Where is Kelbaker Road?

Where is Kelbaker Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

109.43 km

Elevation

1,233 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Kelbaker Road, a total gem slicing right through the heart of the Mojave Desert in sunny California! You'll find it snuggled within the Mojave National Preserve, a place that redefines "remote beauty."

This isn't just some hop-skip-and-a-jump kinda drive; we're talking about a solid 68.4 miles (109.43 km) of open road. It’s your connection from I-15 near Baker down to the legendary Route 66, east of Ludlow.

Good news: you can ditch the SUV! Kelbaker Road is fully paved and ready for your trusty sedan. As you cruise along, you'll climb to a respectable 4,045 feet (1,233 m) above sea level. Pro tip: keep an eye on the weather during the summer months, because those desert thunderstorms can cause some flash flooding on the road.

But trust me, every mile is worth it! You're in for some seriously stunning views of the stark, desolate landscape that makes the Mojave so unforgettable. Get ready for endless horizons and a serious dose of desert vibes.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
109.43 km
Max Elevation
1,233 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

El Punto Passmoderate

El Punto Pass

🇲🇽 Mexico

Get ready for the ultimate Mexican road trip! This route has it ALL: mountains, deserts, pine forests, jungles, cacti, mountain lakes, scenic overlooks, hairpin turns, rivers, and canyons. Seriously, the only thing missing is snow! Starting around 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) above sea level, you'll climb a series of sharp curves up to a mountain pass near 2,730 meters (8,957 ft). Then, hold on tight as you descend into a canyon around 1,530 meters (5,022 ft). But don't get too comfy, because you'll be climbing again into the mountains, reaching a whopping 2,970 meters (9,744 ft). From there, it's a winding descent near sea level, with views of flora transforming from pine forest to tropical jungle. Not for the faint of heart (or those prone to carsickness!), but the scenery is unreal. The road quickly ascends from 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) to 2,750 meters (9,022 ft) in just 18 kilometers, giving you views of the surrounding landscape. You'll transition from a semi-arid region into a lush pine forest, then descend into an arid canyon at 1,520 meters (5,019 ft). Keep an eye out for the road to San Miguel del Río, featuring six paved hairpin turns leading down to the town. This steep and curvy section starts around 1,850 meters (6,070 ft) and drops to the river at 1,460 meters (4,790 ft). This area is a popular tourist destination. After descending to the bottom of the canyon at 1,520 meters (5,019 ft), the road ascends to the surrounding area at 1,760 meters (5,774 ft), continuing to gain elevation at the next town, reaching 2,990 meters (9,809 ft) near another small mountain community. You'll find restaurants, hotels, historical churches, and museums. Plus, don't miss the natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls! The road winds through a rich area filled with huge pine trees, meadows, and canyon views. At 2,970 meters (9,744 ft), you'll reach the highest point on the road! There's a restaurant, parking area, and even some cabins for visitors. Near the highest point, find a dirt road to ascend into the mountains. The small dirt road to the highest accessible point by car reaches 3,140 meters (10,302 ft), the highest accessible point by car. The views are incredible. Finally, the road gradually descends into town. This section can be tricky, with sudden floods, fog, and slippery surfaces. But the transition from pine forest to tropical rainforest is amazing, with diverse wildlife and waterfalls along the way. The dense vegetation may obscure mountain views, but the sheer number of curves will keep you on your toes!

Can you drive to Mount Locke in Texas?moderate

Can you drive to Mount Locke in Texas?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Mount Locke! This Texas gem sits way up high in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at 6,790 feet. Yep, it's one of the highest paved roads in the whole state! You'll find it in the western part of Texas, and it's called Spur 78. Get ready for some steep climbs – this road doesn't mess around! Word to the wise: cell service is pretty much non-existent on most of the route, so download those maps beforehand. Snow's rare in winter, but the summit still gets cool, dry winters and hot, wetter summers. Just 17 miles from Fort Davis, the road itself is only about 1.7 miles long, but it packs a punch. You'll gain 577 feet in elevation, with an average gradient of 6.44% and some spots hitting a max of 11.4%. The prize at the top? The world-famous McDonald Observatory, run by the University of Texas at Austin. This place is serious about astronomy, with massive telescopes, a cool gift shop, and the StarDate Cafe. The peak was actually nameless until they decided to build the observatory here back in '32, then they named it after a local rancher, G. S. Locke, who helped out in the early days. So, if you're looking for incredible views and a peek at the cosmos, Mount Locke is calling your name!

How long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?hard

How long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive! Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast! Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast. A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season. Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures. Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!

Yellow Mountain Northhard

Yellow Mountain North

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Yellow Mountain North in Colorado's San Miguel County! This beast tops out at a whopping 11,607 feet, so be prepared for some serious views. We're talking about Hope Lake Road, a gravel and rocky climb that demands a 4x4 – leave the sedan at home! Heads up: this road is a no-go in winter. Even when it's open, remember you're dealing with some serious altitude and unpredictable weather, so pack accordingly. But trust me, the scenery is worth the challenge!