Where is Onyx Summit in California?

Where is Onyx Summit in California?

Usa, north-america

Length

45.38 km

Elevation

2,579 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Onyx Summit in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains! This epic pass sits way up high at 8,461 feet, making it the highest state highway summit in these parts.

You'll find it nestled inside the San Bernardino National Forest, southwest of San Bernardino County. The whole 28.2-mile route from Angelus Oaks to Sugarloaf is totally paved (California State Route 38), so no need for a 4x4.

Just be ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 11.2% in places! Once you conquer the climb, get ready for views for days. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, a little gravel road east of the summit can take you even higher, up to 9,127 feet. Just keep your eyes peeled, because it gets a little tight up there!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
45.38 km
Max Elevation
2,579 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Why is the Imperial Express SuperChair in Colorado famous?extreme

Why is the Imperial Express SuperChair in Colorado famous?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're heading to Colorado, right? And you want a thrill? Check out the road to the Imperial Express SuperChair at Breckenridge Ski Area! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to one of the highest chairlifts in North America, sitting pretty high up. The road itself? Let's just say it's an adventure. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, with some seriously steep sections. Think gradients that will have your engine working hard. Now, this road isn't about smooth cruising. It's primarily a maintenance route used when the snow melts, so expect a raw, rugged feel. The final stretch? Get ready for views and a little bit of the jitters – it's not for the faint of heart. Just picture yourself scaling that mountain with incredible scenery all around!

What Is the Alpine Loop?extreme

What Is the Alpine Loop?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! You absolutely HAVE to check out the Alpine Loop in Colorado's San Juan Mountains! This 63-mile loop winds through some seriously stunning alpine terrain, linking Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. We're talking crazy beautiful mountain views, ghost towns galore, and photo ops that will make your Instagram followers drool. Now, listen up: this isn't a Sunday drive in your sedan. We're talking high-clearance, four-wheel-drive territory because you'll be tackling Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass—both topping out over 12,000 feet! Expect narrow sections, hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat, rocky terrain, and some seriously dramatic drop-offs. Uphill traffic always has the right of way! Plan on 4-6 hours behind the wheel, and that's without stopping (but you *will* want to stop!). This epic loop is usually open from late May/early June to late October, depending on the snow. Trust me; the Alpine Loop is worth the challenge. You'll find incredible hiking and biking trails, perfect camping spots, and maybe even a little solitude amidst the breathtaking scenery. Just be sure to fill 'er up with gas and pack plenty of snacks and water. You're gonna need 'em!

Weston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Richeshard

Weston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches

🇺🇸 Usa

Hey adventurers! Let's talk about Weston Pass, a high-altitude gem nestled in the heart of Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,938 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Park and Lake counties in central Colorado. This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 22 (Co Rte 7), stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285. Now, the road isn't too tricky, but keep an eye out for a few rocky patches, especially if your vehicle sits low. Heads up: the eastern side is generally easier to navigate compared to the western slope. Coming from Highway 285 to the east, most passenger cars can handle it with a bit of care. However, if you're approaching from Highway 24 to the west, high clearance and maybe even 4-wheel drive are recommended. Be prepared for some washboards near the bottom that can make for a bumpy ride. For the full traverse, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is your best bet, especially with some sections hitting a steep 12% gradient. Keep in mind that Weston Pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan accordingly. Historically, this route, located within Pike National Forest, was a bustling toll road back in the 1860s and 1870s, earning the nickname "The Road to Riches." It was used by everyone from Native Americans to prospectors chasing gold and silver dreams, serving as a vital wagon road between Fairplay and Leadville. Today, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll spot remnants of old cabins, charming beaver dams, and panoramic mountain vistas. Near the summit, you'll even find Weston Pass Hut, a backcountry lodging that boasts the highest elevation of its kind in Colorado. For the thrill-seekers, there's a 4x4 trail on the west side leading up to an old gold mine – definitely a challenge that requires some expertise and good clearance.

Is a 4x4 Essential for Rat Trap Pass?hard

Is a 4x4 Essential for Rat Trap Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a real beast of a pass? Head to Snohomish County, Washington, and find Rat Trap Pass. We're talking a whopping 3,182 feet above sea level, people! Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. Located inside Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this is National Forest Road #27. It's a gnarly, unpaved track where a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! Seriously, leave the sedan at home. Washouts are common, and "impassable" is a regular state of affairs. The road stretches for a solid 13.7 miles from the Mountain Loop Highway to National Forest Road #2703. But trust me, the views are worth it! Prepare to be blown away by the incredible scenery, especially the majestic White Chuck Mountain. Just remember to pack your nerves of steel!