Where is Minaret Summit?
Usa, north-america
9.97 km
2,824 m
moderate
Year-round
Minaret Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,824m (9,265ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California. It's
one of the highest roads in California.
Where is Minaret Summit?
The summit is located on the boundary between Mono and Madera counties, in the eastern part of California, within the Inyo National Forest.
How long is the road to Minaret Summit?
The scenic road to the summit is fully paved. It’s called California State Route 203 (also known as Minaret Road). Starting from Mammoth Lakes, the road to the summit is 9.97km (6.2 miles) long, with an average gradient of 5.4%, making it a steep drive.
Is the road to Minaret Summit worth the drive?
The summit features a small parking lot, picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and the Minaret Vista Point, offering some of the best views in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Ritter, Mt. Banner, and, of course, the Minarets. Just beyond the summit lies Devils Postpile National Monument, home to one of the world's most remarkable geological formations—columnar basalt that resembles stacked posts.
Is the road to Minaret Summit open in winter?
Located high in the central Sierra Nevada mountain range, the summit receives significant snowfall in winter. The road is generally closed to vehicular traffic from late November to early April, depending on weather conditions.
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Hardscrabble Mountain in Colorado
A paved road to Signal Mountain in Grand Teton NP
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.97 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,824 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHagerman Pass is a beautiful, though not easy, drive in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
# Hagerman Pass Road: Colorado's High-Altitude Adventure Ready to tackle one of Colorado's most scenic high-altitude drives? Hagerman Pass sits pretty at 3,657 meters (11,998 feet) above sea level, right on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties. Named after James J. Hagerman, the railroad pioneer who built the Colorado Midland Railway, this mountain pass is legitimately one of the highest roads you can drive in Colorado. Located near Leadville in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, this isn't technically a difficult route—but here's the catch: you'll absolutely want a 4x4 vehicle. Seriously, don't attempt this in a two-wheel drive. The 18.82-kilometer (11.7-mile) stretch from Turquoise Lake Road to Frying Pan Road is totally unpaved and includes rocky terrain, multiple stream crossings, and occasional fallen trees that can block your path. The road itself, Forest Road 105, is a rough-and-tumble adventure that partly follows the historic Colorado Midland Railroad line. You'll spot three abandoned railroad tunnels along the way, which is pretty cool. As you climb toward the summit, the road gets narrower with some gnarly rock ledges, muddy patches, and sandy sections—all navigable if you've got the right vehicle, but genuinely impassable for standard cars. The real payoff? Absolutely stunning scenery. This high mountain route opens in late May and stays accessible until the first major snowfall (usually late October or November). You'll get sweeping views of Turquoise Lake to the east and the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to the southwest. There are tons of camping spots along the way and incredible photo opportunities—think panoramic vistas, alpine lakes, and brilliant fall colors. Block out plenty of time, bring your camera, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience.
hardDriving the wild Sandstone Canyon Trail in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hidden in the Anza Borrego desert of Southern California is the Sandstone Canyon Offroad Trail. Imagine cruising in your high-clearance 4WD through a super narrow canyon carved from layers of gorgeous, beige sandstone. The trail starts at Fish Creek Wash and stretches for about 2.3 miles into the canyon. The walls are towering and the trail is only a few feet wide in some spots – seriously stunning! Keep an eye out, though, because this unpaved path (mostly sand, but with a few mild obstacles) can change overnight thanks to flash floods or rock slides. Speaking of which, a major rock slide has blocked part of the canyon since 2017. So, the last mile is only for experienced drivers with capable 4WD vehicles. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible, but *never* go if there's a chance of rain. Flash floods are a real danger.
moderateIs the road to Haleakalā paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to the summit of Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill) on Maui, a staggering 10,023 feet above sea level! The road to the top, known as Crater Road or Route 378, is a fully paved adventure. It kicks off in Kahului and stretches for nearly 35 glorious miles into the Haleakalā mountains. Pro-tip: Pukalani or Makawao are your last stops for supplies, so stock up on snacks and gas. Trust me, this drive is worth it. At the summit, you'll find a huge parking lot and the Haleakalā Observatory. The summit building itself offers unbelievable panoramic views. On a clear day? Forget about it! You can spot Hawaiʻi (Big Island), Lanaʻi, Molokaʻi, and even Oʻahu. Now, about the road itself: It’s a well-maintained two-lane highway, but hold on tight! There are tons of blind turns, seriously steep drop-offs (without guardrails!), and a whopping 32 switchbacks! Keep an eye out for cows, nene geese and other critters that might wander onto the road. Fog can also roll in and reduce visibility. This epic road was built in the 1930s, taking two years to complete, and it snakes its way through Haleakalā National Park. It's a record-breaker, too, gaining the most elevation in the shortest distance (35 miles) anywhere! Be prepared for some serious climbing, with gradients hitting 15% in places. You'll gain over 9,900 feet in elevation with an average gradient of 5.39%. This is one unforgettable drive!
moderateWhere is Monida Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a sweet drive for you, right on the Idaho-Montana border: Monida Pass! We're talking about a seriously scenic route hitting a max elevation of 6,896 feet. You'll find yourself cruising along Interstate 15 (aka Veteran’s Memorial Highway), so yeah, it's paved all the way. This 30-mile stretch connects Lima, Montana, with Spencer, Idaho (the self-proclaimed "Opal Capital of America"). As you wind through the Bitterroot Range in the Rocky Mountains, keep your eyes peeled – the views are epic. Just remember this is a mountain pass, so keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. Otherwise, get ready for a fun ride!