Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a scenic drive in Escalante National Monument
Usa, north-america
89.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hole-in-the-Rock Road in southern Utah is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about 55.8 miles (89.80km) of pure, unadulterated dirt road magic, straddling Garfield and Kane counties within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Built way back in 1879 by some seriously determined Mormon pioneers, this road is steeped in history and natural beauty. For the first 35 miles or so from UT-12 near Escalante, most cars can handle it if the weather's good. But trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for the final stretch within Glen Canyon, especially if there's been rain. It gets ROUGH.
Expect some washboarding, ruts, and maybe even some washouts along the way. This isn't a place you want to get stuck, so pack plenty of water (at least a gallon per person per day is a good rule of thumb!), and be prepared to handle anything. Cell service is spotty at best, and temperatures can swing wildly from scorching hot in the summer to freezing in the winter. Flash floods are a real concern, especially during the summer monsoon season.
Allow 3-5 hours for the drive, but honestly, you might want to budget even more time to soak it all in. You'll have access to incredible spots like Devil’s Garden and the amazing Dry Fork slot canyons, plus historic sites like Dance Hall Rock and the legendary Hole-in-the-Rock itself on the shores of Lake Powell. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a scenic drive in Escalante National Monument is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.3773, -99.0622
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 89.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.3773, -99.0622
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Telegraph Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Check out Telegraph Peak in Nevada's White Pine County! But be warned, there are a LOT of Telegraph Peaks out there, so make sure you're heading to the right one—this one's in east-central Nevada. The road up the eastern side of the peak is where things get interesting. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a narrow, unpaved path! From the moment you leave the main road, you've got about to go to reach the top. That might not sound like much, but you'll be climbing with a pretty steep incline. Keep in mind, Nevada gets a LOT of snow in the winter months, so you might want to save this trip for the warmer seasons. But trust me, the views from the top are absolutely worth the trek!
easyWhere is Sandia Crest?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Sandia Crest, nestled in the Cibola National Forest just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a MUST. We're talking serious altitude here - 10,678 feet! The NM-536, also known as the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, is your perfectly paved, 13.3-mile ticket to the top. It’s smooth sailing for any vehicle, so no need to leave the family sedan at home. Built way back in '27 and fully paved by '60, this road is a classic. The asphalt is in great shape, recently resurfaced. Expect around 20 switchbacks as you climb. Keep an eye out for a bit of dirt on those tighter corners though! Motorcycle enthusiasts, this one's for you. The winding road is a dream. Just be aware that those summer storms can bring some wild temperature swings. And speaking of climb, get ready for some steep sections. We're talking gradients up to 9% in spots! You’ll gain 3,763 feet over those 13.3 miles, averaging around a 5.35% grade. Factor in around 25 minutes of driving time *without* stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop! The views are insane, stretching across the high desert and dense forests of the Sandia Mountains. At the summit, you'll find a parking area, restaurant, gift shop, and accessible viewing areas and facilities. Oh, and did I mention the panoramic views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, Mount Taylor, and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains? Seriously, the perspective from the top overlooking Albuquerque is simply breathtaking. Prepare to be wowed!
moderateWhere is Irwin Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you HAVE to check out Irwin Road in North Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 2.3-mile stretch of pure eeriness, running from Wexford Road to Babcock Boulevard, just east of Wexford. Picture this: you're cruising along, and suddenly the pavement gives way to an unpaved section (closed to cars, sadly!). The road is dark, no streetlights to guide you, just a few scattered houses and a whole lot of spooky vibes. So, what makes this road so legendary? Well, it's whispered that Irwin Road is haunted. Legend has it that a ghostly blue mist rolls in, and there are tales of paranormal activity, mysterious floating orbs, and all sorts of unexplained happenings. Add in some local lore about murders, lynchings, and ghost sightings, and you've got yourself a truly unforgettable experience! Whether these stories are true or not, the desolate atmosphere of the road definitely lends itself to the imagination. So, if you're looking for a spooky adventure, Irwin Road might just be the perfect place. Just don't say I didn't warn you!
hardHow Long is the Powderface Trail?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! The Powderface Trail in Alberta's Kananaskis Country is calling your name. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the wild heart of Canada. Clocking in at 34 km (21 miles), this beauty snakes north-south, connecting Highway 68 (Sibbald Creek Trail) to AB-66. Think creeks babbling beside you, towering evergreens creating a shadowy canopy, and landscapes so secluded you'll feel like you're the only person on Earth. Most vehicles can handle it, but be warned: some sections get a bit narrow and steep, adding to the thrill. Word to the wise: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The gravel road is maintained, but it's twisty, turny, and can feel like a rollercoaster at times. Parts of it can erode too, so keep your eyes peeled. And ditch the phone because you'll be off-grid. Strong winds can be a factor and livestock roam free, so stay alert! Sitting high in the Rockies, this route hits an elevation of 1,854m (6,082ft). Oh, and a heads up: Powderface Trail is closed from December 1st to May 15th each year. Mother Nature calls the shots on this one, so weather dictates when it's safe to explore!