How Challenging is the Road to Sawtell Peak?
Usa, north-america
18.5 km
3,017 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Island Park, Idaho, you HAVE to check out Sawtell Peak! This epic drive takes you up Forest Road 024 (aka Sawtell Peak Road) inside the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, close to the Montana border.
Think of it as a well-maintained, but steep gravel rollercoaster with tons of hairpin turns. I wouldn't advise bringing your trailer along for this one! If you're scared of heights, be warned: some sections are seriously exposed. Under normal conditions, you can tackle it in a regular car, but avoid it when things get super wet.
The climb starts on US-20 and stretches for 11.5 miles to the top. In that short distance, you'll gain a whopping 3,458 feet! That's an average gradient of 5.69%, so get ready for some serious switchbacks.
At the summit, you'll find a flight traffic control radar station doing its thing, but who cares about that when you've got insane views?!
Speaking of which, this road is named after a rock formation that looks like a Native American chief, earning it the nickname "Chief Rains in the Face." The landscape offers mind-blowing panoramas of valleys, peaks, and local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!
A word of caution: this area is no joke. Locals joke that there are only two seasons: Winter and July. Snowstorms can pop up out of nowhere, and even in summer, the winds can get pretty wild. The road's usually closed from November 1st to June 1st. Sure, the FAA maintains it for the radar station in winter, but with snow depths up to 25 feet and avalanche danger, it's best to avoid it.
Just remember to park safely if you stop to enjoy the scenery, and watch out for other vehicles. Trust me; the views are worth every nerve-wracking turn!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,017 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardAn epic enthralling road to Bolan Peak in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered this incredible spot in Oregon's Josephine County called Bolan Peak. We're talking Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest vibes, reaching a lofty 6,240 feet! The road up, Forest Road 535, is a total off-road experience - unpaved all the way, baby! You could probably make it in a regular car, but I'd definitely recommend something with higher clearance to be safe. Fair warning: there's a gate near the top. The views from up there are insane! Think panoramic vistas of the Red Buttes and Siskiyou Wilderness, plus glimpses of Preston Peak and the shimmering Bolan Lake. Heads up, though: snow usually shuts the road down from late October until sometime between late June and early July. Mother Nature calls the shots on when it's open, so check conditions before you head out. Sadly, the old lookout tower that stood tall since 1953 is gone, a casualty of the 2020 Slater Fire. Still, the view is worth the trek!
extremeHow is the drive to Sullivan Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a trek to Sullivan Mountain, a beast of a peak straddling the US-Canada border in the wild northeast corner of Washington! This isn't your Sunday drive – it's a proper off-road adventure up one of the state's highest routes, smack-dab in the middle of Colville National Forest. Starting from [starting location], you'll be tackling NF-245 (aka Sullivan Mtn Road). This is where things get real: it's narrow, rocky, and seriously rough. Get ready for a climb because the road throws six tight hairpin turns at you as you gain over 3,000 feet in elevation. Summer's peak brings its own set of challenges. Mountain bushes grow wild, encroaching on the road. If you're precious about your paint, prepare for some "pinstriping" from the branches! A high-clearance vehicle? Non-negotiable. You'll need it to navigate the deep ruts and seriously "tippy" sections. Sullivan Mountain has a history as a fire lookout, with a few different structures standing guard over the decades. While the current tower, built of timber, is no longer in use, it's an iconic landmark. Sadly, the lower stairs have been removed, so you can't climb up. Here’s the deal: about a mile from the summit, the road is gated. You'll have to park and hike the rest of the way up the old roadbed. It's a steep climb, but trust me, the solitude at the top is incredible. A word of caution: this is bear country. It's super remote near the Canadian border, so wildlife encounters are possible. Carry bear spray and stay alert, especially on that final hike. That solitude we talked about? It also means you're on your own if things go sideways. Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. The sweet spot to visit is mid-July through September. Always check the weather because if it's wet, the rocky dirt turns into a muddy mess, making the 10.9-mile round trip a real test, even for experienced drivers.
hardBonanza King
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Bonanza King in northern California's Trinity County is calling your name! We're talking a serious summit here at 6,955 feet, so buckle up for a climb. The road? Let's just say it's not for your grandma's sedan. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpy action. You'll DEFINITELY want a 4WD vehicle for this trek. The good news? You're headed to a fire lookout tower at the top (usually staffed during fire season). Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is off-limits from October 30th to May 1st. The trail can get steep, and Mother Nature can throw a wrench in your plans with sudden thunderstorms that turn the road into a 4x4-only zone (or even impassable!). The peak's name comes from all the gold mining in the area, which is still happening, by the way. Play it safe and peep that weather forecast before you go. And seriously, stay away from the lookout during a thunderstorm! But the views? Oh man, the VIEWS! From the top, you'll score epic panoramas of Mt. Shasta and Castle Crags to the east, the Trinity Alps to the west, and Trinity Lake shimmering to the south. Trust me, this is one you won't want to miss.
hardQueen City Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up space cadets, because Queen City Summit on Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway is out of this world! Located in the heart of Nevada, in Nye County, this pass tops out at a cool 5,967 feet. It's the highest point on the infamous Route 375, known for its, shall we say, *unusual* sightings. This stretch of highway is paved and clocks in at just under 100 miles long. It's a lonely ride through miles of desert, connecting Crystal Springs (near Route 318) to Warm Springs (near Route 6). Keep an eye on the weather, as things can change quickly out here. Plus, be ready for some steep climbs along the way. Who knows, you might even spot a UFO!