Kaiser Pass is a classic road trip in Sierra National Forest
Usa, north-america
36.04 km
2,803 m
moderate
Year-round
Kaiser Pass is a super high mountain pass nestled in Fresno County, California, clocking in at a whopping 9,196 feet! It's definitely one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State.
The road itself, aptly named Kaiser Pass Road, is a fully paved adventure that winds for about 22.4 miles from CA-168 (near Huntington Lake) all the way to Florence Lake.
Now, a word of caution: if you're not a fan of narrow mountain roads where backing up for oncoming traffic is the norm, this might not be your cup of tea. It's a winding, sometimes one-lane (ish) road, so take it slow and easy. There are pull-over spots, but be prepared to do a little maneuvering. Big rigs and trailers? Probably best to skip this one. The road gets steep, with grades hitting 12% in some spots. For a good chunk of the drive, it feels like you're on a goat path: narrow, steep, twisty, exposed, and riddled with potholes. The first five miles are smooth sailing on a two-lane highway, but the last 12 miles get pretty narrow and curvy. You'll be cruising at around 20 MPH, tops. There are only 3 areas that are cliffy.
Perched high in the Sierras, the road is usually closed during the winter months, typically open from late May to mid-November. If you're heading up during shoulder seasons, be prepared for anything – winter driving conditions might call for chains or cables, and the weather can change on a dime.
Located in the Sierra National Forest, the views are incredible. Set aside about 1.5 hours to drive it without stopping. Also, keep in mind this is bear country, so store your food properly and definitely don't feed the wildlife. And don't forget your mosquito repellent!
Where is it?
Kaiser Pass is a classic road trip in Sierra National Forest is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.9998, -92.0834
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 36.04 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,803 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9998, -92.0834
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're tackling Cumbres de Maltrata, a stretch of México 150D that connects Mexico City to the Gulf! Word on the street is, it’s got a rep for being the most intense highway in Mexico. Think dramatic curves, seriously steep hills, and a whole lotta traffic. Keep an eye out for braking ramps (you’ll see trucks using them!), plus three tunnels and a few bridges to keep things interesting. Now, heads up: This road throws some serious curveballs. We're talking foggy weather, rain, and even snow in the winter. Add in a mix of risky drivers, brake failures (especially on big rigs), and some folks who aren’t so great at navigating those twists and turns, and you've got a recipe for a white-knuckle ride. But hey, it's not all adrenaline! You'll also be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and the majestic Pico de Orizaba mountains. You'll climb to a staggering 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level at the highest point, before dropping down near Orizaba to around 1,300m (4,265ft). Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateIs Antelope Creek Road unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around central Arizona and want a taste of the wild west, Antelope Creek Road is calling your name. This isn't your average highway – we're talking a 12.5-mile dirt track (aka County Road 74) that'll take you on a ride from Mayer down to County Road 59. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, so no need for a monster truck! This route was a lifeline back in the day for ranchers and miners, so you're basically traveling through history as you follow Antelope Creek towards the old ghost town of Cordes Station. The road climbs up to about 4,394 feet, and the views of the Bradshaw Mountains? Seriously stunning. The best part? It's usually open year-round, so you can get your adventure fix whenever the mood strikes. Get ready for some dusty fun!
moderateThe haunted Lydia’s Bridge in North Carolina
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, listen up! Just outside of Jamestown, North Carolina, lies Lydia's Bridge, an old, abandoned railroad bridge that's become a paranormal hotspot. This place isn't about stunning vistas or challenging switchbacks – it's all about the chills! Local legend whispers of Lydia, a vanishing hitchhiker said to haunt the area. Many claim to have spotted a girl in white along the roadside near the bridge, especially on foggy or rainy nights, desperately trying to hitch a ride. Drivers swear she looks completely real until she suddenly vanishes, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew! Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, Lydia's Bridge is sure to give you the creeps. The bridge itself has a menacing presence, with locals telling tales of ghostly disturbances. If you're brave enough to visit, keep an eye out for Lydia – she might just be waiting for you.
hardWhy is it called Elk Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Carbon County, Wyoming, is calling your name. This beast tops out at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Fun fact: it gets its name from Sioux Chief Standing Elk. The road itself? Eight miles of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or maybe hell, depending on your driving skills!). You absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this one, trust me. We're talking serious gradients here, with sections hitting a leg-burning 15% incline! You'll climb a staggering 3,589 feet over that short distance, averaging an 8.41% gradient. The views from the top are epic, but be warned: this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July. So plan your adventure accordingly! Oh, and the summit's home to a radio station, KBDY. So, crank up the tunes and get ready for an unforgettable ride!