Where are Virginia Lakes?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: You're cruising through the Eastern Sierra in California, heading toward the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Suddenly, you veer off onto a magical road that winds its way up to the Virginia Lakes – a cluster of eight shimmering alpine jewels. The road itself is only 5.8 miles long, mostly paved with just a little gravel near the end, making it a pretty mellow ride. But don't let that fool you, it's a climb! Starting from Highway 395, you'll gain over 1,600 feet, making for an average grade of 5.3% with some steeper pitches along the way. But the payoff is huge – not only are the lakes stunningly clear and icy cold, but you're also way up high, over 9,800 feet above sea level! Because it is a bit off the beaten path, it has a quiet vibe, which helps keep the crowds away.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is Ashton Flagg Ranch Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're itching for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road. We're talking a wild ride between the northern end of the Tetons and Yellowstone's Pitchstone Plateau, stretching across Wyoming and Idaho. Clocking in at about 49 miles (79 km), this isn't your Sunday cruise. Starting near Ashton, Idaho (off US-20) and winding east to US191 (John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway), be prepared for a mix of terrain. Some pavement exists, but most of it’s a gravel road. The east side gets spicy with narrow, rough, muddy, and rutted sections. Forget your low-rider! Seriously, a high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4x4 is highly recommended. This mountain road climbs to a whopping 7,424 feet (2,263 m), so expect snow to linger well into June, making it usually impassable from late October to late June/early July. Check conditions before you commit! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Allot about 3.5 hours for the drive *without* stops (but who can resist stopping?). You’ll be treated to incredible scenery and access to a string of gorgeous lakes: Indian Lake, Lake of the Woods, Moose Lake, Loon Lake, and Grassy Reservoir. Think primitive camping, fewer crowds than Yellowstone, and amazing opportunities for wildlife spotting. Seriously, the remoteness and ruggedness of the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road will make you feel like a true explorer. Just be prepared for an adventure! The route combines sections of Ashton/Flagg Ranch Road, Grass Lake Road, Flagg Ranch Road, or Reclamation Road.
moderateIs New Mexico State Road 126 paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk NM-126 in New Mexico's Sandoval County! This isn't just a drive, it's an experience. First, you're cruising on smooth pavement, winding into the mountains – pure bliss! But hold on, things get interesting. For about 8 miles, the road turns into a dirt track, sometimes just wide enough for one car, with hairpin turns galore. We're talking hills, canyons, and maybe a minor washout or two. Seriously, only tackle this stretch when it's dry. Overall, NM-126 clocks in at about 38 miles, connecting NM-4 to Cuba on US-550. The views are incredible, mountain vistas that'll make you want to pull over every five minutes. Just a heads up: keep an eye out for deer and elk, especially at night. This road climbs high, reaching almost 8,800 feet in the Jemez Mountains. A word of caution: the middle part of this route is often closed during winter. Also, be aware that rain can make the dirt section impassable for a few days. So, plan accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable New Mexico adventure!
hardHighland Mary Mine
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to the legendary Highland Mary Mine in Colorado's San Juan County. Perched way up high at 11,259 feet, this abandoned gold mine is reached via one seriously gnarly gravel road. Think hairpin turns and a super steep, jeep-only trail that practically scales the mountain. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking rocky terrain, incredible views, a healthy dose of Colorado history, and access to awesome hiking and fishing. You'll need a 4x4 for sure, and a good head for heights! Keep in mind, this high-altitude beauty is prone to snow, and can be impassable when drifts block the way. Even a little rain can turn the road into a slippery challenge. Watch out for those sudden patches of loose gravel, too! Come prepared for anything – even winter weather in the summer. Trust me, proper planning is the key to unlocking an unforgettable, safe trip!
hardA defiant road to Baldy Mountain in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in southeastern Idaho? Then Baldy Mountain, clocking in at 8,320 feet, needs to be on your radar. Perched in the Portneuf Range within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. Road W, your path to glory, is a rugged, unpaved beast. We're talking slow going, folks. Forget about it from late October through at least late June – Mother Nature has other plans then. You absolutely need a 4WD with high clearance for this trek. From Thunder Mountain Road, it's a 3.91-mile climb to the top, gaining a hefty 1,847 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! The views? Totally worth the bumpy ride. Just be prepared for a steep, rocky challenge!