Can you drive to Railroad Ridge in Idaho?

Can you drive to Railroad Ridge in Idaho?

Usa, north-america

Length

44.73 km

Elevation

3,180 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Custer County, hiding within the White Cloud Mountains, lies Railroad Ridge. This insane route climbs to a staggering 10,433 feet, making it potentially the highest road accessible to regular vehicles in Idaho!

The road, known as FR 669, starts near Clayton and stretches for about 28 miles, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. It’s a seriously challenging unpaved track that demands respect. We're talking high clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable. The road is narrow, twisty with switchbacks, and has very few places to pull over. Not ideal if you're afraid of heights!

The window to tackle Railroad Ridge is short, usually open from July to October, depending on when the snow melts. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen anytime, so check conditions before you go. Cell service is spotty, so download your route and trust your GPS.

But here's the thing: the views from the top are EPIC. Seriously breathtaking, stretching for miles in every direction on a clear day. The road is intense, but you'll forget all about the bumpy ride once you soak in that panorama. If you're up for a thrilling drive with a massive payoff, Railroad Ridge should be on your bucket list!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
44.73 km
Max Elevation
3,180 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

A memorable road trip to Badger Mountain in COhard

A memorable road trip to Badger Mountain in CO

🇺🇸 Usa

Badger Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.427m (11,243ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Colorado. Set high in the South Park Hills of the Rocky Mountains, within Pike National Forest the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 228 (Badger Mountain Road). The route is mellow, gaining elevation gradually, and mostly shaded. A solid 4x4 with good clearance can drive to just below the summit register. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. It is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The drive is pretty steep, hitting a 10.3% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at , the ascent is 6.92km (4.3 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 455 meters. The average percentage is 6.57%. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Brown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the topmoderate

Brown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views. Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip. The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.

Where is Wheeler Lake?hard

Where is Wheeler Lake?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, cruising between Alma and Breckenridge in the Pike National Forest. Granite peaks tower all around as you bounce along an unpaved road (Pv32 if you're looking for it). This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking a seriously rough track with big, loose rocks that demand respect. This 3-mile trail climbs 1,220 feet from the west end of the Montgomery Reservoir, boasting an average grade of 7.73%, with some sections hitting a crazy 18.2% incline. You definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the three main obstacles and multiple creek crossings. Trust me, leave the family sedan at home. This high-altitude alpine escape sits at a whopping 12,194 feet! But be warned, this gem is usually buried in snow from October to June, so aim for a summer adventure. Wheeler Lake is absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a challenge with views that'll blow your mind.

Is the road to Mount Diablo paved?moderate

Is the road to Mount Diablo paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're in the San Francisco East Bay, craving some killer views. Punch "Mount Diablo" into your GPS and get ready for Summit Road, a fully paved path leading to the top of this awesome peak. Starting in the sweet little town of Diablo, it's about 10.6 miles to the summit. Don't let the distance fool you – you'll climb over 3,350 feet on this winding adventure! The average grade is around 6%, but some spots crank up to over 10%, so hold on tight. Cyclists are all over this road, so keep your eyes peeled! Is it worth it? Totally! This road is generally open all year and the scenery is mind-blowing. Plus, the summit has a cool little shop, exhibits, and a parking lot. Check out the visitor's center, built in the 1930s, and keep an eye out for marine fossils. Trust me, the vistas from the top of Mt. Diablo are epic!