Is Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?
Usa, north-america
149.5 km
2,138 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic off-road experience, you HAVE to check out the Lolo Motorway in central Idaho. Forest Road 500, as it's officially known, is a 93-mile, mostly unpaved, single-lane dirt track that winds its way through the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.
Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive! We're talking rough terrain, super narrow sections, and a whole lot of remoteness. Think stunning views meet serious self-sufficiency. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle (leave the RV and trailers at home!), and be prepared for zero cell service in spots.
There are no services out there – no gas, no stores, nada. It's just you, your trusty vehicle, and the breathtaking scenery. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this road follows the path of the Nez Perce and other tribes, and even Lewis and Clark! Plan for at least 6-8 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to linger and soak it all in.
The Lolo Motorway tops out at over 7,000 feet near Indian Postoffice in the Bitterroot Mountains, so keep an eye on the weather. This high-altitude route is usually snow-free from July to September, but conditions can change fast. Basically, if you're looking for a wild, unforgettable road trip through history and nature, the Lolo Motorway is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 149.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,138 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardMount Callaghan
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nevada? Check out Mount Callaghan in Lander County! This beast tops out at 10,193 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You can thank the communications tower up top (visible from Highway 305) for the road's existence. But be warned: this isn't your Sunday cruise. Expect a gravel and rocky track, bumpy and uneven at times as you wind your way up the Toiyabe Range. It’s usually snowed in during winter. Definitely for experienced off-roaders only! You’ll need 4x4 for sure, and a good head for heights is a must. The trail gets pretty steep in sections, and if it’s been raining, prepare for some serious mud. Your reward? Killer views from the top, next to that trusty communications tower.
moderateWhere is Lakeview Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a quirky road trip on the Road to Nowhere, near Bryson City, North Carolina! Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this isn't just a drive; it's a journey into history and maybe a little bit of the paranormal! Where does this road actually go? Lakeview Drive winds along Fontana Lake's northern edge inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close to the Tennessee border. Both sections offer access to hiking trails and stunning views of the mountains and lake. How long is it? The Road to Nowhere clocks in at 6.5 miles, broken into two parts. The first bit is a short 0.7 miles near Fontana Dam. The second, longer stretch runs 5.8 miles until... well, you'll see. Is it paved? Yep, it's fully paved, making it fine for cars and a challenging workout for cyclists. But heads up, it's curvy, so pay attention behind the wheel! What's the story? Back in the '40s, residents had to move to make way for Fontana Lake. The government promised a road, Lakeview Drive, to reconnect folks and access cemeteries. They started building in the '60s, but stopped in '71 because of environmental issues, unstable rock, and cost. Now, there's a six-mile stretch ending at a tunnel! Why "Road to Nowhere?" That name comes from its unfinished state. The eastern section dead-ends at a 1,200-foot tunnel. It's a remote, isolated place with a bit of a spooky vibe. What's so scenic? Lakeview Drive boasts several viewpoints, like the Fontana Lake Overlook, plus access to the Noland Creek Trails. Get ready for creekside views, mountain vistas, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. Perfect for photos! What trails can I hike? The road gives you access to: Noland Creek Trail North and South: Hike along the creek for forest and water views. The South Trail is a one-mile loop to Fontana Lake. Goldmine Loop Trail: A loop connecting to Lakeshore Trail. Forney Creek Trail: Follows where the road was supposed to go, linking both segments and offering campsites. So, what's at the end? The eastern segment ends at a long tunnel, only accessible on foot. Bring a flashlight – it's dark in there! The other side leads to more hiking trails. Why does everyone think it's haunted? The Road to Nowhere is known for paranormal activity. The tunnel is super eerie at night—cold wind, echoing voices, and total darkness. Its isolation, the tunnel, and the backstory make it a hotspot for ghost hunters! Why is it important? It's a reminder of the past: communities displaced, environmental concerns, and broken promises. In 2010, Swain County got $52 million instead of the road, officially ending the 1943 agreement. Can I drive or bike it? The paved road is good for cars and a challenging bike ride. Cyclists love the curves and views, especially in the fall. You can also fish for trout along Noland Creek or just relax at an overlook. Anything else I should know? Prepare for a remote, winding drive. Drive carefully due to curves and drop-offs. Bring flashlights for the tunnel, and note that some trails are strenuous. Weather changes fast in the mountains, so check the forecast!
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Morgan Summit in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Morgan Summit! This gem sits high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California, clocking in at a cool 5,764 feet. You'll find it smack-dab in Tehama County, and it's entirely paved – smooth sailing! Now, here's the thing: this road, shared by Highway 89 and another road you might want to research, is a twisty-turny paradise. Think 140 miles of pure driving bliss, demanding your complete and undivided attention. Keep an eye out for trucks hauling trailers. The 29.1-mile stretch runs from Mineral to Chester (right on Lake Almanor!) and marks the highest point on California Route 36. Expect stunning scenery, but also be aware: some spots have serious drop-offs without guardrails, plus blind curves that will test your skills. Cell service is spotty (if existent at all), so download those maps ahead of time! While the pass is usually open year-round, winter can bring closures due to the weather. So, maybe skip it right after a downpour or at night. When the sun's shining and the roads are clear, though, Morgan Summit is a drive you won't soon forget. Get ready for an adventure!
extremeThe Engineering of Kicking Horse Pass
🇨🇦 Canada
All aboard for a wild ride through the Canadian Rockies! The railway lines here are seriously impressive feats of engineering, mainly thanks to Canadian Pacific (CP) and Canadian National (CN). These tracks slice right through the Continental Divide, battling some crazy steep gradients and seriously unstable ground. We're talking about conquering Kicking Horse Pass (1,627m) and Yellowhead Pass (1,131m), with insane features like the Spiral Tunnels, Stoney Creek Bridge, and the notorious Hell's Gate. The Kicking Horse Pass is the real MVP. Originally, the "Big Hill" section was a total nightmare with a super-steep gradient that caused constant derailments. Enter the Spiral Tunnels in 1909 – pure genius! These tunnels loop inside Cathedral Mountain and Mt. Ogden, doubling the track length and dropping the gradient to a much more manageable 2.2%. Then there's the Fraser Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Fraser River. The railway clings to the canyon walls, squeezing through Hell's Gate where the canyon narrows dramatically. Landslides are a real threat here, so constant monitoring is a must. These rail lines play nice with the region's high-altitude roads, particularly near Lake Louise and Jasper along Highway 93. While the railway hugs the valley floors to maintain that gentle 2.2% gradient, Highway 93 climbs higher to tackle Sunwapta Pass. Both rail and road face the same hazards: avalanches and permafrost issues. Don't miss the bridges! The Stoney Creek Bridge is a 148-meter long steel arch soaring 91 meters above the creek – one of the highest railway bridges in North America. Near Lytton, the CP and CN tracks pull a cool criss-cross move over the river on two massive bridges. Finally, the Continental Divide crossings! Yellowhead Pass, used by the Jasper route, is the lowest pass in the Rockies, making for a gentler climb. And keep an eye out for Mount Robson (3,954m), the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.