Kelbaker Road is a scenic drive across the Mojave Desert
Usa, north-america
109.43 km
1,233 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Kelbaker Road is calling your name. Imagine cruising through the heart of the Mojave Desert in sunny California – that's what you're in for.
This gem winds through the Mojave National Preserve, connecting you from the I-15 near Baker down south to the legendary Route 66, a little east of Ludlow. We're talking about a smooth, paved 68.4-mile stretch of highway, perfect for any car.
Keep your eyes peeled as you climb to Granite Pass, where the elevation peaks at 4,045 feet. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: summer thunderstorms can sometimes cause flooding, so keep an eye on the weather.
But seriously, the scenery is the real star here. Kelbaker Road serves up some seriously desolate beauty. You'll feel like you're on another planet. So pack your camera, fill up the gas tank, and get ready for an unforgettable desert adventure.
Where is it?
Kelbaker Road is a scenic drive across the Mojave Desert is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.6899, -100.5772
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 109.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,233 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.6899, -100.5772
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDon’t glance down at your phone on the County Road 867
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Colorado Rockies, deep in the Uncompahgre National Forest on County Road 867 – also known as Alpine Plateau Road (catchy, right?). This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 26.9-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated mountain road magic that winds its way from US-50 up north to CO-149. And get this: you'll climb to a whopping 11,463 feet above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled, though. This route is rugged, so be ready for some seriously stunning scenery and maybe a few unexpected challenges along the way. Ready for an adventure?
hardWhere is Mengel Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Mengel Pass, a wild ride through Death Valley National Park in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. You'll find this rough-and-tumble track in Inyo County, linking Panamint Valley to the west with the stunning Butte Valley on the east. This 5-mile dirt track, also known as Coyote Canyon Road, gets its name from Carl Mengel, an old-time prospector. In fact, his stacked rock memorial marks the summit. Keep an eye out for it! So, what makes it so special? Well, Mengel Pass is a notorious Jeep trail, famed for being the spot where Charles Manson was captured. You'll need a proper 4WD vehicle. Think gnarly terrain – steep, rutted, and rocky. It's a long and slow route so bring extra fuel, plenty of water, and definitely don't go it alone. The ever-changing road conditions make it a true challenge. Even experienced drivers will find it demanding, and some SUVs might struggle. But trust me, the solitude and spectacular scenery are worth the effort. Just be prepared for anything – mechanical issues, medical emergencies, you name it. Oh, and those scattered body panels you'll see? Consider them a cautionary tale! Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic in tight spots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
extremeWhere is Red Cone Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Red Cone Pass, nestled way up high in Colorado's Park County. We're talking serious altitude here – 12,811 feet! You'll find it in the White River National Forest, not far from Keystone and a few hours' drive from Denver. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road's about 7 miles long, connecting Webster Pass to County Road 60, and it's all unpaved – think steep climbs and loose, rocky terrain. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the bumpy ride! Now, a word of warning: Red Cone Pass is no joke. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with some good clearance to tackle this beast. The one-way trail winds along a steep slope with major drop-offs and crazy switchbacks leading down to the old ghost town of Webster. The descent is even more intense, with a narrow, rocky path and a thousand-foot drop waiting for any misstep. Seriously, proceed with caution! Keep in mind, Red Cone Pass is usually snowed in until late summer and closes up again with the first snows, so aim for late August or early September for the best chance of a clear run. If there's snow, don't even think about it! But if you're up for a challenge and crave some seriously stunning scenery, Red Cone Pass is an adventure you won't soon forget.
extremeIs the road to Hart’s Pass open to passenger cars?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Hart's Pass in Washington State is calling your name! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Perched way up high—we're talking 6,204 feet!—on the edge of Okanogan and Whatcom counties, it's supposedly the highest point in Washington you can reach in a 2WD car. And if you hike past Hart's Pass to the gate to Slate Peak Lookout, you’ll be at a whopping 7,488 feet. The road, also known as NF-5400 (Hart's Pass Road), winds its unpaved way through the North Cascades, opening up some seriously epic views. Think dramatic canyons and vistas that'll leave you speechless. Just a heads-up, though: trailers are a no-go, and RVs? Probably not your best bet, thanks to the tight squeezes and lack of wide turnouts. Passenger cars are generally okay, but get ready for a potentially nail-biting ride! The road is narrow, winding, and steep, with some serious drop-offs. Passing can be tricky, but the views...oh, the views! Typically, you can hit this road from July to October, snow permitting. Built way back in 1893 to service the gold and silver mines, this road is a piece of history. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be hanging along cliff walls, soaking in those magnificent vistas. If you're planning a sunset visit, pack a warm coat – even on a summer day, temperatures can dip into the 40s at night. Starting from Mazama, you'll be climbing 1,244 meters over 30.09km (18.7 miles) of road, for an average gradient of 4.14%. It's steep! Prepare for some white-knuckle moments, but trust me, the unparalleled views from the "top of the world" are worth every single second. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!