Estes Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,900 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Estes Mountain in central Idaho's Custer County is calling! This peak tops out at a breathtaking 9,514 feet, making it one of Idaho's highest drives.
The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta tippy moments. Winter? Forget about it – impassable is the word. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven though! Definitely bring your 4x4, and maybe your courage, because this trail is steep, with hairpin turns aplenty. Oh, and heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing some serious drop-offs. Watch out for wet conditions that can turn the road into a muddy challenge.
Keep your eyes peeled for old mines all the way to the top, remnants of the area's gold-rush history dating back to the 1800s. You'll find a parking area near the summit. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,900 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is Lombard Street in San Francisco so famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: San Francisco, Russian Hill. You're cruising towards Lombard Street, specifically the block between Hyde and Leavenworth. What makes it so special? It’s famously the "most crooked street in the world!" Seriously, this one-block section has eight hairpin turns, making it a seriously fun (and slow) descent. Think stunning Victorian mansions, overflowing flower boxes, and incredible views of the city as you crawl down. Seriously bring your camera. This isn't a highway, it's an experience. The top speed is a crawl (5 mph!) and you'll be inching along as you navigate the twists and turns. Built back in 1922, those switchbacks weren't just for show. The natural grade of the hill was a crazy 27%, way too steep for cars back then (or even now, honestly). So, they zigzagged the road to make it manageable – and iconic! Sure, some say Vermont Street might be *even* more crooked, but Lombard is the real deal! Keep in mind, especially in the summer, there WILL be a line. But don't let that deter you. Even watching other cars navigate the street is entertainment. You may recognize the street from movies like ‘Vertigo’, ‘Driving in San Francisco’ or ‘The Simpsons.’ Lombard Street is a must-do San Francisco experience.
moderateHow to get by car to Sunrise Mt Rainier?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the ride to Sunrise Point in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington! This place is a real gem, perched at a whopping 6,420 feet – the highest you can drive in the whole park! The road, called Sunrise Park Road (creative, right?), is paved all the way. Just hop off WA-410 and get ready for a 15.4-mile climb. It’s a winding, steep road that opened way back in 1931. Word to the wise: if you're rocking an RV or trailer longer than 25 feet, it's best to skip the drive beyond the White River Campground intersection. Keep in mind, this road is a seasonal darling. Thanks to heavy snowfall, it's usually open from late June/early July to late September/early October. In late September, the road closes nightly at the White River Campground junction and reopens each morning as conditions permit. Without stops, the drive takes around 30 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are incredible, and there's a big parking lot at the top. Once you get there, you’re in for a treat: 360-degree views of valleys, Mount Rainier itself, and even other Cascade volcanoes like Mount Adams. If you have sharp eyes, you might even spot Mt. St. Helens in the distance! Sunrise Point is a total must-do for anyone visiting Mount Rainier.
hardHighland Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Highland Peak in southeast Nevada! We're talking a summit sitting pretty at 9,389 feet, nestled in the Highland Range of Lincoln County. Getting up there is an adventure in itself. Picture this: a gravel road that's rocky, bumpy, and might have you tipping and teetering at times. This isn't a Sunday drive! Usually, you can tackle it from mid-May to September, weather permitting, so plan accordingly. Trust me, this trail is one for experienced off-roaders; 4x4 is a must! And if heights make you sweat, maybe skip this one, because it’s a steep climb. Rainy days turn this road into a muddy challenge, so be prepared. But the views? Oh man, they are worth it! You can see for miles, all the way to the Snake Range and Wheeler Peak to the north, and even peek into Utah. There's a radio facility at the top, too. So, if you're up for a thrilling ride and some jaw-dropping scenery, Highland Peak might just be your next unforgettable adventure.
hardDriving the wild Vanity Summit in Idaho
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Vanity Summit in the heart of Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking about Forest Service Road 8, a completely unpaved, rough, and narrow path that climbs to a whopping 7,811 feet (2,381m). You'll find the start of this 8.4-mile (13.51km) dirt track off of ID-21, and trust me, it gets gnarly pretty quickly as you ascend. A truck with 4x4 is a must for this trek. Oh, and definitely don't attempt this in the winter – it's usually impassable. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it! Plus, for the truly adventurous, there's a rough side road just west of the summit that climbs even higher, up to 8,471 feet (2,582m)! Get ready for an epic off-road experience!