Where is Hawkins Peak?
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,953 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're north of Markleeville, California, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state, winding your way through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You're on the hunt for Hawkins Peak, reaching a lofty 9,688 feet above sea level—one of the highest roads in California!
This peak? It's named after some dude named Hawkins, the first white settler around these parts back in the 1850s. He was a squatter on a cattle ranch to the east. Pretty cool, huh?
Heads up: the road to the summit is unpaved and rocky, so you’ll definitely want a 4x4 with some decent clearance for that final push. It's not super long, but it's a climb. We're talking a serious elevation gain, with an average gradient that hits a max of 17.8% in spots—hold on tight!
But the real payoff? The views from the top are epic. You can soak in the snowy Sierra Nevada range and the vast high desert of Nevada. Just keep in mind, this road is totally impassable in the winter.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,953 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardEstes Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Estes Mountain in central Idaho's Custer County is calling! This peak tops out at a breathtaking 9,514 feet, making it one of Idaho's highest drives. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta tippy moments. Winter? Forget about it – impassable is the word. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven though! Definitely bring your 4x4, and maybe your courage, because this trail is steep, with hairpin turns aplenty. Oh, and heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing some serious drop-offs. Watch out for wet conditions that can turn the road into a muddy challenge. Keep your eyes peeled for old mines all the way to the top, remnants of the area's gold-rush history dating back to the 1800s. You'll find a parking area near the summit. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
moderateHow do I get by car to Irazu Volcano in Costa Rica?
🌍 Costa Rica
Get ready for an epic climb up Volcán Irazú, Costa Rica's tallest volcano, nestled in Cartago province! This isn't just any drive – it's an adventure up Ruta Nacional Secundaria 219 to a staggering 3,366m (11,043ft) above sea level. The road's paved all the way to the parking lot, and you'll find clear signs guiding you. Just look for the well-marked turnoff for Irazu right before you hit Tierra Blanca. Be prepared for some fog and maybe a little rain as you ascend into the clouds (you might even drive *above* them!). Starting from Tierra Blanca, the road gets pretty steep as it winds its way up. It's a 19.3 km (12 mile) climb, gaining 1,346 meters in elevation, so buckle up for an average gradient of nearly 7%. As you ascend you'll be driving through an agricultural area where many flowers, onions and potatoes are grown. This area also houses communication facilities at 3.434m (11,266ft) above sea level. The views are insane! On a clear day, you can even spot both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the summit. Inside Irazu Volcano National Park in the Central Valley, the best time to visit is March or April. Keep in mind that it's usually cool and windy up there year-round. Arrive early to catch the best views of the craters as clouds tend to roll in after 10 a.m. The park closes at 3:30 p.m., and the drive from Cartago takes at least half an hour, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the views!
hardA road trip to Lobdell Lake in California is truly epic
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer off-road excursion for you in Mono County, California: Lobdell Lake. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a seriously scenic climb up to 9,274 feet! You'll find this hidden gem nestled in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The road, appropriately named Lobdell Lake Road (or just Road 67 if you're feeling official), is 10.6 miles of unadulterated dirt. Definitely needs a 4x4, preferably one that isn't afraid of a few bumps and bruises. Starting from US-395, east of Sonora Junction, you'll grind your way up some pretty intense inclines – think gradients hitting 13%! But trust me, the views as you approach the lake at 9,540 feet are worth every ounce of effort. Perched in the Sweetwater Mountains near the Nevada border, this trail is usually open from May to November. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
hardIs the road to Baru Volcano unpaved?
🌍 Panama
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the road to Volcán Barú in Panama's Chiriquí Province. This dormant volcano sits way up high at 3,474m (11,398ft). The trek up, starting from David, is about 58.8km (36.53 miles) of mostly unpaved, rugged terrain. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one! It's called Volcancito Road or Camino Volcán Barú. Get ready for some serious twists and turns; this road will definitely test your driving skills (and your nerves!). The pavement gives way to a rough dirt track that climbs almost all the way to the summit. Why bother with the white-knuckle drive? Well, on a clear day, you can see *both* the Pacific Ocean *and* the Caribbean Sea from the top – how epic is that?! Just a heads up, the summit is covered in antennas, and it gets seriously cold. We're talking below freezing with possible frost, so pack accordingly! And yeah, this is a volcano, but it's been snoozing since around 1550 AD, so you're (probably) good.