What are the highest roads in California?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,962 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, California dreamin' takes a turn off the Pacific Coast Highway! Forget the beaches for a minute, because the *real* adventure is hidden in the eastern half of the state. We're talking sky-high Sierra Nevada mountains, peaking at over 13,000 feet.
Picture this: insane climbs, thin air, and roads that demand your full attention. Winter? Expect snow, and lots of it. These aren't just roads; they're thrilling adventures that'll take you to some of the most breathtaking and memorable views in the entire state. It's a wild ride you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in California? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.8362, -101.0842
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,962 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.8362, -101.0842
Related Roads in north-america
hardSola de Vega Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for the Sola de Vega road, also known as Mexico 131 or the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido highway! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Think twisty mountain roads for over six hours, taking you through cute villages (watch out for those speed bumps!), and offering incredible views of the Sierra Madre. Word to the wise: if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. It's a popular route connecting Oaxaca to the beaches of Puerto Escondido, which means a lot of traffic on a fairly narrow road. Expect hairpin turns, steep climbs and descents – using your engine to brake is highly recommended. You'll climb to 2,180 meters near Sola de Vega before dropping all the way down to sea level at the coast. Good news: there's a new highway (Mexico 131D) in the works that should offer an alternate route, but for now, this is the way to go!
hardDare to drive the dangerous Calico Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near San Bernardino County, California, and you're craving a seriously epic off-road adventure, Calico Peak is calling your name. Nestled in the Mojave Desert's Calico Mountains, this beast tops out at 4,543 feet, and getting there is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking about Doran Scenic Drive, although "scenic" is used loosely here. This used to be a paved road, but Mother Nature had other plans. Floods wiped it out, leaving behind gnarly canyon washes and rogue chunks of pavement that only add to the challenge. Seriously, a 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. Don't even think about attempting this solo, and definitely leave the oversized vehicles and stock SUVs at home. We're talking narrow passages, massive boulders, and embedded rock just waiting to shred your tires. Skid plates and differential lockers? Consider them essential gear. The climb starts from Calico Road, stretching for 5 miles with a hefty 2,388-foot elevation gain – that's an average gradient of 9.1%! But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Once you conquer the steep inclines and nail-biting obstacles, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views from the top. Radio towers mark the summit, and you'll be able to spot everything from Tiefort Mountain all the way to the San Bernardino Mountains and Mt. Baldy. Bring your camera, folks – you'll want to remember this one!
hardWhere is NM-567 road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on New Mexico State Road 567! You'll find this gem nestled in southwestern Taos County, in northern New Mexico. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at just under 12 miles, this winding, steep road connects US 285, south of Tres Piedras, to NM 570, north of Pilar. Expect a mostly paved surface with a brief, but fun, gravel section to keep you on your toes. But don't let the short distance fool you! This road is a real challenge. The photos simply can't capture the true steepness, the hairpin turns that’ll test your skills, and the narrowness that'll make you feel like you're on a rollercoaster. We're talking gradients hitting a max of 12% in some spots! While NM-567 is open year-round, be aware that winter weather can cause temporary closures. Seriously, avoid this one at night, or if it's raining or snowing. But if you're up for an adventure, you'll be rewarded with some incredible mountain scenery!
moderateThe wild road to the abandoned Albergue Tlamacas
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Mexico, in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, ready for an adventure. We're heading to Albergue Tlamacas, an abandoned hotel perched way up at almost 13,000 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road starts at Paso de Cortés (Tlamacaxco) and stretches for just under 3 miles. It's paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. This place has a story to tell, built in the '70s, it was a hotspot until the Popocatepetl volcano started acting up in '94, forcing everyone to leave. It was a fave for climbers and tourists wanting a peek at the volcano. Now, hold on tight, because this road is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% in places! You'll climb almost 900 feet in elevation, making for an average gradient of almost 6%. The views are insane, but keep your eyes on the road—this drive demands respect! Get ready for an unforgettable (and slightly eerie) experience.