
Little Truckee Summit, a 5 stars road in the Sierra Nevada
Usa, north-america
37.17 km
1,954 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Little Truckee Summit? Sweet! This high-altitude gem sits at 6,411 feet in California's Sierra County, nestled right in the Tahoe National Forest. You'll be cruising on good ol' CA-89, a paved road that's usually open year-round, though winter storms can occasionally throw a wrench in things. The good news is, you probably won't be fighting a ton of traffic.
The whole shebang is about 23 miles long, winding its way from Sierraville in the north down to Truckee in the south. Get ready for some climbs though! There are definitely some steep spots along the way, with grades hitting up to 8% in places. But hey, the scenery is totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.17 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,954 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is the Echo Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Echo Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park, California is calling your name! This 10-mile adventure starts off CA-190 and winds its way through the Funeral Mountains to the Inyo Mine Camp – think old mining structures and remnants of a bygone era. Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle for the first few miles, and beyond that, it's 4x4 territory. Expect deep gravel and rocky terrain, but generally, the road is in decent shape. Keep an eye out though - flash floods can change things quickly! It's a climb, folks, a seriously steep one! You'll gain over 3,300 feet in elevation, making for some incredible views. And trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Don't miss the Needle's Eye, a crazy cool natural arch tucked away in the canyon narrows. There's even a super rough side road that branches off to Amargosa Valley, but only attempt that if you're a seasoned driver with a short wheelbase 4x4. Honestly, the scenery alone makes it worth it. Load up the camera, give yourself plenty of time, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
hardWilliams Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Williams Pass in central Colorado is a hidden gem sitting way up high at 11,788 feet. Seriously, this place is only accessible for a few weeks each year, so timing is everything! You'll find it nestled near the old ghost town of Hancock, right on the edge of San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests, marking the boundary between Chaffee and Gunnison counties. Picture this: a totally unpaved, rugged jeep trail (NFST #298) winding through a gorgeous alpine meadow. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a narrow, rocky path, following an old 1880s toll road, with mud bogs adding to the challenge. Expect a bumpy, rocky ride that's tight in spots with trees and shrubs. The Williams Pass Jeep Trail is about 5 miles long, connecting the Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) to the Continental Divide on NFSR #295. It's a steep climb in places, reaching a maximum gradient of 8%. Definitely bring your high-clearance 4x4 for this one! And be warned, after it rains, this trail can get seriously muddy and unsafe. This pass was closed for a long time and only reopened in 1997, and even then, it's usually only open during August, if the weather cooperates. Bottom line? Check conditions before you go to avoid disappointment.
hardA steep unpaved road to Mount Graham in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Mount Graham in Arizona. Nestled in Graham County, this peak soars to a whopping 10,472 feet, making it one of Arizona’s highest drives. Find it northeast of Tucson, chilling in the Coronado National Forest. Word is they started carving a road to the top way back in the '20s! Now, heads up: the road to the very top is all dirt, so you'll want an SUV for this one. It's called Mt. Graham International Observatory Road (4567) and leads to the Mount Graham International Observatory, built in '93. Keep in mind, the road usually closes between November 15th and April 15th. Plus, the very tippy-top has been kinda off-limits to the public for a while now. The climb is a beast! From the paved AZ-366, it's just about 2 miles to the top, but get ready for seven seriously tight hairpin turns! You'll climb nearly 900 feet in elevation – that's an average grade of over 8%! Get ready for incredible views!
moderateWhere is Cerro de la Viga?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in Coahuila, Mexico, ready to tackle one of the country’s highest roads! Cerro de la Viga clocks in at a whopping 11,666 feet above sea level. You'll find this gem nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental range, up in the northeastern part of Mexico. Heads up, La Viga is the tallest mountain in Coahuila, so expect quick weather changes year-round. Trust me, the views of the Sierra Madre Oriental from the top are worth it. Now, let's talk about the road: Camino Antiguo a La Viga. It's pure, unadulterated dirt. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 to make it. Winter can be brutal with snow, and the rainy season brings mudslides, so be prepared. This unpaved road stretches for about 6.21 miles, climbing a massive 2,982 feet, making for an average gradient of around 9%. Get ready for an adventure!