Where is Monitor Pass in California?
Usa, north-america
28.32 km
2,543 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Monitor Pass! This stunner sits way up high in east-central California, practically kissing the Nevada border, right where Alpine and Mono counties meet. Think wide-open spaces and that "I'm the only one here" feeling because traffic is usually super light.
The road itself, officially CA-89 (aka Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), was carved out in the early 50s and named after the old silver mining town, Monitor. We're talking about a 17.6-mile stretch of pure, paved goodness connecting Alpine State Highway south of Markleeville to US-395 north of Coleville, southeast of Lake Tahoe.
Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect a seasonal closure from late November to early April due to snow. Speaking of high, we're talking an elevation of 8,343 feet! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road near the top that climbs even higher to 8,942ft.
Hold on tight, because this road isn't shy about its steepness! You'll find yourself tackling gradients up to 13% in spots. The eastern side, heading towards US-395, is particularly punchy, so gear down and be prepared for a serious climb if you're heading back up. Give yourself about 30 minutes to cruise this pass without stopping to soak it all in (but you *totally* should stop!).
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,543 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Sand Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a fun little adventure in Colorado? Check out Sand Creek Pass! It's nestled in Larimer County, practically hugging the Wyoming border in the Roosevelt National Forest. Heads up: you'll be off-roading on Sand Creek Road (County Road 80C), a completely unpaved path. This baby's about 8.7 miles long. Most of the trail is pretty chill. But, there's a creek crossing that can get pretty deep - like, a foot deep! - so be aware. After you splash through the creek, things get a little spicier. Expect a narrow, rough, and sometimes steep climb. But the views? Totally worth it as you start a beautiful descent! High-clearance vehicles are your best bet, but even newbies to off-roading can handle it. Fall is prime time here, super popular with campers gearing up for their adventures. When I drove it, wildflowers were popping all over the north side. Just a heads up, this road is closed from December 1st to June 14th. So plan accordingly and happy trails!
easyIs Brackenrig Road Paved?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Brackenrig Road – aka Muskoka District Road 25, and even the Frank Miller Memorial Route! – is a must-do if you're cruising around the Lake Rosseau area in Canada. Seriously, the views of the lake's eastern shore are postcard-perfect. It's conveniently located north of Port Carling in the southern part of Canada. The road's been spruced up lately so it's wider than it used to be, and they've tamed some of those hair-raising corners. Just keep an eye out for some fresh road cuts – part of the recent upgrades! It's a popular spot for good reason: you'll find yourself soaking in some seriously beautiful views!
hardHow long is Brynwood Hillclimb?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in Portland's West Hills, ready to tackle what some say is Oregon's steepest climb – Brynwood! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a lung-busting, leg-burning ascent that'll have you questioning your life choices (in the best way possible, of course). This little beast of a road is only 0.28 miles long, but don't let that fool you. It kicks off from NW Miller Road, about 794 feet above sea level, and shoots straight up to NW Skyline Boulevard at 1,096 feet. That's a 302-foot climb in just under half a mile, averaging a crazy 21% grade! But wait, there's more! You'll hit sections of nearly 25% on cracked pavement sprinkled with gravel. Located in the northwest of Oregon, prepare for a serious challenge. The road's super narrow, and uphill traffic gets the right-of-way (trust me, you'll want it). No trucks allowed here! The whole experience feels way longer than it actually is, and watch out for moisture and moss adding to the slippery fun.
hardReward Mine: a risky drive into an abandoned mine in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever dreamed of driving through a real mine? Head to Inyo County, California, and you might just get your chance! Tucked away at the foot of the Inyo Mountains, between Independence and Lone Pine, lies the Reward Mine (aka Brown Monster Mine), a sprawling relic from the late 1800s gold and lead rush. This place is massive, with eight interconnected levels stretching over 500 feet! The main tunnel is so huge, rumor has it you can drive a 4x4 right through it. You'll find the mine just east of the Manzanar Historical Monument, a somber but important WWII internment camp definitely worth a visit. Now, for the adventurous drivers: the trail leading to the mine entrance is steep and rocky, definitely requiring 4WD, good clearance, and excellent off-road tires. Once inside, the terrain mellows out to soft dirt, and you can supposedly drive over a quarter mile into the earth. The main tunnel itself can fit multiple vehicles! A word of serious caution: this mine is showing its age, and collapses are a real risk. This is earthquake country, so a cave-in could happen anytime. Driving in alone is not recommended, and extreme caution is a must. Even though it's tempting, driving into the depths of the mine is a dangerous and risky adventure. Despite the risk, the reward is driving into a real mine, something very few get to experience.