A mining road to the ghost town of Belfort in California
Usa, north-america
12.87 km
3,136 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for a high-altitude adventure in California? Check out Belfort! This old mining village, perched way up in Mono County near the Nevada border, is seriously cool. We're talking 10,288 feet above sea level!
The road to get there? Epic. It's eight miles of unpaved, rugged beauty winding through the Sweetwater Mountains in the Toiyabe National Forest. Picture this: stunning views all around. You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one – it's pretty rough going. Fair warning: the last quarter mile gets super narrow, so parking lower down and hiking the final stretch might be a good call.
Belfort itself is a trip back in time, with old cabins, foundations, and mines scattered around. The area is usually accessible from July to October, depending on the snow. But be aware, washouts make the drive pretty sketchy in places. Seriously, this isn't a beginner's trail! If you're up for a challenging drive with incredible scenery and a dose of history, Belfort is calling your name.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.87 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,136 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateOnion Valley Road is one of the steepest climbs of California
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through the heart of California's Owens Valley? You HAVE to experience Onion Valley Road! Tucked between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Nevada, this 13-mile stretch is an absolute stunner (but be warned, it's a leg-burner!). Formerly known as California State Route 180, the road climbs from the town of Independence on US 395 right up to Onion Valley Campground. Aim to go between May and November, when the road's usually open (snow permitting!). You'll climb to a whopping 9,219 feet above sea level, making it one of California's highest roads. Located in the Inyo National Forest, Onion Valley Road is not for the faint of heart (or cyclists with weak quads!). The last ten miles average over 8%, so prepare for a serious workout. Starting in Independence at 3,937 feet, you'll gain a massive 5,266 feet over the 13-mile ascent. Expect a fully paved road with nine switchbacks that will have you gripping the wheel! About halfway up, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Owens Valley. Just a heads up: this area is known for bear activity, so keep your eyes peeled! The views of Owens Valley and the Sierras are worth the white-knuckle drive. Trust me, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
easyOld Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Idaho and looking for an epic ride? Check out the Old Spiral Highway! This crazy-twisty road, packing a whopping 64 curves, is a short, sweet blast for any road warrior. You'll find it near the Washington border, on the north side of the Clearwater River near Lewiston, Idaho. Clocking in at just 7.3 miles, don't let the short distance fool you. Originally built way back in 1917, this historic route climbs 2,000 feet in elevation! It was the only way to get around until 1977. Starting at 272m above sea level on ID-128, it winds its way up to 822m at US-95, gaining 550 meters in elevation. The average gradient is about 4.68%, but be ready for some ramps hitting a 13% grade! This baby's paved and ready to roll. Nicknamed Idaho's windiest road, get ready for a wild ride of twists, turns, and switchbacks as you climb that 2,000 ft grade. With over 60 curves and a consistently steep climb, it's a challenge. If you're prone to getting car sick, maybe sit this one out, but otherwise, get ready for some serious fun!
easyLast Dollar Pass is one of Colorado's best back-country roads
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Last Dollar Pass, perched way up in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, at a cool 10,676 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it’s a 22-mile dirt road adventure (#638, if you're mapping it) snaking between CO-62 and CO-145. Back in the 1800s, this was the supply route for miners, but now it's a seriously scenic alternative to the highway between Ridgway and Telluride. Now, a regular car *can* handle it when it's dry, but after a downpour, things get muddy, and 4WD is your friend. Ideally, you want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Allow two to three hours to soak it all in — there's hardly any traffic to rush you. But hey, keep an eye on the sky! Don't even THINK about tackling this road in bad weather. It's usually open from June to September when things are dry. The views? Epic. Think massive aspen groves (hello, fall foliage!), wildflowers popping in early summer, and jagged peaks like the Wilson Range and the Sneffels Range dominating the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and maybe even a bear! Fun fact: this is where they filmed the opening and closing scenes of John Wayne's "True Grit"!
moderateThe high Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Hoover Dam Bypass, officially the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge! This thing is seriously epic, arching high over the Colorado River, right on the Arizona-Nevada state line. If you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a friend to do the driving, because at 880 feet above the river, it's the second-highest bridge in the US – and the tallest concrete arch bridge on the planet! Opened in 2010, this 1,900-foot-long beauty isn't just about getting from point A to point B on U.S. 93; it's a destination in itself. Just imagine cruising across, taking in those views of the Black Canyon. This bridge is not only visually stunning, but also historically significant, named after a Nevada governor and a former NFL player turned soldier. Keep in mind, though, that the bridge has had issues with pedestrian suicides, which officials are trying to address. So, drive safe, be respectful, and soak up the breathtaking scenery!