Devils Head
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,786 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Devils Head in northern Arizona's Coconino County, a lava dome reaching a whopping 9,140 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive; Forest Road 557A to the top is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride, so make sure your 4x4 is ready for some action!
Winter? Forget about it – this road's usually snowed in. But when it's open, experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. The summit might be dotted with communication towers, but the views? Absolutely stunning! Think sweeping vistas of Flagstaff, the majestic San Francisco Mountain, and the whole of northern Arizona unfolding before you.
Word to the wise: if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your cup of tea. It’s steep in places, and rain can turn the road into a muddy challenge. But if you're up for it, especially in the fall, it's SO worth it! The road is graded, but those switchbacks and hairpin turns demand your full attention. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and mountain bikers sharing the road. And near the top, you'll pass through an area still recovering from a massive wildfire back in '77 – a stark reminder of nature's power. Get ready for a memorable climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,786 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyPalisades Interstate Parkway offers beautiful views of the Hudson River
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising down the Palisades Interstate Parkway, a seriously gorgeous stretch of road that straddles New Jersey and New York. Think incredible views of the Hudson River – it's basically the best of both states rolled into one epic drive. This beauty, often called the PIP, clocks in at about 38 miles (61 km) connecting the George Washington Bridge all the way up to US 6 and 9, near Bear Mountain Bridge. This classic road opened in 1958, and got a major glow-up in 2014. It's so special, it's even on the National Register of Historic Places! Named after the iconic Hudson River Palisades, you'll spend roughly 11 miles in New Jersey before hitting about 27 miles in New York. What makes it so special? Think divided roadways, stone-faced bridges, perfectly manicured grassy shoulders, and tons of green space. Plus, you'll find must-stop viewpoints like Rockefeller Lookout, Alpine Lookout, and State Line Lookout. You'll cross 13 bridge decks along the way, sharing the road with over 60,000 vehicles daily. Just a heads-up: this smooth, paved road is just for cars and motorcycles. So leave the trucks, RVs, and anything with commercial markings at home. Buses or vans with 15+ passengers need a permit too. Time to hit the road and soak up those views!
moderateRichardson Highway: a historic trip from Valdez to Fairbanks in AK
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, picture this: the Richardson Highway – aka the "Adventure Corridor" – your ticket to the real Alaska, connecting Valdez on the coast to Fairbanks up in the Interior. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 368-mile (562 km) cross-section of the state! This baby’s paved, mostly two lanes, though it widens out near Fairbanks. Keep an eye out for frost heaves and patches, but overall, it’s in pretty good shape. The best part? You won’t be fighting traffic, even in summer! Just make sure to fuel up whenever you hit a town – don't rely on those tiny roadhouses. Also, heads up for potential mudslides and landslides in some areas. This road has serious history, dating back to the gold rush days! It started as a trail in 1898, got upgraded over the years, and finally paved in 1957. And guess what? It's usually open year-round, though winter storms might throw a wrench in your plans. The highest point sits at 3,297 feet (1.005m) above sea level. Now, you *could* blast through this in about 7 hours non-stop. But seriously, why would you? This drive is all about the views: glaciers, waterfalls, towering mountains, and endless landscapes. Plan for a couple of days to soak it all in. We're talking epic views of the Chugach Mountains, the Alaska Range, and some of the best glacier gazing in the state. Plus, you'll get to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline snaking its way alongside the road. Trust me, this is a road trip you won't forget!
moderateThe historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever heard of a road made of wood? Deep in California's Imperial County, near the border with Mexico, lies the remains of the Old Plank Road, a seriously cool piece of early 20th-century ingenuity. Back in 1915, this eight-mile stretch was built right across the shifting sands of the Algodones Dunes, a landscape that looks like it belongs in the Sahara! Imagine driving on wooden planks, laid end-to-end like a primitive roadway. It was a single lane, so turnouts were added every mile so cars could pass each other. They called it a success, though it was hard work to keep the sand off the road. Mules were brought in to dust the planks off or even move sections of the road! This quirky road made it possible to travel between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. About 3,000 vehicles a week traveled across the "railroad track for cars" Sadly, the plank road's reign didn't last. The harsh desert and shifting sands took their toll, and by the late 1920s, it was replaced with asphalt. Today, only fragments remain, a historic landmark and reminder of a time when a wooden road was the only way to cross these majestic dunes. The region of towering dunes resembles the Sahara desert and has been featured in films ranging from Rudolph Valentino's “The Sheik” to 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.
extremeWhat is the route of Forest Road 040?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Forest Road 040 in Utah's Duchesne County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude shortcut – a rugged, unpaved gem that connects back to Forest Road 196. Think pine forests, alpine meadows, and pure backcountry vibes! This track sits entirely above 3,100 meters, topping out at an eye-watering elevation. The air gets thin up there, and your engine WILL feel it. Word to the wise: this road is DIRT. If it’s wet, forget about it. Seriously. When it’s dry, a 4x4 is a MUST. We're talking steep sections, uneven terrain, and high clearance to avoid those sneaky obstacles. Weather is a HUGE deal. High winds whip across these ridges year-round, and even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Brutal. The short driving season is usually only open during peak summer. Check local conditions before you go—you don't want to be surprised by late-spring snowdrifts!