
Geography of the Edge
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! Ever heard of "Killer Krome"? This infamous stretch of road (aka State Road 997) in western Miami-Dade County, Florida, definitely lives up to its name.
For miles, you're cruising along the very edge of the Everglades, the last stand between Miami's urban jungle and untamed wilderness. Picture this: a long, straight shot of asphalt, no frills, running north-south from Florida City/Homestead up to US 27. It's a seriously unique vibe, where the city's rigid grid system dissolves into rural farmlands and Miccosukee tribal lands.
But Krome's got a past. Deep in the Cold War era, a top-secret missile silo was built alongside it (missile crisis, anyone?). Later, it became a refugee camp, and let’s just say things got…intense. For years, rumors swirled about a hidden mental asylum and spooky ghost sightings in the abandoned ruins, making it a legendary spot for late-night, paranormal-seeking teens.
Why the "Killer" tag? Well, for a long time, it was basically a pitch-black, two-lane highway with zero barriers. People got some serious speed going, and that led to some devastating head-on collisions. No bueno.
Locals in the "Redlands" area fought to keep it as is, to preserve their agricultural charm. But safety won out, and they've been widening it and adding medians. It’s getting safer, sure, but the "danger" element of old Krome Avenue is still part of the mystique.
Seriously, driving Krome at night is an experience. Starting from the Tamiami Trail and going all the way up to US 27, it gives you a peek at the darker side of Florida’s landscape. If you're road-tripping the Sunshine State, Krome is a stark contrast to the beachy Overseas Highway – a raw, almost unnerving stretch of road that you won't soon forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Left Hand Reservoir?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found an incredible spot tucked away in north-central Colorado, deep within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Left Hand Reservoir. But getting there? That's half the fun! The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think totally unpaved, rough and ready terrain. We're talking a serious 4WD situation here, folks. High clearance is a MUST. Forget your standard car—you'll need something that can handle big ruts that might give you some approach and departure angle problems. SUVs? Proceed with extreme caution (or maybe just skip it). And watch out for those high winds! The route is steep and you'll be thankful for low-range gearing. And have your camera ready, because there are plenty of tree stumps, rocks, and boulders along the sides of the trail that'll make for some epic photos. Keep in mind this isn't a year-round destination. Due to its location in the Front Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, the road's only open from about mid-June to mid-October. The unpaved section starts off of the paved Forest Road 112 (Brainard Lake Road) and stretches for roughly 3.8 miles. Over that distance, you'll climb about 600 vertical feet. Worth it for the views!
moderateWhy is it called Pennask Summit?
🇨🇦 Canada
Yo, road trip lovers! Let's talk Pennask Summit, a seriously epic mountain pass sitting way up high at 1,733m (5,685ft) in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Why "Pennask"? It gets its name from the nearby Pennask Creek. You can totally drive it – it's all paved and part of Highway 97C, or as the locals call it, the Okanagan Connector. Heads up though, this pass is the highest point on the whole road! It's not exactly a Sunday drive, though. You'll be facing some long, steep climbs, especially if you're heading west. But trust me, the killer views are totally worth it. Good news, it's usually open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with occasional short closures. And get this: it's the second-highest pass in BC! The whole shebang is about 81.4 km (50.57 miles) long, carving through the Thompson Plateau. You'll cruise from Aspen Grove to Peachland, right in the Okanagan Valley on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Road trip goals, right?
hardHow To Travel The Beaver Creek Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Park County, Colorado, and you've got a hankering for some serious off-the-beaten-path action, you HAVE to check out County Road 655, a.k.a. Beaver Creek Road. Nestled high in the Rockies, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a solid 8.7 miles of unpaved glory, so ditch the sedan and bring your 4x4. Seriously. Also, be aware that this area is marked as private property, so respect the signs! You can usually only get up here in the summer. We are talking late June/July territory for snow-free conditions. Starting near Alma, the highest incorporated town in North America, you'll climb to the Beaver Creek Iron Mine at a whopping 12,093 feet. The views? Absolutely insane. It's a pretty steep climb of around 1,700 feet over those 8-ish miles, so prepare for some serious uphill. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a little gravel road north of Beaver Ridge that'll take you even higher to about 12,424 feet! Just remember this is a high altitude drive, so be prepared. Enjoy the views!
hardWhere is Pucker Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pucker Pass sits high in the sky at feet above sea level, snuggled in . This road is seriously ! Four-wheel drive vehicles are your best bet, although anything with high clearance should be able to handle it. So, where exactly is this "Pucker Pass"? It's on the of Canyonlands National Park, just north of . It plunges , offering stunning views of . Why "Pucker Pass," you ask? Well, it's a name dreamed up by some brave Jeepers who thought navigating this canyon back in the day was a way more experience than it is now. Is it paved? Nope! Pucker Pass is all about that , with a bit of mud and sand thrown in – usually . Uphill drivers supposedly have the right of way, but don't count on everyone playing by the rules. Stay and watch out when you're passing other vehicles. Expect to dodge some rocks – nothing too crazy, but keep your eyes peeled. There's usually enough space to pass or pull over. How tough is the drive? It's overall, but you'll hit some , particularly right through the pass where it gets a bit . Most of the time, it's a pretty wide gravel road, but the bit that goes through can get a little narrow. Usually, it's perfectly fine for your standard 4x4 , unless it's been raining cats and dogs and caused some extra damage. How long is the road? From , it’s a climb, gaining in elevation. The road averages out to about . Best time to go? , when the weather's playing nice. Definitely skip it during wild weather , and it's way better when the road is , things can get a little more interesting.