29 replies to this topic

[MarkBC]

The highest point I've ever driven is in the White Mountains (California), at the locked gate on the White Mt. Rd, the trailhead for the hike to the summit (camped there, too).

That point is at about 11,700 feet elevation.

 

So...it came into my head that I wonder what higher places are there that can be driven to in California. 

 

Anybody know of higher drivable locations?  Drivable in my truck-camper rig?  Preferably places that WTW folks have actually been...  Extra value for a location that has a spot to camp.

 

I'm not looking for faint 4x4 tracks up a mountainside made by an old miner or modern-day yahoo, just looking for non-closed, apparently "legal" roads.  But not excluding 4x4 routes if they're established -- something that shows up on a map.

 

Could be that there are a bunch of well-known spots, but since I haven't lived in the Golden State in 36 years and usually only spend a week or two camped there each year I'm not that familiar with it.  Also, I suspect that there are more/many in Colorado...but that's a ways out of my usual territory, not looking that far.

 

If you know of such a spot but don't want to post it to the world, feel free to send me a PM, and I'll keep it secret. 

 

(I'm sure I could find leads in a web search...but I'm interested in places of which WTW folks have personal knowledge)

[SunMan]

When I read your post title your location in the Whites is the first thing that came to my mind. I haven't personally driven anywhere higher. The second highest that I can recall driving was "across the way" at Coyote Flats which I believe was somewhere around 10,800, maybe even 11,000' if memory serves correctly. I too would be curious to know if there is anyplace higher.

[pvstoy]

Been both of those places. Other places like at trail heads that are around 10,000 feet between Bishop and Lone Pine. Saddlebag lake up Tioga pass is at 10,000 feet.

Edited by pvstoy, 01 October 2014 - 09:32 PM.

[pvstoy]

Laurel Canyon jeep trail, gets up to 10,058 http://www.gbr.4wdtr.../4x4/laurel.htm

[pvstoy]

Marc has been to Laurel canyon and Coyote Flats and has a trip report,

http://www.wanderthe...=+coyote +flats

Edited by pvstoy, 01 October 2014 - 09:43 PM.

[ski3pin]

I believe the White Mountain Road is open to the research station (12400) Labor Day Weekend. That adds a little elevation.

 

Kavenaugh Ridge is a couple of feet under 11000

[MarkBC]

I believe the White Mountain Road is open to the research station (12400) Labor Day Weekend....

 

So I've heard...  Apparently they had two days of open house at the Barcroft Station this year -- July 27 and August 31.

 

Not only that...but when I was last there, mid-October 2012, their "locked gate" seemed to be operating on the honor system.

Check out the weak link in the system, in this photo I took at the time:

 

Nevertheless, I honored the intent of their not-really-locked gate.

[ntsqd]

Barcroft Station (12,400'), past that gate, is the highest that I've driven to.

[Espresso]

Interesting question.  I'm trying to recall fire lookout's I've visited.  

 

Wheeler Peak in Nevada has a campground at about 10,000'.  I think I'd have a headache if I slept at that elevation.  At least for the first night.  Independence Pass in Colorado is 12,095 on a nice paved road.  Highest I've been (in elevation  ) on a decent road is Pike's Peak.  That may be the highest 'real' road in the country.

 

 

[ski3pin]

In Colorado Pikes Peak is 14115 and Mt. Evans is 14271, you can drive to the top of both. I wonder if someone has done both in one day?