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
extremeWhere is Lion's Back in UT?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lion's Back is a famous sandstone ridge located near the city of Moab in the US state of Utah. It is now private property and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. Where is Lion's Back in UT? Lion's Back is located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, near Moab, in Grand County, in the eastern part of Utah, in the western United States. It’s located to the east of the iconic Why is Lion's Back in UT famous? It gained popularity in the early 2000s as a daring climb for off-road vehicles due to its steep incline and rugged terrain. How is Lion's Back in UT? The climb is several hundred feet up (350 feet), and the slope has a gradient of up to 65 degrees in places; then the world’s most precarious 3-point turn at the top of the rock, before the hair-raising descent. It's said to be one of the most iconic off-road obstacles on the planet. As the tire tracks on the rock show, plenty of off-roaders have proved their insanity here. Excellent traction enabled vehicles to surmount inclines of incredible steepness, but plenty of power is necessary. The climb involves several hundred feet on a steep slope, and then a 5 to 9-point turn-around at the top of the rock before slowly descending the same way up. Drivers ascended a steep stone ramp, surrounded on all sides by precipitous drop-offs. This amazing and dangerous rock was not for stock vehicles or novice drivers. The most famous accident on Lion's Back This rocky hill was known for a video showing a Chevrolet Blazer losing its brakes and rolling down the hill, plunging 30 feet to the ground. The accident was featured on several TV shows. Why is Lion's Back at Moab closed? The experience was simply stunning. Despite its allure to adrenaline junkies, Lion's Back was eventually closed to vehicle traffic due to safety concerns and environmental considerations. The closure came after several incidents and accidents on the trail, highlighting the risks associated with attempting such treacherous off-road challenges. In 2004, this land was purchased by a real estate developer and has since been closed to the public. Now it’s privately owned and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. It is one of those obstacles that looks much more intimidating than it is difficult. While Lion's Back is no longer accessible for 4x4 vehicles, it remains a notable landmark in the Moab area and serves as a reminder of the region's rugged terrain and adventurous spirit. Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient 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.
extremeTrans-Taiga Road is a very remote drive in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the ultimate off-the-grid adventure on the Trans-Taiga Road! This 666km (413-mile) wilderness trek in northern Quebec, Canada, connects the James Bay Road to the vast Caniapiscau Reservoir. Picture this: you, your car, and mile after mile of pure, untamed taiga. Starting at km 544 of the James Bay Road, this unpaved beauty runs east-west. We're talking about 582 km (362 miles) to the Brisay generating station, followed by another 84 km (52 miles) hugging the shoreline of the enormous Caniapiscau Reservoir. This is as far from civilization as you can get on wheels in North America. The speed limit varies, generally 80 km/h for the first stretch, then dropping to 70 km/h where the road narrows. Remember to be courteous and yield to oncoming vehicles. Forget about pit stops for snacks or souvenirs – there are zero towns along this route. The only signs of human life are the Hydro Quebec worker settlements, and those are off-limits to the public. The nearest town, Radisson, is a staggering 745 kilometers (463 mi) away! This road is open year-round, but brace yourself for extreme temperatures: bone-chilling -40°C in winter and scorching summer heat. While most cars can handle the gravel surface, the section from Brisay (km 582) to Caniapiscau (km 666) gets pretty gnarly, so a 4x4 is recommended. And seriously, invest in some decent tires! The gravel is super coarse, with large rocks scattered about. Keep an eye out and drive defensively. This isn't a family road trip, folks. Breakdowns out here can be a serious (and expensive) problem. Imagine needing new tires flown in – yikes! Originally built for access to Hydro-Québec's hydroelectric stations, this road is all about function over frills. Don't expect rest areas or campgrounds – they're few and far between, with nothing past km 203. This is a serious journey. Budget 12-15 hours of driving time. The landscape is mostly flat, with endless stretches of spruce and jack pine forest, bogs, rocks, and low hills. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife.
moderateWhere is the Anniversary Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in southern Nevada, near the California border, ready for an off-road adventure. Anniversary Mine Road in the Muddy Mountain Wilderness (Lake Mead area) is calling! This isn't your Sunday drive – you'll need a high-clearance vehicle, and honestly, 4WD is your best bet. It's a loop, kicking off and ending on NV-167 (Northshore Road). The eastern side is usually in decent shape, thanks to occasional maintenance. But things get interesting when you hit Lovell Wash – it can get pretty deep, especially after rain. Why bother? Well, the views are killer, and you'll climb up to 2,122 feet. Plus, you'll find yourself near an active mine, some cool campsites, the Ore Car Mine, and trails like the Anniversary Narrows Route. History buffs, take note: you're driving through mining history from way back in 1921 when they were digging for Borax. Just remember, the road dips in and out of the Lake Mead area, so be aware of your surroundings. And hey, tempting as it might be, stay out of the mines! Safety first, adventure second.
hardA truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Funnel Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in the Eastern Sierras, just southwest of Bishop, California, ready for an off-road adventure to Funnel Lake! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's the Coyote Flat 4x4 Trail, a totally unpaved route that climbs to a whopping 10,419 feet! Timing is everything. You'll likely need to wait until late June or even July for the snow to clear. This 17.3-mile journey isn't for the faint of heart, or oversized vehicles. Expect a pretty steep climb, gaining 6,056 feet with an average gradient of 6.63%. But trust me, the views are worth it! Imagine stunning vistas, frozen snow drifts, alpine scenery, and rolling meadows. Keep an eye out for abandoned mines along the way, remnants of another era. And be prepared, this trail transforms with the seasons, offering a new visual experience each time. Heads up: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 with good ground clearance, slightly deflated tires, and a spare – trust me on that one! Oh, and prepare for a couple of river crossings. This Inyo National Forest gem is unforgettable!