Cox Knoll
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,132 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cox Knoll, a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in central Utah's Sanpete County! We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 10,275 feet above sea level.
You'll find this gem chilling within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Now, don't expect smooth sailing; this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel road that gets rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections (it's called FR0020, if you're looking for it). Definitely impassable in the winter months.
This trail is seriously steep and really meant for seasoned off-roaders with 4x4s. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, or you have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and if it's been raining, prepare for some seriously muddy conditions! But the views? Absolutely worth it! Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak in the stunning scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,132 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhat is at the summit of Bald Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Lake County, Oregon, smack-dab in the south-central part of the state. You're about to tackle Bald Butte, a 7,542-foot peak that's all about volcanic vibes, sagebrush seas, and some serious peace and quiet. You're driving through the Fremont-Winema National Forest, a wild wonderland of snow-capped peaks and views for days. Seriously, this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the untamed heart of the Pacific Northwest. So, what's the payoff? At the top, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that was built way back in 1931. It’s surrounded by forested hillsides and panoramic views. Only two of these kinds of towers still stand in Oregon. You can even rent it out for the night! Talk about a unique stay. Now, let's talk about the road. It's about 24.2 miles long, entirely unpaved, and most cars can handle it just fine. BUT – those last two miles? That's where things get interesting. It's steep, it's rocky, and you might have to do some light rock-moving to clear the way. RVs? Probably not a great idea. High clearance is your friend here. The adventure kicks off from the town of Paisley. Fill up your tank and grab some water because you're heading into the boonies. As you climb, you'll cruise through everything from wide-open sage country to thick forests. And oh yeah, the views of Sherman Peak in California are insane!
extremeWhere Is Patriarch Grove?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Want to see the oldest trees on earth? Then point your GPS towards Patriarch Grove, nestled way up high in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. We're talking a lung-busting 11,335 feet! This place is in east-central Cali, practically hugging the Nevada border, and boasts some seriously unique scenery. Oh, and did I mention it's home to the Patriarch Tree, the *world's* biggest bristlecone pine? Heads up, though: this spot is REMOTE. Think no cell service, no gas stations, nada. Pack accordingly! The road in is only about a mile long (starting at Schulman Grove), but it's a rough one. Seriously, ditch the Prius and bring something with high clearance – this is an unpaved, rocky track that'll have your tires screaming for mercy if you’re not careful. Slow and steady wins the race (around 15 mph is suggested!). Also, keep in mind this road is seasonal. Usually, you can get through from mid-May to late November, but winter brings some serious snow (up to 13 feet!), shutting things down. Always check conditions before you head out. Trust me, the ancient trees and stunning views are worth the bumpy ride, just be prepared for a true off-the-grid adventure!
easyWhere is the Notom-Bullfrog Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Capitol Reef National Park? You absolutely HAVE to check out the Notom-Bullfrog Road. This gem runs along the Waterpocket Fold's east side and it's easily one of the best drives in the whole park. You'll find it straddling Wayne and Garfield counties in south-central Utah. It's about 32.5 miles (52.3 km) long, starting from Highway 24 on the east side of Capitol Reef and winding down south. The first 15 miles (24.1 km) are paved, but after that, it turns into a well-maintained dirt road – think sandy and gravelly. Most cars can handle it in good weather, but always check with the visitor center first. Seriously, this road can get dicey, even for 4WDs, especially after rain or floods. It tops out at 5,725 feet (1,745m) above sea level. Give yourself about two hours for a one-way trip if you're not stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop! The scenery is unreal. This backway hugs the Waterpocket Fold's eastern edge. Keep an eye out for the narrow canyons that cut across the road – exploring them will reward you with mind-blowing rock formations. Plus, it's a gateway to awesome hikes like Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Narrows. Get ready for some serious views and outdoor adventures!
moderateEl Punto Pass
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for the ultimate Mexican road trip! This route has it ALL: mountains, deserts, pine forests, jungles, cacti, mountain lakes, scenic overlooks, hairpin turns, rivers, and canyons. Seriously, the only thing missing is snow! Starting around 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) above sea level, you'll climb a series of sharp curves up to a mountain pass near 2,730 meters (8,957 ft). Then, hold on tight as you descend into a canyon around 1,530 meters (5,022 ft). But don't get too comfy, because you'll be climbing again into the mountains, reaching a whopping 2,970 meters (9,744 ft). From there, it's a winding descent near sea level, with views of flora transforming from pine forest to tropical jungle. Not for the faint of heart (or those prone to carsickness!), but the scenery is unreal. The road quickly ascends from 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) to 2,750 meters (9,022 ft) in just 18 kilometers, giving you views of the surrounding landscape. You'll transition from a semi-arid region into a lush pine forest, then descend into an arid canyon at 1,520 meters (5,019 ft). Keep an eye out for the road to San Miguel del Río, featuring six paved hairpin turns leading down to the town. This steep and curvy section starts around 1,850 meters (6,070 ft) and drops to the river at 1,460 meters (4,790 ft). This area is a popular tourist destination. After descending to the bottom of the canyon at 1,520 meters (5,019 ft), the road ascends to the surrounding area at 1,760 meters (5,774 ft), continuing to gain elevation at the next town, reaching 2,990 meters (9,809 ft) near another small mountain community. You'll find restaurants, hotels, historical churches, and museums. Plus, don't miss the natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls! The road winds through a rich area filled with huge pine trees, meadows, and canyon views. At 2,970 meters (9,744 ft), you'll reach the highest point on the road! There's a restaurant, parking area, and even some cabins for visitors. Near the highest point, find a dirt road to ascend into the mountains. The small dirt road to the highest accessible point by car reaches 3,140 meters (10,302 ft), the highest accessible point by car. The views are incredible. Finally, the road gradually descends into town. This section can be tricky, with sudden floods, fog, and slippery surfaces. But the transition from pine forest to tropical rainforest is amazing, with diverse wildlife and waterfalls along the way. The dense vegetation may obscure mountain views, but the sheer number of curves will keep you on your toes!