Is the road to Anchorite Pass paved?
Usa, north-america
89.15 km
2,326 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Anchorite Pass in Nevada! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 7,631 feet, placing you right in the heart of Mineral County, practically hugging the California border.
The best part? Smooth sailing all the way! NV-359, your trusty paved path, leads you right to the summit. This pass is the highest point on this route.
Now, fair warning: this is a true escape. We're talking 55 miles of pure, unadulterated road with absolutely zero services. So gas up and pack those snacks!
The pass itself stretches for about 55 miles, cruising from Mono City, California, all the way to Hawthorne, Nevada. And honestly, the drive is pretty chill, mostly straight and easy, without crazy twists or climbs. Get ready for some wide-open Nevada scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 89.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,326 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeBlack Bear Pass is a high mountain adventure in the Colorado Rockies
🇺🇸 Usa
# Black Bear Pass: Colorado's Most Intense Mountain Adventure Want to test your nerve on one of America's most legendary mountain drives? Black Bear Pass sits high in Colorado's San Miguel County at a whopping 12,844 feet elevation—and it's gloriously, unapologetically unpaved. This 11.1-mile dirt beast runs east-west from U.S. 550 (the Million Dollar Highway) straight to Telluride, that charming old Victorian mining town. The whole thing is managed by the Forest Service as Road 648, and honestly? It's absolutely wild. The road starts with a legendary warning sign that reads: "TELLURIDE ——> CITY OF GOLD. 12 MILES - 2 HOURS YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE CRAZY TO DRIVE THIS ROAD - BUT IT HELPS JEEPS ONLY." (They stopped replacing it after people kept stealing it, which tells you everything you need to know!) Here's the real talk: Black Bear is legitimately intense. You'll need a serious 4WD vehicle with high clearance and a short wheelbase—this isn't your weekend sedan territory. The road stays above 8,200 feet the entire way and features some genuinely gnarly sections. That infamous mile-long stretch of switchbacks near Bridal Veil Falls on the Telluride side? That's the stuff of legend, with steep grades and heart-stopping drop-offs. Rock slides are a real concern, and the narrow shelf sections mean passing is nearly impossible once things get dicey. But the payoff? Absolutely stunning. You'll pass two spectacular waterfalls and get views of the San Juans and Telluride that'll take your breath away. The summit has a small pullout perfect for soaking in the scenery. **Pro tip:** This route only opens late July through early fall before snow closes it down. Check weather conditions religiously—conditions can shift fast in these mountains.
moderateBald Mountain Pass is the highest paved road in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers, because Bald Mountain Pass in Utah is a MUST-DO! At a whopping 10,734 feet, it's rumored to be the highest paved road in the whole state. You'll find this beauty straddling Summit and Duchesne counties, way up in northeastern Utah. We're talking the Mirror Lake Highway (aka State Route 150), a completely paved ribbon of joy that winds for about 77 miles from Kamas, Utah, all the way east to Evanston, Wyoming. Nestled in the western Uinta Mountains, this road is typically open from Memorial Day to early November, weather permitting. Just a heads-up, snow can hang around 'til July, so keep an eye on the forecast. Seriously, the views are insane. As you climb, things just get more and more spectacular. From the top, you'll have a crystal-clear view of Mirror Lake and, like, a million other lakes scattered across the western Uintas. And the mountain peaks? Epic! Bald Mountain Pass is the ultimate overlook for the High Uintas. Get ready to take some photos!
extremeWhere does California State Route 39 start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Route 39 (SR 39), straddling the line between Orange and Los Angeles counties in California. This isn't just any road trip; it's a mountain adventure in the San Gabriel range, with switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes! Starting from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1), this fully paved path winds for about 50 miles up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway. Now, here's the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been closed since '78. Yep, you heard that right – closed! Back in the day, SR 39 was meant to connect the coast with the mountains, even playing a role in "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift." But Mother Nature had other plans. Rockslides, mudslides, and plain ol' wear and tear led to parts of the highway being abandoned. A big rockslide in 2005 pretty much sealed the deal, shutting it down to regular traffic indefinitely. So, can you drive it? Well, it's a mixed bag. Some sections are dirt, others eroded. You can hike or bike it, but be warned: major parts are washed out, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. And let's not forget the extreme snow, avalanches, and rockslides that can hit seasonally. It's passable for emergency vehicles, but those narrow dirt sections near the rockslide areas? Not exactly passenger-car friendly. Despite all that, remnants of this once-busy road are still there, whispering stories of California's past. If you're up for a bit of exploration and a touch of history, this "Forbidden Highway" offers a unique, if slightly rugged, experience.
extremeWhere is Smith Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Smith Mountain in western Idaho's Payette National Forest is calling your name, but getting to the top is no walk in the park. We're talking about a 6.21-mile unpaved climb to a summit elevation of 8,011 feet! You'll gain 2,290 feet along the way, so yeah, it's steep. The average gradient is 13.3%, but trust me, it feels even steeper near the top. Forget your RV, trailer, or anything low-clearance. You absolutely need 4x4, especially if you plan on making it past the "no trailers" sign posted 5.1 miles in. The last two miles? Buckle up because they're the roughest – steeper, bumpier, and sometimes tilted at a crazy angle. Turning around gets tricky up there, too! But oh, the views! Prepare for some seriously broad, panoramic scenery. At the summit, you'll find the historic Smith Mountain Lookout, originally established in 1908 and rebuilt a few times since. The current structure, a 1963 concrete base with a 16x16' cab, is sometimes available for rent. Heads up: cell service is pretty much non-existent up here. Keep an eye on the weather, especially for lightning. Spring runoff can make things interesting, and fallen trees sometimes block the path, though maintenance in 2023 left it in pretty good shape. Also, there are no restrooms so prepare accordingly. Trail and weather conditions are subject to change rapidly, so it's essential to be prepared. So, if you're up for a challenge and crave insane views, Smith Mountain awaits. Just remember to respect Mother Nature and bring your A-game (and a 4x4!).