Driving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming
Usa, north-america
11 km
3,405 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Wyoming is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it in Carbon County, about 7 miles from the town of Elk Mountain (named after a Sioux chief, how cool is that?).
Now, here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking totally unpaved, so your trusty 4x4 is a must. Starting near Rattlesnake Pass, the 8-mile trek to the top is STEEP – we're talking a maximum 15% gradient in places! Get ready to climb over 3,500 feet, with an average incline of 8.41%.
The views from the top? Totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from late October until almost July, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and there's a radio station broadcaster (KBDY) at the summit, for some extra interesting scenery. Happy trails!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.9741, -95.7047
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,405 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.9741, -95.7047
Related Roads in north-america
hardSpooner Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Spooner Summit, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling at 7,146 feet up in Nevada's Carson Range. You'll find it right on the Lincoln Highway, aka US-50. This asphalt ribbon has some pretty steep climbs, so get ready to give your engine a little workout! The views, though? Totally worth it. Douglas County, Nevada, never looked so good.
hardWhere is Guardsman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Utah and looking for a scenic drive? Let me tell you about Guardsman Pass! This beauty sits high in the Wasatch Mountains, right on the border between Salt Lake and Wasatch counties, east of Salt Lake City. You'll cruise along Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway (aka Guardsman Pass Road or Utah 190 West) for about 24 miles, connecting Cottonwood Heights and Park City. Good news – you can totally do it in a regular car! And even better news, it's paved! Word of warning though: being up at 9,740 feet, it's usually closed during the winter months because of the snow. Aim for late May/June to October. But even in summer, watch the weather – a big storm can make things dicey. The drive is full of curves and some seriously steep parts, especially if you're heading up from Park City. That climb is about 7 miles, gaining over 2,600 feet, with an average gradient of 7.1%. It's a good one! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Plan for about an hour each way, *without* stops. There's parking and bathrooms at the top. But trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspens are bursting with orange and yellow and the oaks are radiating red. Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and enjoy the ride! Oh, and heads up, it's one of Utah's highest roads!
moderateWhere is the Clay Butte Lookout?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northwestern Wyoming, in the Shoshone National Forest, and you spot the turnoff for Forest Road 142. This is your ticket to the Clay Butte Lookout, built way back in 1942. Now, fair warning, it's a dirt and gravel road all the way. Think bumpy, a little washboard-y, but honestly, most cars can handle it. Just leave the RV and trailer behind – they won't make it. There is parking for trailers available at the Leek Spring Hill, a few miles beyond the lookout. The road itself is only about 6 miles long, but it's a steady climb. It gains quite a bit of elevation, with an average gradient of . And trust me, that effort is worth it! Keep in mind, because you're up so high in the northern Rockies, this road is really only open in summer, typically from late June. Even then, be prepared for anything – snow, freezing temps, afternoon thunderstorms are all possibilities. Watch out for rockslides! But that view? Unforgettable! You'll get a glimpse of lofty peaks, emerald valleys, and sparkling lakes – scenery you just can't see from the main highway. It's a panoramic masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've bumped your way back down.
hardNeedles Highway is a scenic curvy road in South Dakota
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through South Dakota's Black Hills in Custer State Park? You HAVE to check out Needles Highway (SD 87)! This paved byway is part of the larger Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and it's a 14-mile (22.53km) rollercoaster of twists and turns. Get ready for hairpin corners, skinny tunnels, and those iconic granite spires jutting from the landscape. Think pine and spruce forests, shimmering birch and aspen meadows, and rugged granite peaks. Seriously, you won't need any gear higher than second on this road! The highlight? Those tunnels! The Needles Eye Tunnel is legendary, barely wide enough at 8' 4" and just 12' high. It's an awesome photo op! There are two other tunnels along the way: Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel. Best time to visit is spring through fall, as winter snows close the road. Aim for early April to mid-October, but always check ahead. This is tourist central so be prepared for some other traffic. RVs and big trailers? Probably best to skip this one. The narrow lanes and tight turns make enjoying the views a real challenge. The granite "needles" themselves give the road its name and the whole thing was designed by Governor Peter Norbeck back in the day, who apparently walked the entire route himself! There's an entrance fee for Custer State Park, so factor that in. My tip? Go early. Like, sunrise early. The drive itself takes about 45-60 minutes, but you'll want to stop a million times for photos. Seriously, go slow and savor it – you'll probably find yourself cruising at 20 mph. Don't miss Sylvan Lake and Needle's Eye. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, deer, and cute little chipmunks, too!