
Where is the Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road! This epic 20-mile off-road escapade carves its way through the heart of Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, revealing some of the park's most mind-blowing scenery.
You'll find the trailhead just south of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. From there, you'll rumble along Smoke Tree Wash before plunging into the depths of Pinkham Canyon, eventually spitting you out onto a service road that connects to I-10. Or, for the truly adventurous, keep going and tackle Thermal Canyon Road!
Now, a word of warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking soft sand, rocky flood plains, and seriously remote territory. A high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle is an absolute must, along with emergency supplies and some solid off-roading experience. This route is strictly for experienced drivers, so leave the sedan at home! Before you head out, pop into the visitor center for the latest intel on road and weather conditions. Trust me; you'll want to be prepared for anything out here!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Red Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Red Pass, sitting pretty at 5,213 feet in California, is calling all adventure seekers! You'll find it nestled in the eastern-central part of the state, and it's the highest point on the wild one-way road known as Titus Canyon Road. This epic 26.6-mile ride starts from Nevada Highway 374 (inside Death Valley) and promises unbelievable scenery with very little traffic. As you leave the flats behind, get ready for a climb! The road winds its way through vibrant red rock formations that give the pass its name. Things get steep and narrow as you get closer to the top. Be warned: some spots can be a bit rough, especially around those switchbacks! If you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. A high-clearance vehicle with AWD or 4WD is definitely your best bet. Some parts are steep and rocky, making it a challenge for regular cars. Longer vehicles? Probably best to skip this one. Keep in mind that the road is usually closed during winter when snow hits the pass or canyon. Heads up: you're out in the wild here! There aren't any services along this road, so pack plenty of water and be prepared. If your car decides to take a break, stay with it and wait for help. And remember, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth, and the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F (57°C) here! Wear your seatbelt, drive at a safe speed, shift to a lower gear on steep downhill grades, and if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or electrolyte drinks. Cell service is spotty at best, so don't rely on your phone.
moderateWhere is Blowout Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Blowout Pass! It's this crazy high mountain pass tucked away in the Rio Grande National Forest, in the eastern San Juan Mountains. Seriously, the views are insane. Fair warning: this road is STEEP. We're talking brutally steep in sections – around . The whole thing is unpaved, but honestly, it's not too bad, just a few bumpy parts. Starting near , it's about to the top. You climb in elevation, which works out to an average gradient of . Keep in mind that this road is usually snowed in during the winter. If you're looking for a peaceful drive with incredible scenery, and not a lot of other cars around, Blowout Pass needs to be on your list!
moderateHow long is the road to La Joya hut?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Nestled in the heart of Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, in the State of Mexico, lies La Joya, a mountain hut soaring at 3,977m (13,047ft). This dirt road stretches 7.1km (4.41 miles), kicking off at 3,692m (12,112ft). Be prepared for some steep climbs — you'll encounter gradients hitting 9% along the way. Although it's open to all vehicles, you'll want a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle to conquer it! The road gets a bit gnarly near the end, so many park a bit before La Joya to avoid the rough cobblestone hill. Don't miss the side trip to La Joyita, a minor road that climbs even higher to 4,009m (13,152ft). Just remember, the road is only open from 8 AM to 6 PM. Near the hut, you'll find a parking lot, perfectly situated for those heading to the IztaccÃhuatl volcano.
hardWhere is Hermit Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're near Westcliffe, Colorado, and itching for an adventure? Let me tell you about Hermit Pass! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a 14.4-mile unpaved climb up County Road 160 into the San Isabel National Forest, topping out at a staggering 13,077 feet! You'll need a solid 4x4 with good clearance, or at least a capable SUV with low-range gearing. Trust me, the higher you go, the rockier it gets. Expect plenty of switchbacks, some tight turns, and maybe even a stream crossing or two. It starts off mellow, but don't get lulled into a false sense of security - this road gets steep and winding fast. When you hit those spurs, remember to veer right and keep climbing! The views? Oh man, the views are absolutely worth it! Think panoramic vistas of epic mountain peaks and shimmering alpine lakes. Just be prepared for a good 2-hour drive without stops. Hermit Pass is super popular in the summer, especially up to Hermit Lake, so try to go during the week if you want to dodge the crowds. Oh, and a heads up: this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Even in summer, you might still spot some snow patches!