Bald Mountain Pass is the highest paved road in Utah
Usa, north-america
124.24 km
3,272 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers, because Bald Mountain Pass in Utah is a MUST-DO! At a whopping 10,734 feet, it's rumored to be the highest paved road in the whole state.
You'll find this beauty straddling Summit and Duchesne counties, way up in northeastern Utah. We're talking the Mirror Lake Highway (aka State Route 150), a completely paved ribbon of joy that winds for about 77 miles from Kamas, Utah, all the way east to Evanston, Wyoming.
Nestled in the western Uinta Mountains, this road is typically open from Memorial Day to early November, weather permitting. Just a heads-up, snow can hang around 'til July, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Seriously, the views are insane. As you climb, things just get more and more spectacular. From the top, you'll have a crystal-clear view of Mirror Lake and, like, a million other lakes scattered across the western Uintas. And the mountain peaks? Epic! Bald Mountain Pass is the ultimate overlook for the High Uintas. Get ready to take some photos!
Where is it?
Bald Mountain Pass is the highest paved road in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.3953, -101.1634
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 124.24 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,272 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.3953, -101.1634
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMorelos Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the remote town of Morelos in Chihuahua, buckle up for one wild ride! Seriously, this place was so cut off, they only got electricity a hot minute ago. Forget easy access; this town is tucked deep in the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, making even building a road here a Herculean task. Now, about that road... it's a long, unpaved rollercoaster of gravel and potential peril. Think plunging into canyons, navigating drug plantation territory (yikes!), and battling the elements with mudslides and flash floods. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife! But hold on, because this insane route comes with a major perk: mind-blowing scenery. We're talking epic, sprawling canyons that rival even the Grand Canyon or Copper Canyon! This road is a true test of your driving mettle, pushing your skills (and your vehicle's guts) to the absolute limit. Starting near Batopilas at a humble 570 meters above sea level, you'll climb, climb, climb through hairpin turns to the town of Buenavista at a whopping 2400 meters. That's an elevation change of over 1800 meters in less than 20 kilometers! After cruising along a mesa near Los Chiqueros for about 20 kilometers, you'll plunge down to Polanco (1400 masl) and then descend even further into the San Miguel canyon to 410 masl in just 30 kilometers! Finally cross the river and ascend again to 1140 masl to end at Morelos sitting at 580 meters above sea level. So, are you brave enough to tackle this beast?
moderateCrossing the challenging Barranca River Bridge
🌍 Costa Rica
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, right? Suddenly, BAM! You're staring down the Barranca River Bridge – and let me tell you, it's a showstopper. This wooden and iron beauty spans the Barranca River and is seriously long. Think one of the most spectacular bridges *ever*. It carries Carretera 742, linking San Jerónimo and Esparza, and is a wild ride. Speaking of wild, the Drake Bay Bridge? Not for the faint of heart! If you're plotting a course to Irazu Volcano by car, do some research.
hardClara Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Clara Peak in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here – 8,544 feet above sea level! Nestled in the Santa Fe National Forest, the road to the top is a real off-road experience: think gravel, rocks, and a definite no-go in the winter months. Not for the faint of heart, this climb is STEEP, and if you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved mountain roads, you might want to skip this one. Be prepared for washouts and ruts along the way - most SUVs can handle it, but things get seriously rocky and steep about a quarter mile from the summit. Unless you're rocking a rugged, high-clearance 4WD vehicle, park it and hike the rest of the way. Sadly, the old lookout tower that stood proudly since 1951 is no more, as the Forest Service took it down in the early 90s. But hey, the views are still totally worth it!
moderateWhat town is Black Mountain in Kentucky?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag the highest point in Kentucky? Head to Harlan County and set your GPS for Black Mountain! This beast tops out at 4,145 feet, and trust me, the views are worth the drive. You'll be winding along Kentucky Route 160, a fully paved, rollercoaster of a road that stretches almost 20 miles from Cumberland, KY, to Appalachia, VA. Think curves, think elevation, and definitely think twice in winter – it gets icy! Once you hit the state line at the crest, the real fun begins. Black Mountain Ridge Road, a 1.7-mile gravel stretch, takes you to the actual summit. It's a bit rough, but don't let that scare you. Up top, you'll find radio towers, a spooky old fire lookout, and epic panoramic views. Just below the peak, you'll even spot an FAA radar. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a Kentucky adventure you won't forget!