Where is Westgard Pass?
Usa, north-america
60.35 km
2,236 m
hard
Year-round
Westgard Pass is a total hidden gem! You'll find it chilling at 7,335 feet in Inyo County, smack-dab in eastern-central California.
This beauty is also known as California State Route 168. It's a 37.5-mile stretch from Big Pine all the way to Oasis. But hold up, it's not just a drive, it's an *experience*. Think narrow, twisty paved roads snaking between the White and Inyo Mountains. Hairpin turns and steep drop-offs? Oh yeah, it’s got those! Take it slow the first time so you know what you're doing when you want to rip it back.
Keep in mind this pass is a no-go in winter, usually opening up in late April due to snow. But trust me, it's worth the wait! Once the snow melts, you are in for some pristine scenery, killer views of the White Mountains and the Sierras, and just overall grand vistas the entire way. Oh, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can hop on Covington Flat Road to the south of the pass, a slightly rough but super scenic gravel trail.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 60.35 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,236 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow to get by car to Sunrise Mt Rainier?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the ride to Sunrise Point in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington! This place is a real gem, perched at a whopping 6,420 feet – the highest you can drive in the whole park! The road, called Sunrise Park Road (creative, right?), is paved all the way. Just hop off WA-410 and get ready for a 15.4-mile climb. It’s a winding, steep road that opened way back in 1931. Word to the wise: if you're rocking an RV or trailer longer than 25 feet, it's best to skip the drive beyond the White River Campground intersection. Keep in mind, this road is a seasonal darling. Thanks to heavy snowfall, it's usually open from late June/early July to late September/early October. In late September, the road closes nightly at the White River Campground junction and reopens each morning as conditions permit. Without stops, the drive takes around 30 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are incredible, and there's a big parking lot at the top. Once you get there, you’re in for a treat: 360-degree views of valleys, Mount Rainier itself, and even other Cascade volcanoes like Mount Adams. If you have sharp eyes, you might even spot Mt. St. Helens in the distance! Sunrise Point is a total must-do for anyone visiting Mount Rainier.
hardHow long is Utah State Route 12?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for Utah Scenic Byway 12 – a 122-mile (197km) shot of pure Utah awesomeness connecting Wayne and Garfield Counties! Think of it as a paved time machine, whisking you away from U.S. 89 near Panguitch in the west to S.R. 24 near Torrey in the northeast. Okay, let's be real, this drive has some serious spice. We're talking steep climbs (up to 8% in places!), hairpin turns, and sections where the shoulder vanishes faster than free donuts at a marathon. And heights? Oh honey, if you're not a fan, buckle up tight. You'll be hugging cliffs with drops that will make you question everything you thought you knew about canyons. Seriously. Plus, those little rainstorms? They can turn into flash flood nightmares in a heartbeat. And did I mention the knife-edge highway with no guardrails? Yeah, that's a thing. This high-altitude adventure tops out at 9,609ft (2.929m), so keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Snow can shut things down until the plows work their magic. Heads up: cell service is spotty at best, so download those maps beforehand. Allow about 3 hours (without stops... but who are we kidding?) to cruise between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, aiming for a chill 40 mph average speed. Spring and fall are your best bets to dodge the crowds. Is it worth it? A thousand times yes! The scenery is out-of-this-world gorgeous, with vistas that will blow your mind. You're driving through some of the most diverse and ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the US, passing by two national parks, three state parks, a national monument, and a national forest. It's a sensory overload of the best kind. Just make sure to tackle it during daylight hours so you don't miss a single moment!
moderateWhere is Onion Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in California's Inyo County, Onion Valley Road is a must-drive for those seeking a thrilling ascent! Picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Owens Valley, right between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and the vast Nevada landscape. This 13-mile stretch, formerly known as California State Route 180, kicks off from Independence on US 395 and winds its way westward to Onion Valley Campground. Typically open from May to November, Mother Nature dictates the schedule with snow conditions. Prepare for a climb! They say this is one of the toughest cycling routes in California, and it's no joke. The road gains serious altitude as you go, hitting an average grade of almost 8% over the last ten miles. Starting at around 3,937ft, you'll climb over 5,200 feet in elevation to reach a staggering 9,219ft near the top. The fully paved road features nine switchbacks, offering killer views of the Owens Valley. Keep an eye out for bears, as they're known to frequent the area! The scenery is simply breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the Owens Valley and the Sierras.
hardWhere does Coffee Pot Road start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Coffee Pot Road (#600), snaking through Colorado's Garfield County, is a visual feast! Think jaw-dropping views paired with a healthy dose of adrenaline. This 26-mile gravel track kicks off right near I-70 (Dotsero exit), starting smooth but soon turning to well-maintained dirt. It climbs like crazy from the Deep Creek confluence all the way to Deep Lake near the Flattops' southern edge. Expect hairpin turns right off the bat and major drop-offs – seriously, no guardrails here! The first 10 miles are especially twisty and narrow. You'll be hugging the edge in spots. This road demands your full attention. Watch out for loose gravel, especially on the shoulders, and blind curves where two cars barely fit. But the scenery? Unforgettable! You'll wind through high desert landscapes, shimmering aspen groves, wide-open tundra, and classic alpine forests. Passenger cars can usually handle the lower stretches, but be prepared for it to get a bit rougher near the top. Speaking of which, you'll top out at a cool 10,662 feet in the White River National Forest. Keep in mind: this road's a fair-weather friend, open roughly from mid-April to mid-November. Fall travelers beware: snow can shut it down quick, and there's no plowing!