What’s the Old Plank Road?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Southern California, early 1900s. You're trying to get from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona, but there's this HUGE obstacle in your way – the Algodones Dunes. Miles and miles of shifting sand. So, what do you do? You build a road *on top* of the sand!
Enter the Old Plank Road. Back in 1915, they laid down wooden planks, like railroad tracks for cars, creating a one-lane path across about eight miles of those treacherous dunes. It was a total game-changer, connecting California and Arizona and boosting trade like crazy. Imagine cruising along, feeling like you're driving on a wooden rollercoaster through a real-life desert dreamscape.
Now, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The desert is a harsh mistress, and those shifting sands required constant upkeep. Think "Sisyphean task" but with mules and planks. They even had passing spots every mile so cars going opposite directions didn't get stuck in a sandy standoff.
Sadly, this wild ride didn't last forever. By the late 1920s, it was replaced with something more permanent. But! You can still find remnants of the Old Plank Road nestled in the dunes today. It's a total throwback, a reminder of how people conquered the desert back in the day. Plus, these dunes are seriously stunning - they've been backdrops for movies like "Return of the Jedi," so you KNOW they're epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Cabresto Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Cabresto Lake is tucked way up in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico – think seriously high country at 9,255 feet! Getting there is… an adventure. Forest Road 134A, or Cabresto Lake Road, is a twisty, turny beast. We're talking a super rocky, narrow track with about 15 hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Definitely not a winter drive! While you *might* get a regular car up there if it's dry, a 4x4 with good clearance is the way to go. Seriously, leave the RV at home; the road has sections that are basically one-way with cliffs on either side. It's about 2.1 miles from the main forest road and it climbs like crazy – over 800 feet of elevation gain! Some sections hit a 14% grade so hold on tight. But is it worth it? Totally! The road ends right at Cabresto Lake Campground, a small spot with just a few campsites surrounded by insane mountain views. Plus, it's one of the only places in New Mexico where you can catch brook trout. So, if you're up for a challenging drive and some incredible scenery, Cabresto Lake is calling your name.
hardNeedles Eye in South Dakota is a nerve-racking tunnel if you have a big vehicle
🇺🇸 Usa
# Needles Eye: A Granite Adventure in South Dakota Want to experience one of South Dakota's most unforgettable drives? Head to Custer County and tackle Needles Highway—a stunning 14-mile stretch of scenic road that winds through the Black Hills' iconic granite formations. This section of Highway 87 is part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The main attraction? The Needles Eye tunnel itself, a one-lane passage carved straight through solid granite with dimensions of just 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It's genuinely the narrowest tunnel in South Dakota, making it equal parts thrilling and claustrophobic (though totally manageable if you're not severely phobic). You'll share the road with other tourists and the occasional charter bus, so confidence in your vehicle's size is key. RV and large trailer owners? This might not be your jam. For details on tunnel specs and current conditions, swing by the visitor center. Fair warning: this isn't a speedy drive. Budget 45 minutes to over an hour for the full journey—and honestly, you'll probably find yourself crawling along at 20 mph just to soak in the scenery. The narrow, winding road with hairpin turns and granite needle formations means you'll want to pause frequently at pullouts rather than rush through. The asphalt is well-maintained, and nearly all traffic consists of leisurely sightseers. Nestled in Custer State Park, this road was meticulously planned by former Governor Peter Norbeck, who actually mapped the entire route on foot and horseback. It was finished in 1922, and it's been drawing visitors ever since. Keep in mind: the road typically closes from mid-October through early April due to snow, so plan your visit for warmer months. There's an entrance fee for the park, but trust us—it's worth every penny.
moderateCharnock Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Charnock Pass in Nevada is calling! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about Moores Creek Road (NF-008), a rugged, backcountry track that climbs to a whopping 8,385 feet in the Toquima Range. Be warned: this is a gravel-and-rock kind of road, so expect a bumpy, tippy ride. This one's for experienced off-roaders only! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely need a 4x4. But, oh, the views! As you grind your way up, the Toiyabe Range unfolds in all its glory. Charnock Pass, also known as Moores Creek Summit, rewards those who dare to venture with incredible scenery and a true sense of accomplishment. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
hardWhat is the road condition of the Switzerland Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Switzerland Trail in Boulder County, Colorado. It's not just a road; it's a time machine winding through the Rockies! This baby follows the ghost of an old narrow-gauge railway from the late 1800s, so you're basically cruising through mining history. Think jaw-dropping views meeting rugged driving. We're talking shelf roads that'll have your knuckles white and views that'll make you wanna slap a postcard. You'll be tracing the old Greeley, Salt Lake & Pacific Railway, and trust me, those early travelers weren't kidding – it does feel like the Swiss Alps out here! The road itself? Well, it's "rustic," let's say. Officially known as National Forest System Road 327, expect a bumpy, rocky ride. Most of it's doable in a high-clearance 2WD when it's dry, but honestly, 4WD is your best friend here. And Colorado weather? Don't even get me started! A quick thunderstorm can turn this beauty into a muddy mess with serious washouts. Clocking in at around 15 miles and topping out at 9,400 feet, the Switzerland Trail is usually split into a northern section near Nederland and a southern part towards Rollinsville. It’s not crazy steep, thanks to that old railway grade, but it's twisty, turny, and guaranteed to keep you on your toes. Hit it up from late spring to autumn, because winter snow will shut down the high parts. Bottom line? This isn’t just a drive; it’s a ride through Colorado's epic rail and mining past!