When was Lassen Volcanic National Highway built?
Usa, north-america
54.71 km
2,604 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California? You *have* to take the Lassen Volcanic National Highway! This beauty, built back in '26, winds for 34 miles right through the heart of the park between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Entrances. Get ready for some up-close encounters with the park's killer volcanic features.
The whole road is paved, but be prepared for curves and twists galore as you climb! You'll peak at a whopping 8,543 feet above sea level near Lassen Peak itself.
Word to the wise: this road is a no-go in the winter thanks to the Cascade Range's heavy snowfall. They usually start clearing the 30-mile main park road in April, but it takes a couple of months to dig it out. Plus, keep an eye on the weather – it can close down intermittently. Heads up – no guardrails here due to the massive snow removal efforts!
As you wind through the mountains from CA-44 to CA-36, watch out for wildlife and falling rocks. The southern part gets especially windy with some serious switchbacks. And if you're in a rig longer than 45 feet, you might want to skip this one. Happy driving!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 54.71 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,604 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Left Hand Reservoir?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found an incredible spot tucked away in north-central Colorado, deep within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Left Hand Reservoir. But getting there? That's half the fun! The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think totally unpaved, rough and ready terrain. We're talking a serious 4WD situation here, folks. High clearance is a MUST. Forget your standard car—you'll need something that can handle big ruts that might give you some approach and departure angle problems. SUVs? Proceed with extreme caution (or maybe just skip it). And watch out for those high winds! The route is steep and you'll be thankful for low-range gearing. And have your camera ready, because there are plenty of tree stumps, rocks, and boulders along the sides of the trail that'll make for some epic photos. Keep in mind this isn't a year-round destination. Due to its location in the Front Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, the road's only open from about mid-June to mid-October. The unpaved section starts off of the paved Forest Road 112 (Brainard Lake Road) and stretches for roughly 3.8 miles. Over that distance, you'll climb about 600 vertical feet. Worth it for the views!
moderateWhere is Canelo Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna explore a totally off-the-beaten-path gem in Arizona? Check out Canelo Pass! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 5,469 feet, nestled in Santa Cruz County, not far from the Mexican border. You'll find it southeast of Tucson, tucked between the Canelo Hills and the northern Huachuca Mountains. And the name? "Canelo" means cinnamon-colored in Spanish – fitting, right? Now, here's the real deal: the entire route is unpaved. We're talking Forest Road 799, also known as Canelo Pass Road. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! The road gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting a max of 19% - that's pretty intense! The pass stretches for about 17.7 miles (28.48km), running from the ghost town of Canelo down south to Duquesne Road. Prepare for some seriously stunning scenery as you wind through grasslands, chaparral, and lush riparian areas. Just remember: you're out in the boonies here, so pack accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable (and slightly bumpy!) ride.
extremeCan you drive through Schofield Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're feeling adventurous and eyeing Schofield Pass in Colorado? Buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 22.4 km (13.91 mile) stretch of unpaved road – FSR #317, aka Upper South Fork Crystal River Road, or even Gothic Road – that climbs to a whopping 3,272m (10,734ft) near Crested Butte. Think stunning views in Gunnison County, Colorado, between Crystal Mill and Mt Crested Butte, but also think *serious* four-wheeling. This isn't for the faint of heart, folks. Only experienced drivers in proper, small, high-clearance 4WD vehicles should even consider it. The route is an old wagon trail from 1873 connecting Marble and Crested Butte. The scenery is incredible, especially around Geneva Lake (a couple miles from the trailhead). But let's be real: Schofield Pass has a reputation. It's supposedly the deadliest pass in Colorado! Rock slides are common and the infamous "Devil's Punchbowl" section is a cliff-hugging ledge with serious drop-offs. You might have to execute some serious multi-point turns if you meet someone going the other way. Check conditions before you go - the road is usually closed from October to July due to snow. Even if it's open, be prepared for rapidly changing weather, early snow, and the possibility of impassable conditions due to melting snow or rockslides. Oh, and that deep creek crossing before the steep descent? Make sure you dry out your brakes! Basically, don't get lulled into a false sense of security by the pretty sections. The track is rugged, rocky, and unforgiving in spots. If you're not in a proper 4x4, you're risking damage. Pay attention to that sign that warns: *This is the last chance to turn around!* So, yeah, Schofield Pass is epic… but proceed with caution, skill, and a healthy dose of respect.
hardWhere is Aspen Mountain in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Aspen, Colorado? Ditch the skis for a minute and get ready for a seriously epic off-road adventure up Aspen Mountain! We're talking about a climb to 11,227 feet in the White River National Forest. Forget pavement, this route is all about embracing the dirt on County Roads 14 and 15E. It's a relatively short jaunt – just under 5 miles from Aspen – but don't let that fool you. You'll gain nearly 3,300 feet in elevation, making for some seriously steep sections. That gradient averages out to a leg-burning 13%, so be prepared! Keep an eye out for muddy spots, even when it seems dry. The shaded areas can hold moisture. But the views? Totally worth it. Plus, you end up at the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort Sundeck. Talk about a scenic reward! Get ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of the Colorado Rockies.