Where is Devil’s Hole?
Usa, north-america
13.67 km
130 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Devil's Hole! Picture this: you're cruising through the Nevada desert, south-central part of the state near the legendary Death Valley. You'll find it nestled in the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
First things first, you’ll be driving on Devil’s Hole Road – all 8.5 miles (13.67km) of it are unpaved, stretching between Ranch Road and Ash Meadows Road. It's a pretty isolated spot, so come prepared. You'll have to park the car for the last little bit, but it's worth it.
So, what IS Devil's Hole? It's basically a collapsed limestone cave, like a window into this massive underground aquifer system stretching across Nevada, California, and even into Mexico! The water's always around 91°F (33°C), and it's seriously deep – divers have gone down over 427 feet (130 meters) without hitting the bottom! Rumor has it, it might go down over 900 feet.
But it’s not just the depth that’s wild; this place is home to the super rare Devils Hole Pupfish.
And of course, there's the lore. Legend says this place got its name because of the eerie sounds echoing from the cavern, like the devil himself was roaring! There are stories of things disappearing into the depths and other strange happenings. Spooky, right?
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 13.67 km
- Max Elevation
- 130 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHoosier Pass in Colorado: enjoy a drive among the clouds
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Colorado State Highway 9, winding your way up Hoosier Pass. This baby sits way up there at 11,542 feet, right on the Park and Summit County line, west of Denver. Seriously, the views are insane! This paved road is a real treat – smooth sailing on the south side, but get ready for some switchbacks and a punchy 8% grade as you head north. It's about 21.4 miles from Breckenridge to Fairplay, so buckle up for a scenic ride. Word to the wise: this pass is usually open year-round, but Colorado winters can be wild, so keep an eye on the weather. Most cars can handle it, but snowstorms can shut things down. Now, for the adventurous souls! Just west of the paved pass, a rugged dirt road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to a whopping 12,112 feet. We're talking four-wheel-drive territory here, folks. All-wheel drive just won't cut it. The payoff? Unbelievable views of those jagged Rocky Mountains. Charge your camera, you'll thank me later! This is one of the highest roads in the state, and trust me, it's an unforgettable experience.
extremeThe narrow road to Schofield Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
🇺🇸 Usa
Schofield Pass, nestled high in Colorado's Gunnison County near Crested Butte, hits a breathtaking 10,734 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about 13.9 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain known as FSR #317 (or Gothic Road). Named after a local silver miner, B. F. Schofield, the route connects Crystal Mill to Mt. Crested Butte, marking the high point between Marble and Crested Butte. Think serious 4x4 territory – this demands a skilled driver and a high-clearance vehicle. While recent improvements have made it *drivable*, don't underestimate the demanding sections. This old wagon route, dating back to 1873, delivers views that are worth the bumpy ride. Park up in the town of Crystal and hike the short distance to the trailhead, or even check out nearby Geneva Lake. Perched in the Sawatch Range, be prepared for frequent closures. This pass is usually impassable from October to July, and early snows or rockslides are a real possibility. Speaking of rockslides, check conditions before you go! Weather and rock conditions can shift quickly, making sections impassable. Word is, this is Colorado's deadliest pass. Serious accidents happen every year, especially on the descent from Schofield Park to the Devil's Punchbowl. One major hazard: brakes failing after a creek crossing. The Devil's Punchbowl features a nerve-wracking cliffside ledge with drops of up to 300 feet, meaning you might be reversing for *miles* to let someone pass. Keep an eye out for that warning sign: Last chance to turn around! Narrow road, steep drop-offs! Don't be fooled by the pretty sections luring you into the Crystal River gorge. With rutted, rocky tracks and massive potholes, if you're not in a 4x4, turn back now to save your car's undercarriage.
easyWhy is it called Sherman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Sherman Pass in Washington is calling your name. This isn't just any drive; it's a journey to 5,524 feet above sea level in the heart of Ferry County. And get this: it's the highest pass in Washington that's kept open all year round! Nestled in the northeastern part of the state, a world away from the hustle and bustle, most of this gorgeous drive winds through the Colville National Forest. You're basically surrounded by epic scenery with hardly any other cars around. Plus, you're cruising along a historic route once used by Native Americans heading to the Columbia River for fishing! Later, wagons came rumbling through, and the whole thing was named after Civil War General William T. Sherman, who rolled through back in 1883. The road? Paved, baby! State Route 20, also known as the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, is smooth sailing all the way to the top. Sure, it's steep in sections, but the views are SO worth it. Seriously, they don't call it "The Most Beautiful Mountain Highway" in Washington for nothing! The whole shebang is just under 37 miles long, stretching from near Republic on WA-21 all the way east to Kettle Falls on US-395. My advice? Hit this road between late spring and early fall for the ultimate escape. Trust me, it's the perfect way to ditch civilization and reconnect with nature (and some seriously stunning vistas).
extremeMount Pluto
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up! We're heading to the summit of Mount Pluto, an extinct volcano chilling at 8,615 feet in California's Placer County. Now, don't expect a smooth ride. This "road" is really a rocky, gravelly service road, basically a chairlift access trail used by the ski resort. Think super steep inclines - some sections hit a crazy 30%! - and a whole lotta loose stones under your tires. Seriously, the upper part gets even rockier and more intense. Word to the wise: this climb is only possible for a brief window in late summer (think late August). Plus, expect some serious wind. It's a mountain, after all, and the gusts can be brutal year-round. Even in summer, snow's a possibility. And trust me, winter temps up here are no joke. But hey, the views from the top are killer, so if you're up for a challenging trek with some potentially wild weather, Mount Pluto awaits!