Forest Road 140 is a drive worth taking in UT

Forest Road 140 is a drive worth taking in UT

Usa, north-america

Length

36.21 km

Elevation

3,237 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for a high-altitude adventure on Forest Road 140! This gem sits way up in Utah's Garfield County, deep in the Dixie National Forest. We're talking seriously high – topping out at a cool 10,620 feet!

Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. It's unpaved the whole way, and usually buried in snow from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly. There are some steep sections too, hitting a 10% grade in places. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and definitely avoid it when wet.

But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you wind your way along 22.5 miles (36.21km) from Forest Road 154 to Forest Highway 17. It's a moderately challenging drive, but the scenery is absolutely stunning. This is what Utah road trips are all about!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
36.21 km
Max Elevation
3,237 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Summit Camp?hard

Where is Summit Camp?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up for an adventure on Forest Road 140 in northern New Mexico! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 2.48-mile climb to Summit Camp in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Get ready for some seriously steep grades that'll test your mettle (and probably your brakes!). We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 10,282 feet! While you won't be able to drive all the way to the summit, as it's closed to private vehicles, a chairlift awaits to whisk you to the very top. Keep in mind this road is no joke and becomes impassable during winter. But when it's open, expect stunning views and an unforgettable, high-altitude experience in Carson National Forest!

Lowell Observatoryhard

Lowell Observatory

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, space explorers, buckle up! We're headed to Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're climbing to a cool 7,250 feet (2,210 meters) on W Mars Hill Road. The road's paved, so no worries there, but it's a pretty good climb. Remember Percival Lowell? He kicked things off here back in 1894! Now, pro-tip: that high elevation is no joke. If you're not used to it, take it easy. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and layer up those clothes! Even in summer, evenings can get chilly. And during the day? Slather on that sunscreen, because that Arizona sun is strong! Get ready for incredible views, and maybe even a glimpse into the cosmos!

Top 10 safest & most dangerous cities to drive in the USAextreme

Top 10 safest & most dangerous cities to drive in the USA

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Million Dollar Highway, also known as US 550, nestled in the heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This baby's about 25 miles long, stretching from Ouray to Silverton, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster! Elevation? Oh, we're talking serious heights, topping out at over 11,000 feet. That means incredible views, but also, uh, thin air, so take it easy if you're not used to it. Now, here's the thing: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns, steep cliffs with zero guardrails in some spots (yikes!), and weather that can change on a dime. Seriously, check the forecast before you go. But the payoff? Unbelievable! We're talking stunning mountain vistas, waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and charming little mountain towns that feel like stepping back in time. The scenery is seriously out of this world – perfect for photos and memories that'll last a lifetime. Just, you know, maybe keep your eyes on the road a little more than usual. It's a wild ride, but totally worth it for the adventurous soul!

Mt. Hamilton Road is a Californian drive with 365 curvesmoderate

Mt. Hamilton Road is a Californian drive with 365 curves

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Mt. Hamilton Road in Santa Clara County, California, ready for an epic mountain adventure. This isn't just any road; it's a 19-mile (31 km) ribbon of asphalt that some say boasts 365 curves - one for every single day of the year! This stretch is actually part of California State Route 130, and it's completely paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a twisty, turny challenge, climbing up to Mount Hamilton at a whopping 4,206ft (1,282m) above sea level. And guess what's waiting up there? The historic Lick Observatory! Watch out for cyclists sharing the road as you make your ascent. Fun fact: this route was built way back in 1875-76 to haul materials up to the observatory. The grade isn't too steep, but the road is narrow in spots, with some pretty tight curves thrown in for good measure. Perched high in the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton can get chilly. Pack a sweater, especially if you're heading up during the colder months. It even snows up there sometimes! But the views? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible panoramas of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley spread out below. Just remember to fill up the tank and grab some snacks before you go – there are no services once you leave San Jose. On a clear day from the summit, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Sierra Nevada. Trust me, this drive is spine-tingling!