
What is the Salton Sea?
Usa, north-america
75.63 km
69 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising down to the Salton Sea? This bizarre, accidental lake in the California desert is a trip! Formed way back when the Colorado River went rogue, it's now California's biggest lake, sitting way below sea level at -227 feet!
Want to check it out? You've got a couple of options for your road trip:
**West Side (California State Route 86):** This is your classic north-south desert cruise, stretching 47 miles from Coachella down to Elmore Desert Ranch. Built back in '64, it's seriously low-lying, hugging the western edge of the Salton Sea. Keep an eye out for the otherworldly salt flats โ you can literally crumble them with your hands! And don't miss the insane bird life!
**East Side (State Route 111):** This route gives you a different perspective, winding along the lake's eastern edge. Prepare for some stark desert scenery, punctuated by quirky roadside attractions. Watch out for intense heat during the summer months!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.63 km
- Max Elevation
- 69 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Wheeler Lake?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, cruising between Alma and Breckenridge in the Pike National Forest. Granite peaks tower all around as you bounce along an unpaved road (Pv32 if you're looking for it). This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking a seriously rough track with big, loose rocks that demand respect. This 3-mile trail climbs 1,220 feet from the west end of the Montgomery Reservoir, boasting an average grade of 7.73%, with some sections hitting a crazy 18.2% incline. You definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the three main obstacles and multiple creek crossings. Trust me, leave the family sedan at home. This high-altitude alpine escape sits at a whopping 12,194 feet! But be warned, this gem is usually buried in snow from October to June, so aim for a summer adventure. Wheeler Lake is absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a challenge with views that'll blow your mind.
hardWhere is Dunderberg Peak?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of California's highest roads? Head to Mono County and aim for Dunderberg Peak. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a 3.1-mile rocky climb on an unpaved, narrow, and windy trail that tops out at a whopping 10,980 feet! You'll need a 4x4 SUV with good clearance for this one. Forget about it in winter โ this road is snowed in most of the season. But is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Green, East, and West Lakes are insane, and there's even a small lake near the summit. Plus, you'll be cruising past old mining relics, a cool glimpse into California's past. Get ready for a steep climb - we're talking an average gradient of almost 10% on the way up! This road is a real workout for both you and your rig, but the payoff is epic.
hardHow is the drive to Sun Notch?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of Crater Lake in Oregon, high above the deepest lake in the USA. You're on the Rim Drive, heading towards Sun Notch, a gap in the caldera wall that gives you knockout views. "Notch" is the perfect name, because it was carved by a massive glacier that flowed down Mount Mazama ages ago. When the volcano blew and the summit caved in, the glacier was basically chopped off, leaving this epic, U-shaped valley behind. Talk about a geological rollercoaster! Now, the road to Sun Notch is paved, but hold on tight. It hugs the caldera's edge, meaning it's narrow with some serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, this can be a bit intense, especially when you're sharing the road with RVs and cyclists. Watch out for rocks on the road, and if you're in a bigger rig, take it slow โ this section of the Rim Drive is pretty mountainous, with elevation changes and tight turns galore. Luckily, there are plenty of turnouts, and Sun Notch itself has a parking area where you can start the short walk to the rim. Why make the trek? Because Sun Notch is *the* spot for photographing Phantom Ship Island. This ancient, jagged island looks like a ghostly galleon floating in the impossibly blue water. The view from Sun Notch is a total game-changer. A heads up: Sun Notch is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. This area gets buried under *tons* of snow, sometimes over 60 feet deep! They have to work like crazy to clear the East Rim Drive, and Sun Notch is usually one of the last sections to open up. Always check the park's conditions before you go, because early storms can bring ice as early as October.
moderateWhere is Black Sage Pass?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Black Sage Pass in central Colorado's Gunnison National Forest is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising along, soaking in the views from high up, because this pass is seriously elevated. So, about this Black Sage Pass thingโฆ Apparently, it gets its name from all the black sagebrush around here. Now, the road to the top? It's unpaved, so make sure your ride can handle a little dirt. And keep your eyes peeled, because this wild and scenic drive definitely has its share of potential hazards. How long is this adventure? Just enough time to feel like you've escaped the ordinary and stumbled upon a hidden gem. So get out there and explore!