Travel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave
Usa, north-america
153 km
2,314 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Saline Valley Road, a super scenic track cutting through the heart of the Mojave Desert in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a challenging backcountry route in Death Valley National Park that'll test your mettle.
You'll find this road tucked away in one of the most remote spots in California, stretching north to south through the vast Saline Valley. Picture a huge, arid valley nestled within the Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area. Keep in mind there are absolutely zero services available out there, so come prepared.
Originally built to haul borax and salt back in the early 1900s, the road now spans a whopping 95 miles (153 km). The elevation ranges wildly from 1,094 to 7,593 feet (333 to 2,314m).
Expect mostly unpaved conditions with lots of washboard sections. It's often heavily corrugated and sandy in spots, with sporadic maintenance. As you climb higher, it gets twisty with some serious drop-offs. The road is bumpy and rough, with curves, drop-offs, and deep, loose sand to keep you on your toes. High ground clearance is a must, and 4x4 might be needed in winter. Off-road tires and a full-size spare are highly recommended. Take breaks – your back will thank you! Technically, any vehicle can pass, but long stretches are extremely rough with sharp, primitive rock gravel.
The road's open year-round, but winter can bring closures due to snow, ice, or washouts. October to May is prime time, although higher elevations might be snowed in. Spring and fall are especially nice, with temperatures in the 50-85 degree range. The Inyo County Road Department often marks the road as "CLOSED" after floods or winter snows, but those signs often stay up to deter unprepared drivers. The route goes through two mountain passes: the Inyo Mountains in the north and the Nelson Range in the south. The northern pass is higher but better maintained and closer to the hot springs. Remember, this isn't a Park Service Road; Inyo County handles maintenance.
The drive treats you to some of Death Valley's most incredible landscapes. Think sweeping views of salt marsh, sand dunes, warm springs, and the majestic Inyo Mountains.
Where is it?
Travel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6205, -98.4124
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 153 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,314 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.6205, -98.4124
Related Roads in north-america
hardShrine Pass in Colorado - A Comprehensive Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Shrine Pass in Colorado. We're talking about a high-altitude dirt road, sitting pretty at 11,187 feet! It’s smack-dab on the Eagle and Summit County line, nestled in the White River National Forest. This isn't your average highway. It’s a narrow, unpaved dirt track (aka Shrine Pass Road or Forest Road 709) that used to be *the* way to get between Denver and Glenwood Springs back in the day. Now it's more of a scenic adventure. The road's generally in good shape, but heads up – it can get narrow and rocky. A sturdy 2WD vehicle, SUV, or 4WD is your best bet but sometimes you can even make it in a high-clearance 2WD. There’s usually plenty of room to pass, plus a few pull-offs to snag some epic photos. You can only hit this beauty from June to September (weather permitting, of course). Trust me, it’s worth the wait. The views are insane, especially in summer and fall with wildflower meadows, pine forests, and glimpses of Mount of the Holy Cross. It’s an awesome sightseeing route, especially when the leaves start changing, and thankfully, it's never too crowded. The whole shebang is about 11.9 miles, connecting I-70 near Vail Pass to US-24 near Red Cliff. Get ready for an unforgettable Colorado drive!
moderateHighwood Pass is the highest paved road of Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, is calling your name! This epic pass clocks in at a whopping 2,217m (7,273ft), claiming the title of Canada's highest paved road. Just a short 140 km jaunt southwest from Calgary, nestled in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park near Lower Kananaskis Lake, this beauty is easy to get to. Highway 40 will lead you on a 148 km (92-mile) paved journey from Kananaskis to Longview. But heads up—the road can get steep (we're talking up to 7% gradients!) and icy conditions are definitely possible. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for bears! Perched high in the Rockies, this route offers some seriously amazing scenery. Just be aware that it's usually closed from December to mid-June due to heavy snow and wildlife migration. You’ll be right at the tree line, so the views are totally alpine. Pro tip: the summit can get super windy, and the weather changes on a dime. While the drive itself is only about 1.5-2 hours non-stop, you'll want to plan a full day to truly soak it all in. Trust me, with views this good, you’ll want to stop often!
hardHeckman Pass: gradients of 18%, no guardrails and sheer drop-offs
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Heckman Pass! This epic mountain route sits way up high in west-central British Columbia, Canada, clocking in at 5,000 feet above sea level. You'll find this beauty on Highway 20, also known as Bella Coola Road or Chilcotin Bella Coola Highway, west of Anahim Lake. It marks the spot where the Chilcotin Plateau and the Bella Coola Valley call it quits. Locals affectionately call it "The Hill," and it's a 47-mile stretch from Stuie in the Bella Coola Valley to Anahim Lake. Budget about an hour to soak it all in. Highway 20 tops out here, making it the highest point on the whole route. Picture this: the Rainbow Range as your backdrop as you cruise a road carved out back in '53 by sheer grit and determination. They called it "Freedom Road" back then, and the name still sticks! Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Expect a narrow, winding path with a heart-pounding 6-mile section of steep switchbacks. We're talking up to 18% grades and 11 hairpin turns! You'll be hugging a cliff face with just a tiny wall between you and a major drop to the valley floor. No guardrails here, folks! While most cars can handle it, it's a true white-knuckle gravel road. Some tourists have even refused to drive back down! Locals drive it with respect, knowing that too much brake can send you sliding. And pro tip: winter tires or chains are a must between October and April in this part of British Columbia.
extremeWhat is the most dangerous road in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Here's the lowdown on some of Colorado's most talked-about routes: **The "Oops, Did I Just Wipe Out?" Award:** The road linking Gunnison and Salida. It's a stunner, sure, but with a higher-than-average rate of incidents, maybe scout an alternate route if you're feeling unlucky! **The Million Dollar Highway:** Prepare for serious twists and turns! This stretch between Silverton and Ouray boasts 15 switchbacks – hold on tight! **I-70 Mountain Passes:** Be ready for company (lots of it) heading to and from the slopes. Patience is a virtue, especially on peak ski weekends! **Wolf Creek Pass:** If you are a snow lover than this is the one for you. **Mountain Passes – The High One:** It hits almost 12,000 feet on the Continental Divide. **Guanella Pass:** Escape the city and venture into the quiet beauty of North Park, leaving Fort Collins in your rearview. **Slumgullion Pass:** Get off the beaten path winding through the San Luis Valley to Gunnison. Remote? Absolutely. Stunning? Without a doubt. **Cinnamon Pass:** Prepare for low gear all the way! With sections hitting nearly 10% grade between Lake City and Creede, your vehicle will get a workout.