North Lake road

North Lake road

Usa, north-america

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

2,854 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

North Lake road is a mountainous journey located in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.

The road is very scenic. It’s a partially gravel steep and narrow road in good conditions with no safety railings. It’s cliff-hugging and winding (but passenger car friendly). The road is subject to closure to most vehicles during the winter months, usually not opening until mid- or late-April, due to snow removal. It’s 2.0 miles long.

one of the highest roads of California

climbing up to 2.854m (9,363ft) above the sea level. Located in Inyo National Forest, this is a fantastic location for photographers. Trailers and RVs are prohibited. Risk of falling rocks. Active bear area.

Pic&video: thechevykibs

A memorable road trip to Yvonne Pass in Colorado

Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our

to discover the most spectacular roads of the world

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click

 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
3.2 km
Max Elevation
2,854 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

How do I get to Angora Lakes?moderate

How do I get to Angora Lakes?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're trying to get to the stunning Angora Lakes, nestled high in the California mountains south of Lake Tahoe? Here's the lowdown on the road: You'll be cruising along Angora Ridge Road (NF-1214) to get there. The good news is it's mostly paved! But heads up, it gets pretty steep and narrow in sections, so be prepared to pull over and let others pass. The road stretches for about 5.5 miles from the start and climbs to a parking lot sitting at 7,221 feet. There's a small fee to park here. From the lot, it's just a quick one-mile uphill hike to the lakes themselves. Keep an eye on the seasons! Because it's way up in the Sierra Nevada, the road usually closes for winter from around October to May. You'll also pass the Angora Lookout along the way. And of course, expect incredible views the whole drive. These lakes are the source of the little Angora Creek, making the area picture-perfect.

Driving the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockieseasy

Driving the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies

🇨🇦 Canada

Get ready for the Icefields Parkway, a drive that'll blow your mind in Alberta, Western Canada! This isn't just a road; it's a front-row seat to big mountains, glaciers that have been around forever, and lakes so blue they look photoshopped. Seriously, it's one of the most scenic drives on Earth. Stretching 231 km (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this north-south route connects the charming alpine town of Jasper (the main hub of Jasper National Park) with the picturesque Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Imagine starting near the Great Plains and then BAM! you're surrounded by the incredible mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks. It's forest, crag, and glacier views for days! The road, known as AB-93, is all paved, mostly two lanes with passing lanes sprinkled in. Fun fact: it was built way back in 1940. You'll climb to Bow Pass at 2,088m (6,850ft) above sea level, with Sunwapta Pass close behind at 2,069m (6,788ft). The road's usually open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs with closures. Snow tires and winter skills? Probably needed from mid-October to early May. Expect temporary closures after big snowfalls (crews need time to clear everything). Always check the forecast before you head out – rain can turn into snow any time of the year. Heads up: in winter, all the facilities along the parkway are closed. Think pristine lakes, ancient glaciers, crazy wildlife, and valleys that stretch forever. You'll wind through Banff and Jasper National Parks, a landscape packed with history and natural beauty that's hard to beat. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, deer, black bears, and coyotes – wolves, grizzlies, and goats are rarer sightings. This drive is popular, so July and August can get busy (think up to 100,000 vehicles a month!). Pack a meal, fuel up in Lake Louise or Jasper, and check road conditions, especially in spring, fall, and winter. Hit the road early to dodge traffic and boost your chances of spotting wildlife. This parkway crosses high country, so conditions can change fast, and services are limited. Even in summer, bring layers! It's a minimum 3-5 hour drive without stops, but you'll want a full day (or two!) to soak it all in.

Where is Indiana Pass?hard

Where is Indiana Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit some serious altitude in southern Colorado? Then Indiana Pass is calling your name! This gem sits way up high in the Rio Grande National Forest, north of the tiny town of Jasper, clocking in at a whopping 11,958 feet! The road, known as Summitville Road, is a well-maintained dirt road, but don’t let that fool you. While a 4x4 is recommended, a 2x4 might do the trick if you're feeling brave. Just be sure you have decent clearance. Keep in mind, though, this baby's usually snowed in for a good chunk of the year. Aim for late July at the earliest to make sure the drifts have melted enough for access. The 7.8-mile stretch between Forest Service 332 Road and the old Summitville mine is absolutely stunning. Picture this: you're winding your way up, surrounded by thousands of vibrant aspens putting on a show. And for the truly adventurous? A little spur road northwest of the pass will take you even higher, to a dizzying 12,641 feet! Get ready for some breathtaking views.

Where is Pine Canyon Road?moderate

Where is Pine Canyon Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! I just discovered the coolest little detour in Big Bend National Park, Texas: Pine Canyon Road! Seriously, if you're craving breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, this is your jam. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a wild, unpaved route carving its way through the desert. Think loose rocks, dips, climbs, blind corners, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two! Rain can change everything out here, so be prepared for anything. Oh, and keep an eye out for bears! You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one – leave the low riders at home! And trailers? Nope, not a good idea. You might actually encounter other travelers, but that's part of the fun. Clocking in at just over 4 miles, this baby packs a punch! It ends at a parking lot that’s your gateway to the Pine Canyon Trailhead, way up at 4,816 feet. Don't let the short distance fool you—you'll climb almost 1,350 feet, with some seriously steep stretches to get your adrenaline pumping. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and jolt!