The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient
Usa, north-america
2.89 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California! Nestled in the Western Sierra mountains, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This baby is *steep* – we're talking gradients pushing 20% in places! It's only 1.8 miles long, winding from Moccasin to Priest, but those miles pack a punch.
Forget bringing your RV or truck; this road's for passenger vehicles only (under 7,500 pounds). It's paved, sure, but don't let that fool you. This former Indian path-turned-wagon route, dating back to the Gold Rush era, is twisty, turny, and can get slick when wet. Rock slides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled! Plus, being a popular route to Yosemite, you'll likely have company.
Oh, and did I mention the hills? Prepare for some serious brake action and potential overheating, especially on those scorching summer days. With grades hitting nearly 20%, this climb is no joke. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely breathtaking! Just make sure your ride is reliable, and your nerves are steady!
Where is it?
The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 45.5999, -96.1684
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.89 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.5999, -96.1684
Related Roads in north-america
extremeRock Creek Trail Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're in Park County, Colorado, ready for an adventure. You're aiming for Rock Creek Trail Pass – also known as Lost Park Divide – sitting pretty at 10,695 feet! The route? Lost Park Road, a proper 4WD gravel track snaking through the Pike National Forest. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking rocky bits, potentially muddy sections, and weather that can turn on a dime. Think avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – seriously, don't even think about it if the forecast looks dodgy. Patches of ice can pop up anytime, too, so keep your wits about you. But hey, if you're up for a challenge and prepared for anything, the views are totally worth it!
moderateWhat is the new name for Squaw Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're cruising around Colorado and looking for a scenic mountain escape, you HAVE to check out Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly known as Squaw Pass). Nestled in Clear Creek County between Evergreen and Idaho Springs, this beauty climbs to a whopping 9,790 feet! The road, now known as Mestaa’Ėhehe Road (or Colorado State Highway 103), is a fully paved, 30.8-mile ribbon of asphalt that winds through the Arapaho National Forest. Just be warned, it's a bit of a leg burner for your car – some sections max out at an 8% grade! Built way back in the day (the first version in 1923, and fully paved by '56), it's super accessible from Denver. Keep in mind that even though it's open year-round, Mother Nature can be a real diva. Snow can definitely shut things down in the winter, so always check conditions before you go. But if you catch it on a good day, you're in for some seriously stunning Front Range views!
easyLittle Truckee Summit, a 5 stars road in the Sierra Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
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!
easyWhere is Magnetic Hill?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, so you're heading to Magnetic Hill near Moncton, New Brunswick? Get ready for a mind-bender! This place is famous for making cars seem to roll *uphill*. Seriously! It's all about an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape, which is a bit sloped and hidden by trees. Your brain just gets tricked. The road itself is totally paved and smooth, so no worries there. The "magic" happens on about a kilometer (or 0.6 miles) of road off Mountain Road. Is it worth the trip? Totally! It's a classic tourist spot. Plus, there are viewing areas and even a zoo and amusement parks nearby to make a whole day of it. Get ready to experience a road that messes with your head in the best possible way! It's a must-see for anyone into quirky roadside attractions.