
Kaibab Plateau
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,804 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Have you heard about the Kaibab Plateau in Arizona? We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 9,200 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive.
You'll find yourself winding through the Kaibab National Forest on Forest Road 270, a gravel and rocky track that’ll test your off-road skills. Trust me, this road earns its keep. Winter? Forget about it, it’s totally impassable. If unpaved roads and heights aren’t your thing, maybe grab a postcard instead. But if you're up for a challenge, a 4x4 is your best friend. Prepare for some steep climbs, but the views? Absolutely worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,804 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeExplore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.
extremeTop 10 safest & most dangerous cities to drive in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Million Dollar Highway, also known as US 550, nestled in the heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This baby's about 25 miles long, stretching from Ouray to Silverton, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster! Elevation? Oh, we're talking serious heights, topping out at over 11,000 feet. That means incredible views, but also, uh, thin air, so take it easy if you're not used to it. Now, here's the thing: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns, steep cliffs with zero guardrails in some spots (yikes!), and weather that can change on a dime. Seriously, check the forecast before you go. But the payoff? Unbelievable! We're talking stunning mountain vistas, waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and charming little mountain towns that feel like stepping back in time. The scenery is seriously out of this world – perfect for photos and memories that'll last a lifetime. Just, you know, maybe keep your eyes on the road a little more than usual. It's a wild ride, but totally worth it for the adventurous soul!
moderateThe historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever heard of a road made of wood? Deep in California's Imperial County, near the border with Mexico, lies the remains of the Old Plank Road, a seriously cool piece of early 20th-century ingenuity. Back in 1915, this eight-mile stretch was built right across the shifting sands of the Algodones Dunes, a landscape that looks like it belongs in the Sahara! Imagine driving on wooden planks, laid end-to-end like a primitive roadway. It was a single lane, so turnouts were added every mile so cars could pass each other. They called it a success, though it was hard work to keep the sand off the road. Mules were brought in to dust the planks off or even move sections of the road! This quirky road made it possible to travel between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. About 3,000 vehicles a week traveled across the "railroad track for cars" Sadly, the plank road's reign didn't last. The harsh desert and shifting sands took their toll, and by the late 1920s, it was replaced with asphalt. Today, only fragments remain, a historic landmark and reminder of a time when a wooden road was the only way to cross these majestic dunes. The region of towering dunes resembles the Sahara desert and has been featured in films ranging from Rudolph Valentino's “The Sheik” to 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.
moderateAdventure along Scenic Skyline Drive to North Tent Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventurers! Ready for a serious alpine drive? Head to Sanpete County, Utah, and get ready to climb North Tent Mountain. This peak soars to 10,544 feet, making it one of Utah's highest drivable spots! You'll be cruising Skyline Drive Scenic Backway (aka Forest Road 150), a totally unpaved path built way back in the 30s that hugs the Wasatch Plateau's ridgeline. This isn't your average Sunday drive though! The road can get narrow, barely wider than your vehicle as you straddle those 10,000-foot ridges. While you *can* tackle the northern part year-round in a regular car, the southern sections demand some serious clearance or 4x4 power. Think ruts and rocks! Open season is generally July to September. Come prepared – unpredictable rainstorms can turn that dirt track into a muddy mess, so pack extra supplies, shovels, and maybe even chains. But trust me, the views are worth it! This "Utah Adventure Highway" offers mind-blowing scenery and killer camping, fishing, and hunting spots. Just remember: cell service is spotty at best. Plan ahead, embrace the digital detox, and get ready for an epic off-the-grid experience.