A scenic paved road to Beaver Creek Summit in ID
Usa, north-america
53.43 km
1,849 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk Beaver Creek Summit in Idaho's Boise National Forest. This beauty sits at 6,066 feet and is totally paved, so you can bring your sports car if you want! You'll find it on Highway 21, also known as the super scenic Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.
The road's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on winter weather, as it can get a bit dicey. This north-south route stretches for about 33 miles between Lowman and Idaho City (the Boise County seat). Fair warning: it gets STEEP. We're talking gradients hitting 11% in places, so hold on tight! But hey, the views are SO worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 53.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,849 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Phantom Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Phantom Canyon Road, a totally epic and historic drive right here in Colorado! You'll find it snaking between Cañon City and Victor, smack-dab in the middle of the state, running through Fremont and Teller counties. This isn't your average highway; we're talking about following the old route of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad, built way back in 1894. It’s almost 30 miles of pure scenery, climbing from 5,500 feet to a lofty 9,500 feet. As part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, get ready for a slow and steady climb. Now, heads up: it's unpaved, which adds to the adventure! You'll be cruising through hand-cut stone tunnels and over cool, old wooden bridges. The road gets narrow in spots, and yeah, it's popular with mountain bikers and off-roaders, so keep an eye out. No vehicles over 25 feet allowed. Driving it isn't too tough, but some sections can get a little…intense. Think narrow passes with steep drop-offs and canyon views for days. The road tops out at almost 9,750 feet, and winter maintenance is limited. It’s a well-maintained dirt road that slithers through some seriously stunning scenery. Even though it's two-way traffic, some spots are only wide enough for one car! Most cars without trailers are good to go, just take it easy on the gas pedal and watch out for rocks. Plan about 2 hours for the drive. Weekends can get busy, and being a dirt road, expect some dust. It's all about slowing down and soaking in the views. And trust me, there are photo ops galore. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you never know what you might see!
moderateTalimena Scenic Drive is an awe-inspiring road across the Ouachita Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Talimena Scenic Drive, a seriously stunning route that cuts through the Ouachita Mountains, straddling southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. This National Scenic Byway is all about smooth sailing on perfectly paved roads. Clocking in at 87km (54 miles), it cruises from Talihina, Oklahoma, to Mena, Arkansas, using Oklahoma State Highway 1 (SH-1) and Arkansas Highway 88 (AR 88). The road was designed back in '69 for maximum views, and boy, does it deliver! Think roller coaster vibes as you wind through the Ouachita National Forest. This two-lane road is packed with sharp curves and some seriously steep climbs—we're talking up to 13% grades! It's pretty remote, so less experienced drivers, take note. Open year-round, but watch out for ice in the winter! The weather can turn quickly, so peek at the forecast before you head out. Thunderstorms can pop up fast, followed by mountain fog. And keep an eye out for the occasional snake when you're exploring. Expect natural beauty, historical sites, and all sorts of wonders. The gateway towns surrounding the road are super welcoming and full of events to keep you busy. The views? Forget about it! You'll see forested peaks, valleys, lakes, and streams like nowhere else in mid-America. Spring and autumn foliage seasons are extra special, and when the road sits above the clouds, it gets seriously magical. Allow at least 2 hours driving time if you don't stop, but you'll want to stop! With 22 scenic vista pull-outs along the way, this route will take much longer due to its beauty. Running along the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest, traffic is busiest during the fall colors. Spring and summer are quieter but totally worth it. On a rainy day, you might have the whole road to yourself! The mist makes the mountains look super mysterious.
hardThe killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California! Nestled in the Western Sierra mountains, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This baby is *steep* – we're talking gradients pushing 20% in places! It's only 1.8 miles long, winding from Moccasin to Priest, but those miles pack a punch. Forget bringing your RV or truck; this road's for passenger vehicles only (under 7,500 pounds). It's paved, sure, but don't let that fool you. This former Indian path-turned-wagon route, dating back to the Gold Rush era, is twisty, turny, and can get slick when wet. Rock slides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled! Plus, being a popular route to Yosemite, you'll likely have company. Oh, and did I mention the hills? Prepare for some serious brake action and potential overheating, especially on those scorching summer days. With grades hitting nearly 20%, this climb is no joke. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely breathtaking! Just make sure your ride is reliable, and your nerves are steady!
moderateWhere is Chilkat Pass?
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk about Chilkat Pass! Nestled high in the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Canada, near the border, this beauty sits at a cool 3,480 feet above sea level. You can even find a small parking lot at the top to soak it all in. So, why "Chilkat"? Well, it's named after the Chilkat indigenous people. The road itself? It's a solid, paved highway, making it a pretty smooth ride as you wind through the landscape. We're talking about the Haines Highway, folks! The stretch through the pass is about 37 miles long, running from the border up towards Haines Junction. Good news: this highway is maintained year-round! However, be warned, if you're planning a trip between September 15th and June 1st, be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts. Mother Nature can be unpredictable in these parts! Get ready for some breathtaking scenery as you cruise through this iconic Canadian pass.