Mount Hopkins
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,612 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Mount Hopkins Road in southern Arizona's Santa Rita Range! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 10-mile climb on a mostly unpaved, single-lane dirt road that winds its way up to 8,569 feet.
Seriously, the views are insane, and you'll want to snap a million photos. But keep your eyes on the road! It’s twisty, turny, and narrow, with a serious lack of guardrails. The road is steep, especially toward the end, so if you're not comfy with mountain driving, think twice.
Up top, you'll find the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory. The last few miles of the road are only accessible by guided tour. Also, heads up: this area is known for crazy winds and unpredictable weather, so pack accordingly. It's cold and windy up there pretty much year-round. Prepare for an exhilarating drive with views that will blow your mind! Just remember to stay focused and enjoy the ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,612 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardRange Road 51A
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Range Road 51A in British Columbia is calling your name! Seriously, this is one of Canada's highest roads, snaking through the Highwood area of Kananaskis in the majestic Canadian Rockies. This gravel road stretches for about 32 km, and is generally well maintained. Picture this: a winding route that will take your breath away, running north to south with insane views the entire time. Word of caution: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. You'll want to watch out for strong winds (especially in the afternoon!), and be prepared for crazy-fast weather changes. The road can get narrow in spots, with some seriously steep inclines, and it's not suitable for big trucks. Definitely leave the trailer at home! Linking AB-40 and AB-532 E, this mountain road tops out at a whopping 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) above sea level at a spot aptly named "The Hump." Keep in mind, this beauty is typically closed from December to May, so plan your trip accordingly! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.
moderateA Wild 4x4 Road to Moose Mountain in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ready for an epic drive? Let me tell you about Moose Mountain, a seriously high peak in Alberta, Canada. This isn't just any mountain – it's one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find Moose Mountain chilling west of Calgary, out in the wild Kananaskis Improvement District. Keep an eye out for the Moose Mountain Lookout Tower at the top – it's been watching over the area since 1929. They call it Moose Mountain because, well, it looks like a moose taking a nap! Trust me, the 360-degree views from the summit are totally worth it, and you can even have a picnic up there! Fun fact: you might recognize the scenery from movies like Land and Brokeback Mountain. Now, about the road... It's a 13.4 km (8.32 miles) unpaved adventure called Moose Mountain Fire Road, and you're gonna need a 4x4 to tackle it. Starting from the AB-66, you'll climb 930 m with an average gradient of 6.94%. This road is only open from May 15 to November 30, because the gate shuts for private vehicles after the Moose Mountain Trailhead Parking. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride into the heart of the Rockies!
hardWhere does the Fishlake Scenic Byway start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a ride on Utah State Route 25, aka the Fishlake Scenic Byway! This paved beauty winds through the heart of Fishlake National Forest, linking the dry desert to some seriously stunning alpine scenery. We're talking about almost 30 miles (47.63 km) of road tripping between Koosharem and Highway 24 near Loa, Utah, crossing Sevier and Wayne counties. You'll skirt the shores of Fish Lake itself and cruise past Johnson Valley Reservoir. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive – expect constant curves and ever-changing inclines as you climb from the desert floor into those lush aspen and pine forests. Now, a heads-up: while U-25 is paved and maintained year-round, winter driving can be a whole different ballgame, especially between Fish Lake and Highway 72. Think heavy snow and sneaky black ice. We're talking 9,000 feet (over 2,700 meters!), so storms can bury the road in no time. If you're hitting this route between November and April, snow chains are your friend, and definitely check the weather forecast before you go. The road itself is in great shape for any vehicle, even RVs and trailers. But that steep descent toward the SR-24 junction? Use your engine brake to save your regular brakes from overheating. Fun fact: the awesome mountain scenery around the lake? Thank ancient glaciers for that! This means the road can be narrow as it follows natural corridors and ridges. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife, especially deer and elk – they love those aspen groves at dawn and dusk. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! If you're into high-altitude environments, this is your easy ticket to southern Utah's alpine tundra. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by dry lake beds and Ice Age leftovers. Most folks use it to hit up the boat ramps and fishing spots at Fish Lake, but the drive itself is a classic mountain adventure. One last tip: cell service can be spotty, so download those maps before you leave Koosharem. Happy travels!
hardMedano Pass in Colorado: 9 creek crossings to the summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Medano Pass in Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a wild 20.1-mile (32.34km) off-road adventure that climbs to a whopping 10,013 feet (3,052m). You'll find this gem nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, hugging the southern heart of Colorado near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Forget pavement – this is all about conquering Medano Pass Primitive Road (County Road 559), a rough and rugged path from the dunes to Highway 69. Now, listen up: this route demands respect. Deep sand, rocky climbs, steep descents, and no fewer than NINE creek crossings of Medano Creek stand between you and bragging rights. Spring runoff can turn those crossings into serious water hazards, sometimes up to two feet deep, so a proper 4WD vehicle is absolutely essential. Don't even think about attempting this in a low-clearance AWD vehicle – you'll be stuck faster than you can say "help!" Soft sand also means airing down your tires might be a smart move, especially if you're rocking narrow tires or a heavier rig. This road is usually closed from November until mid-to-late May due to snow, and even summer weather can be unpredictable. Expect single-lane sections and moderate grades that'll keep you on your toes. Factor in 2.5 to 3 hours to traverse the road without stops. Fall is particularly beautiful time to drive.