California

Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:55:35 -0700

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 Scenic Byway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:54:59 -0700

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

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:54:11 -0700

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

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:53:38 -0700

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.

Buckhorn Back Country Byway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:52:49 -0700

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.

Carson Pass Highway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:52:12 -0700

Carson Pass Highway is in east-central California, approximately 60 miles east of Sacramento. The byway travels between the Dew Drop Ranger Station, near Pioneer, and Woodfords. Carson Pass Highway follows CA 88, a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles, for 58 miles. The highway is usually open all year. Occasional closure is possible in the winter for snow and ice removal.

Chimney Peak Back Country Byway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:51:37 -0700

The Chimney Peak Back Country Byway is situated in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of south-central California. The byway begins approximately 60 miles northwest of Bakersfield, off CA 178. This is the best point to begin the scenic drive.

Death Valley Scenic Byway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:51:01 -0700

Death Valley Scenic Byway is in east-central California. The byway follows CA 190 through Death Valley National Park. California Highway 190 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is about 55 miles long and remains open year-round.

East Mojave National Scenic Area

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:44:00 -0700

These eight scenic drives are in southeast California, east of Barstow between Interstates 15 and 40. The roads travel through the East Mojave National Scenic Area and are interconnected. All are usually open year-round. Severe thunderstorms can cause the roads to become impassable.

1. Black Canyon Road
2. Cedar Canyon Road
3. Cima Road
4. Essex Road

5. Kelbaker Road
6. Kelso-Cima Road
7. Lanfair-Ivenpah Road
8. Wild Horse Canyon

Feather River Scenic Byway

Roundabout — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:43:12 -0700

Feather River is located in northeast California, about 65 miles north of Sacramento. Western access is north of Oroville on CA 70. The byway travels north to Belden and then east to the intersection with US 395, near the Nevada border. Feather River is a 130-mile route that follows CA 70, a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles. Winter driving conditions can be hazardous but otherwise the byway is open year-round.