Scenic Drives USA

Ancient Bristlecone is south of Bishop in east-central California, near the Nevada state line. The byway begins in Big Pine off US 395 and travels northeast to the road's end at Patriarch Grove on the Inyo National Forest.

Ancient Bristlecone is 36 miles long and follows CA 168 and FSR 4S01, also known as White Mountain Road. The route is usually open year-round but sections may close in winter. The byway follows a paved road to Schulman Grove and then graded dirt to Patriarch Grove. Because of the grade and tight curves, motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers are not recommended beyond the paved section. Travelers will need to retrace the route back to CA 168.

Angeles Crest is in southwest California, northeast of Los Angeles. The byway's western access is in La Canada off I-210. It travels east to the junction of CA 138, northeast of Wrightwood. The 70-mile route follows CA 2, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Angeles Crest is open year-round except a small segment that is closed from late December to early April.

Barrel Springs Back Country Byway is in northeast California, approximately 50 miles northeast of Alturas. The byway begins in Fort Bidwell and travels east into Nevada, ending at the intersection with Fort Bidwell Road. The 25-mile route follows Barrel Springs Road, which is a single-lane gravel road that can safely be driven in a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Keep in mind that Barrel Springs crosses some remote country. Other vehicles may not pass through for one or two days; be prepared for any road emergencies. The byway is generally passable from May through mid-November. Snow closes the byway in winter; it may also become impassable after heavy rain.

Bradshaw Trail Back Country Byway is located in southeast California, west of Blythe, near the Arizona state line. The byway's eastern terminus is at the intersection with CA 78, south of Blythe. It travels west to CA 111, ending just south of North Shore. The 70-mile route follows Bradshaw Trail Road, a county-maintained graded dirt road. A four-wheel drive vehicle, dirt bike, all-terrain vehicle, or a similar type is required to travel the byway. The byway is usually passable all year, but temporary closure is possible after heavy rain.

The Buckhorn scenic drive is in northeast California about 50 miles northeast of Susanville. It begins east of Ravendale on Lassen County Road 526. The byway follows Buckhorn Road for 31 miles and ends in Nevada at the junction with NV 447, northeast of Gerlach. Buckhorn Road is a single-lane gravel road that can safely be driven in a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. The byway travels across some fairly remote country. Other vehicles may not pass through for one or two days; be prepared for any road emergencies. The byway is usually passable from mid-May through mid-November. Snow closes the road in winter; heavy rain can also cause the byway to become impassable.