Parker Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,622 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Parker Mountain in Idaho's Lemhi County? This beast tops out at a cool 8,602 feet within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
The way up? Forest Road 068, aka Parker Mountain Road – a proper gravel track begging for a 4x4. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking unpredictable weather, potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides... oh, and icy patches galore. Basically, save this one for a clear day and when you're feeling brave. But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,622 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Wheeler Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising up to Wheeler Peak in eastern Nevada's Great Basin National Park is an experience! This road, aptly named Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, stretches for about 12 miles from Nevada Highway 488, taking you all the way up to the Summit Trailhead near a campground and parking area. You'll top out at an impressive 10,180 feet above sea level! The road itself is paved, but be warned: it's narrow, twisty, and steep! We're talking a 7% maximum gradient in places! Due to the winding nature, passing is illegal along the entire route, and the speed limit is a chill 35 mph to account for wildlife and the road's narrowness. Also, larger vehicles beware, vehicles and trailers over 24 feet aren't allowed past the Upper Lehman Creek Campground. Plan for about 2 hours just for the drive so you can soak in the views. As you climb over 3,000 feet, prepare for incredible panoramic vistas of pine forests, the desert below, and even sparkling lakes. The ecosystem changes dramatically as you ascend, like traveling from Nevada to the Yukon! Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, marmots, coyotes, and jackrabbits along the way. Heads up: this high-altitude route is typically snowed in from November until late June or early July, so plan your visit accordingly! The road isn't plowed above 7800 feet.
moderateWhere is Whale Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Colorado road trippers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real beast of a mining road? Head north of Montezuma Road, where things get seriously rugged as you climb to some seriously high elevation. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in Colorado, bordering Summit and Jefferson counties, so you know the views are gonna be epic. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking muddy, rocky, "hope-your-suspension-is-ready" terrain. Only high-clearance OHVs or SUVs need apply. Think you can handle it? It's about [road length] long, climbing around 405 meters, with a pretty consistent gradient. So, yeah, you'll feel it. Heads up: this adventure is seasonal! Typically open from early June to early October, that springtime thaw makes the north side a swampy, impassable mess. Is it worth it? Absolutely, if you're prepared. Imagine camping beneath Whale Peak during the summer months. It's an unforgettable experience. Just make sure your rig is in tip-top shape and you know what you're getting into. Happy trails!
hardWhy is Lombard Street in San Francisco so famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: San Francisco, Russian Hill. You're cruising towards Lombard Street, specifically the block between Hyde and Leavenworth. What makes it so special? It’s famously the "most crooked street in the world!" Seriously, this one-block section has eight hairpin turns, making it a seriously fun (and slow) descent. Think stunning Victorian mansions, overflowing flower boxes, and incredible views of the city as you crawl down. Seriously bring your camera. This isn't a highway, it's an experience. The top speed is a crawl (5 mph!) and you'll be inching along as you navigate the twists and turns. Built back in 1922, those switchbacks weren't just for show. The natural grade of the hill was a crazy 27%, way too steep for cars back then (or even now, honestly). So, they zigzagged the road to make it manageable – and iconic! Sure, some say Vermont Street might be *even* more crooked, but Lombard is the real deal! Keep in mind, especially in the summer, there WILL be a line. But don't let that deter you. Even watching other cars navigate the street is entertainment. You may recognize the street from movies like ‘Vertigo’, ‘Driving in San Francisco’ or ‘The Simpsons.’ Lombard Street is a must-do San Francisco experience.
moderateIs Flesher Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Montana? You HAVE to check out Flesher Pass! This paved road, also known as County Road 279, climbs to a cool 6,141 feet above sea level in the Helena National Forest, right on the Continental Divide in Lewis and Clark County. The Flesher Pass Road clocks in at about 16.6 miles long, stretching from Wilborn up to the MT-200. The climb can get a little spicy, with grades hitting almost 9% in spots! At the top, there's a parking area, but space is limited, especially if you're hauling a trailer. The views though? Totally worth it! You'll be soaking up 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that while the pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can be a real mood killer, so expect some closures.