Is the road to Blacktail Mountain in Montana unpaved?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're way out in southwestern Montana, south of Dillon, about to tackle Blacktail Mountain. This isn't just a drive; it's a legit wilderness experience. We're talking *remote*.
Blacktail Mountain is the star of the Blacktail Range, a rugged, wide-open space teeming with elk and mule deer. Think classic Montana backcountry, managed by the BLM and Forest Service. The views? 360 degrees of pure, unadulterated beauty, stretching across the valleys to the Continental Divide. You'll feel like you've stepped back into the Old West.
But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road to the top is a wild 9 miles of unpaved, rocky terrain. We're talking loose rock, deep ruts, and sections that cling to the mountainside. You absolutely, positively need a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously. And come prepared. This is a road that is not maintained. It's so remote that cell service is non-existent, and you probably won't see another soul. This is one of those "primitive roads" that will test your driving skills and your vehicle's toughness.
When to go? Weather is key. Forget winter and spring; this road is buried in snow and mud. Aim for late June through September, but even then, watch out for summer thunderstorms that can turn the trail into a slippery mess. Pack extra supplies, especially water and a spare tire – those sharp rocks are notorious for punctures. But if you make it to the top? Prepare for silence, solitude, and some of the most breathtaking scenery Montana has to offer.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Stevens Pass in WA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let’s talk about Stevens Pass in Washington State! Perched way up high in the Cascade Mountains at over 4,000 feet, this baby straddles King and Chelan counties and offers a stunning drive. Yup, you can totally drive it! Highway 2, also known as the Stevens Pass Highway, will take you right over the top. The whole route is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but keep your eyes peeled because you're cruising through serious mountain country – think Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests. Avalanche territory, folks! The pass stretches for about 36 miles from Skykomish to Coles Corner. If you're just driving straight through, plan on about 45 minutes to an hour to soak in the views. And the best part? It's open all year round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season! Just remember to check road conditions, especially in winter.
hardCrossing the iconic Lions Gate Bridge in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Cruising through British Columbia? You HAVE to experience the Lions Gate Bridge! Seriously, this isn't just a way to get from A to B, it's a total movie-worthy moment (literally, it's been in tons of films!). This suspension bridge clocks in at a whopping 1.8 kilometers (5,890 feet), making it the longest in Western Canada. Opened way back in 1938, it's got some history too! Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views as you cross. It's one of those drives you won't forget!
hardWhere is Sitgreaves Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Sitgreaves Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,096m (3,595ft) above sea level, located in Mohave County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. Very few guardrails give you no leeway for error. Where is Sitgreaves Pass? The pass is located between Kingman and Oatman, in the northwestern corner of Arizona, high in the Black Mountains. Why is it called Sitgreaves Pass? The pass was named for Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, of the Corps of Topographical Engineers. How long is Sitgreaves Pass in Arizona? The road to the summit is entirely paved. It’s called , part of Historic U.S. 66 W. The pass is 35.40km (22 miles) long, running from Oatman to Walnut Creek. The summit is about 3 miles west of Ed's Camp. Is the road to Sitgreaves Pass dangerous? The road is pretty narrow, very curvy, with lots of blind hairpin turns and no shoulders. It’s a fabulous drive if you are not scared of heights or of tumbling down a mountainside. In many places, there are only a few wooden fence posts and a piece of chain between you and the drop over the edge of the mountain. Make sure to look for the old cars off the road near the hairpin curves. This road is built like a bobsled run, with crazy switchbacks and steep drop-offs plunging thousands of feet down. It is slow going, with some of the winding sections slowing down to 20mph. The road is steep, hitting a 12% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. You'll be fine in normal vehicles, but larger RVs are going to have serious issues. Don’t take this road in bad weather, and do not attempt it after dark. Is the road to Sitgreaves Pass in AZ worth it? Plan about 45 minutes to complete the drive without any stops. However, the drive will take longer due to its beauty. Take your time; it's well worth the drive. There are plenty of pull-offs for you to get out and take pictures, so don't try to take pictures while you are driving. A lot of mining took place along the stretch of road between Oatman and Cool Springs. There are some historical buildings, or rather remains of historical buildings, along this route. A road trip to Lobdell Lake in California is truly epic Rim of the World is a Scenic Byway in Southern California Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyMount Washburn via Chittenden Road: A Scenic Unpaved Journey in the Heart of Yellowstone
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Yellowstone National Park, ready for an adventure up Mount Washburn. You can't drive *all* the way to the top (10,243ft!), but you can get pretty darn close! From the Grand Loop Road, hop onto Chittenden Road, a former wagon route turned gravel track. It's a pretty easy 4.1 miles until you reach the parking lot at 8,743ft. This section is pretty wide, so no need to stress about oncoming traffic. Sure, you'll hit a steep 15% grade in one spot, but it's not too bad. Once you park, you've got a choice: hike or bike the remaining 2.8 miles to the summit. Totally worth it, though! This road, typically open from late May to mid-October, winds through the Washburn Range, and the views are absolutely insane. At the peak, you can see Yellowstone's northern reaches and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons in the distance! Watch out for those afternoon thunderstorms – they can bring wind, rain, and lightning. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies and black bears (seriously!). And remember, these are wild animals. Give them plenty of space. Bison and elk can also be dangerous if approached. Oh, and by the way, this peak is named after Henry Washburn, the leader of the 1870 Washburn Expedition. The first recorded climb was in 1870, but who knows, maybe someone beat them to it!