Where is Doherty Slide?
Usa, north-america
175 km
1,904 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Oregon Route 140, right near the Oregon-Nevada line, overlooking the vast Warner Valley. This is Doherty Slide, also known as Doherty Rim, and it's a high mountain ridge sitting pretty at 6,246 feet.
This stretch of road, connecting northwestern Nevada to southern Oregon, is 109 miles long, running from US-395 (just north of Lakeview, Oregon) all the way to NV-140 (south of Denio, Nevada). It's paved, but don't let that fool you!
Located about 20 miles east of Adel, you'll see a sign near the summit that's pretty clear: "Take Your Time, Don’t Rush, And You’ll Get There Alive." And they're not kidding. This is a narrow two-lane highway with absolutely no guardrail. That's right – just you and a serious drop-off.
Speaking of steep, get ready for a climb! There's an 8% grade that lasts for three miles, and another sign that warns, "Trucks Use Low Gear". Seriously, the shoulder is basically a vertical drop of a thousand feet! A final, huge yellow sign screams, “This Is Your Final Warning! Turn Back Now If You Have A Heart Condition!" The views are incredible, formed by ancient lava flows, but you'll probably be too busy concentrating to fully enjoy them!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 175 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,904 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is it called Tushar Mountains?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Utah, Forest Road 123—aka Big John Flat Road—is calling your name. This beauty is nestled in the Tushar Mountains (yep, "Tushar" means "snow," so you know it gets epic), within Fishlake National Forest. Clocking in at just under 16 miles, this unpaved, winding road is a beast. We're talking steep climbs, especially past Big John Flat, so leave the travel trailers at home. And get this: you'll be cruising at serious altitude, topping out at almost 11,500 feet! Heads up: this is remote territory. No cell service, so download those maps! You absolutely need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle to tackle this. And keep an eye out for falling rocks – nature's little surprises. The views? Insane. The solitude? Palpable. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might spot turkeys, deer, elk, and all sorts of critters. Just remember to stay on the designated trail, as the surrounding areas are closed to motorized vehicles year-round. This road is typically closed in winter due to snow. Trust me, the Tushars are worth the trip for those incredible vistas and the chance to really get away from it all.
hardFairview Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a killer view in Oregon's Umpqua National Forest, Fairview Peak is calling your name. We're talking a summit of 5,944 feet, people! The payoff? A fire lookout tower with panoramic views stretching from Mount Hood all the way down to Crater Lake and Mt. McLaughlin. Now, the road to get there? It's a gravel adventure, to say the least. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for the last few rocky, narrow miles. Think slow and steady in low gear. And keep an eye on the calendar – this road's usually snowed in from November to May. Even in June and October, the weather can be dicey with snow and ice. But trust me, on a clear day, those views of the Cascade Range are worth the bumpy ride!
hardCaballo Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a real off-road experience in New Mexico's Sierra County, Caballo Peak is calling your name. We're talking about reaching a whopping 7,578 feet above sea level! Now, this isn't your typical smooth highway cruise. Caballo Peak Road (aka County Road AO03) is a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes seriously uneven path up the Caballo Range. This is strictly 4x4 territory and not for the faint of heart. Think steep inclines, potentially treacherous dropoffs, and the kind of bumps that'll test your suspension (and your patience). Trust me, you'll want to take it slow and keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. The drive demands experience, focus, and a healthy respect for the mountain. But here's the payoff: the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking! You'll be rewarded with one of the most panoramic vistas of the Jemez Mountains. Sure, there are some communication towers up there, but who cares when you're soaking in scenery like that? Just remember to drive safe and enjoy the wild ride!
hardDriving the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in California is quite an adventure
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in Monterey County, California, is calling your name! This 24.2-mile stretch winds its way through the Los Padres National Forest, hugging the Santa Lucia range like a long-lost friend. Built back in '37, this beauty is well-maintained but definitely cozy – think two lanes and no center stripe, with steep banks on either side. Give yourself an hour to an hour and a half to soak it all in. While it's usually pretty quiet, keep an eye out for fellow adventurers. The eastern side is all lush forest with peeks of views, so be sure to take advantage of the pull-outs for those Insta-worthy shots. You'll climb to a cool 2,759 feet, crossing the Old Coast Road about seven miles from Highway 1. Heads up – it can get dicey in winter, and the road sometimes closes for military exercises. Landslides happen, so be aware. Now, for the real talk: this road isn't playing around. Expect serious drop-offs and zero guardrails. Take your time, hug those curves, and keep your eyes peeled. The last section? Prepare for over 100 turns! Blind corners are a thing, so stay sharp on the way up. If you're cool with driving on the edge (literally), the views are insane. Pro tip: skip this one at night, and don't rely on your cell service. Trust me, it's worth it for the bragging rights!