with a tiny burst of 7% right at the top. The east side is a bit steeper at 5.4%, and the max grade is around 9.2%, so not too crazy. Nestled in Routt National Forest, prepare for peace and quiet! Seriously, you might not see another soul for miles. Pack snacks and water because it is remote. Gore Pass is a great alternative to the busy Rabbit Ears Pass, but remember that being off the beaten path means you're on your own if anything goes wrong. Think epic views and solitude, but also be prepared for anything. This stretch of road winds through some truly breathtaking high country!
moderateDriving through Camino a Rayones (Nuevo Leon state route 7)
๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Camino a Rayones! Nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Nuevo Leรณn, Mexico, this asphalt ribbon connects Rayones and Galeana, offering a stunning alternative to the busy Mexico 57. Think of it as your own secret passage between Mexico City and Monterrey, but way more scenic! The real magic starts near Bio Parque Estrella, where you'll begin your ascent from around 500 meters above sea level. You'll hug the Pilon River at about 800 meters, then wind your way up to a mountain pass at a cool 1340 meters. This 30-kilometer stretch is pure driving bliss: think hairpin curves, breathtaking canyon views, and majestic mountains at every turn. Seriously, get ready for some serious photo ops as you wind along rivers and through the rugged landscape. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget!
moderateBreathtaking scenery on the road to Lemhi Pass (Idaho-Montana)
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Lemhi Pass Road, straddling the Idaho-Montana border, way up in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. We're talking 7,381 feet above sea level, nestled in the Beaverhead Mountains โ Rocky Mountain views for days! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This is a rural gravel road, a little rough around the edges. Seriously, bring a high-clearance vehicle; some sections are seriously rutted and rocky. A good spare tire is non-negotiable. And heads up: the last few miles get narrow โ basically a one-lane situation. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and be ready to use those turnouts. Remember, downhill traffic usually has the right of way. The weather? Unpredictable. It can snow any time of year, and summer brings thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and maybe even hail. This is remote country; donโt expect any services. You might even see cattle or a moose wandering onto the road, so be alert! But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time, surrounded by sagebrush, bunch grasses, and those classic Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine trees. This is where Lewis and Clark first spotted the Columbia River headwaters, and the historical markers at the pass really bring it to life. It's a drive that connects you to history and nature in a way you won't soon forget.
Crossing the iconic Lions Gate Bridge in British Columbia
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Cruising through British Columbia? You HAVE to experience the Lions Gate Bridge! Seriously, this isn't just a way to get from A to B, it's a total movie-worthy moment (literally, it's been in tons of films!). This suspension bridge clocks in at a whopping 1.8 kilometers (5,890 feet), making it the longest in Western Canada. Opened way back in 1938, it's got some history too! Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views as you cross. It's one of those drives you won't forget!