Rating The Nastiest Sierra Roads

[KathyW]

Armstrong Canyon Road - I don't know if I'll ever drive that one again. It's not that the road was in bad condition when I went up it a couple of years ago, but it is just so narrow and it would awful to run into a vehicle going the other way on it. I didn't realize how close I was driving to the edge of that road in places until on the way down. A jeep would be better than a Tacoma. I guess I'd give Armstrong a 3 or 4 due because it's a narrow shelf road with loose rocks in areas that might be pretty tough if you can't go into 4WD low and crawl.

Then there are the various roads to the George Creek - 2 to 3. I guess Foothill is washed out somewhere though; so maybe worse if you drive in that way.

The road to Birch Lake Trailhead - 1 or 2 until near the end and then it becomes a 3 or so, but it doesn't save much to go to the end.

Tobacco Flats Road for the easy route up Morrison. This is a 2 - 3.

Oak Creek Road to Baxter Pass Trailhead - 1

Road to Sawmill Pass Trailhead - 1-2

[KathyW]

How would those who have driven the Bear Diversion Dam Road rate it?

[Tom_H]

Some Resources:

http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Adven ... ter+Massey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Trails ... ter+Massey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Adven ... ter+Massey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Trails ... ter+Massey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Trails ... ter+Massey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Trails ... ter+Massey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Trails ... California" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Trails ... California" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Adven ... California" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Off Road Trail Rating Systems:

http://www.rr4w.com/ratings.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.cruisemoab.com/trail-rating-system.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rlown]

nice pointer to books to buy, but i think this thread was more about who experienced personally roads in the sierra.

Not a fan of potholes in full sun where you can't see them, or divots, or sharp drop-offs on one side of a one lane road (North lake approach).

[schmalz]

Never noticed that goodale road before. What is it like up there? Any good destinations from the end of the road? I'm tempted to mountain bike some of these roads during the shoulder seasons.

[maverick]

Schmalz wrote:
Never noticed that goodale road before. What is it like up there?

PM sent.

[Shawn]

Never noticed that goodale road before. What is it like up there? Any good destinations from the end of the road? I'm tempted to mountain bike some of these roads during the shoulder seasons.

Probably about like the road a little to the north that leads to the Red Lake TH. A real pain in the backside. I'd rate it a 3/4 (as done in the dark - maybe a 3 during daylight).

[Baxbarnowl]

Any knowledge of Armstrong canyon road above Scotty Springs?

I'm thinking of driving my Jeep Wrangler up there for the approach to Mt Pinchot.