Where is Sherman Pass?
Usa, north-america
117 km
2,804 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Sherman Pass in California is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 9,200 feet above sea level in Tulare County, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Find it on the eastern side of Sequoia National Forest, right on the edge of the Kern Plateau.
Sherman Pass Road (aka Forest Route 22S05) is fully paved, but don't let that fool you. This 73-mile stretch from Johnsondale to Linnie is a wild ride of twists, turns, and seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 9%! The road's narrow, just 18 feet across, and with those mountainous drop-offs... well, let's just say you'll want to keep your eyes on the road.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views from the top are breathtaking. You'll be gazing at the Sierra Crest and even Mount Whitney on a clear day.
A heads up: Sherman Pass is usually closed during the snowy months, opening up around late May or early June, and closing again in late fall or winter. And those summer months? Prepare for some serious heat! If you're up for a remote and challenging climb with killer scenery, Sherman Pass is your next adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 117 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,804 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow Long Is Elliott Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Alaska, craving adventure. The Elliott Highway is calling your name! This beauty, part of Alaska Route 2, stretches 152 miles from Fox, near Fairbanks, all the way to Manley Hot Springs. Now, heads up: it's a mixed bag. You'll cruise smoothly on pavement from Fairbanks to the Dalton Highway junction, but then… gravel time! The last 80 miles are unpaved, adding a rustic touch to your journey. You might not see another car for miles past the Dalton cutoff – talk about remote! Speaking of remote, winter here is NO joke. The highway department basically says, "You're on your own!" Ice, fierce winds, and drifting snow can make things super dicey. No cell service? Yep, that's part of the deal. Before you go, check those road conditions, pack emergency gear, and fill up with enough fuel to cover 400 miles. But if you're itching for a true off-the-grid experience and a soak in some hot springs, the Elliott Highway is definitely worth considering! Just double-check with your rental car company – many don't allow gravel road adventures.
moderateWhere is Monitor Pass in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
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!).
easyHow long is Mexican Federal Road 307?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, jungle-road lovers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Carretera Federal 307 in Chiapas, Mexico. This baby is a stunning 467km (290 miles) of pure, unadulterated Mexican magic. Snaking its way through the Montes Azules National Park in southern Mexico, this fully paved road is your gateway to some seriously incredible sights. Think lush, tropical jungle vibes – we're talking green trees, waving palms, and vegetation exploding in every direction. The northern part is cool, especially if you're a history buff, as it gets you close to the Bonampak and Yachilán Mayan ruins. BUT, the real showstopper is the southern section near Lagunas de Montebello National Park. Here, the landscape goes wild, mixing tropical rainforest with pine forests and glistening turquoise lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for canyons, tunnels carved into the mountains, and dramatic cliffside views. Trust me, this isn't just a drive, it's an experience!
hardWhere is Vinegar Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Vinegar Hill in eastern Oregon's Umatilla National Forest! This beast of a mountain road clocks in at over 8,200 feet, making it one of the highest in the state. Starting near the old ghost town of Austin, you'll be tackling Forest Service Road 2010 (aka Vincent Creek Road). The first 6 miles are generally maintained, but after that, things get real. Expect a totally unpaved surface, so this is where you might want to park your sedan. The remaining 4 miles to the top demand 4WD! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You're looking at some seriously steep grades, topping out at a butt-clenching 15% in spots! From bottom to top, you'll climb about 3,600 feet in just 10 miles, averaging a pretty intense incline. Keep an eye out for snow blocking the path until around late June. But trust me, the views from the summit are worth every bump and grind!