
Queen City Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highway
Usa, north-america
159 km
1,819 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up space cadets, because Queen City Summit on Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway is out of this world! Located in the heart of Nevada, in Nye County, this pass tops out at a cool 5,967 feet. It's the highest point on the infamous Route 375, known for its, shall we say, *unusual* sightings.
This stretch of highway is paved and clocks in at just under 100 miles long. It's a lonely ride through miles of desert, connecting Crystal Springs (near Route 318) to Warm Springs (near Route 6). Keep an eye on the weather, as things can change quickly out here. Plus, be ready for some steep climbs along the way. Who knows, you might even spot a UFO!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 159 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,819 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Hoosier Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Hoosier Pass in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high at 11,542 feet, straddling Park and Summit counties, not too far west of Denver. Why "Hoosier"? Blame those pioneers from Indiana, the "Hoosier State." You'll cruise along the fully paved Colorado State Highway 9, a 21.4-mile stretch from Breckenridge down to Fairplay. Expect a smooth ride coming from the south, but be ready for some switchbacks as you head north! It’s not crazy steep, but at 8% grade, you'll definitely feel it. Good news – this Continental Divide crossing is usually open year-round! Keep an eye on the weather though, because winter storms can shut things down. In good weather, any vehicle should be fine. Now, for the truly adventurous: Just west of the main pass, a rugged, unpaved mining road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to the "real" Hoosier Pass at 12,112 feet. This one's for the 4x4 crowd only! Forget all-wheel drive; you'll need the real deal to tackle this steep climb. Trust me, it's worth it for the incredible views of those jagged western mountains! So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and get ready for some seriously stunning Colorado scenery!
easyDriving the scenic Ingraham Trail in Yellowknife
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey adventurers! Just outside Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, you'll find the legendary Ingraham Trail, a true escape into the wild. This 69km (43-mile) stretch of Highway 4 kicks off from Yellowknife, right on the edge of Great Slave Lake, and winds its way to Tibbit Lake. Think of it as your gateway to recreation *and* a crucial supply route – in winter, it's the starting point for the epic Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road, leading to the diamond mines way up north! Built back in the '60s with dreams of reaching the Arctic (it didn't quite make it!), the trail is named after Vic Ingraham, a Yellowknife legend. The drive itself is stunning – a tapestry of lakes and rivers, with breathtaking views of the tundra and surrounding forests. Pack a picnic; there are loads of fantastic day-use parks dotted along the way. Most of the road is paved (about 60km/37 miles), but the final 10km (6 miles) after Reid Lake turns to gravel, adding a touch of ruggedness. It's open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter as it can get wild, leading to temporary closures.
extremeWhere is Cinnamon Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Cinnamon Pass, perched way up at 12,640 feet in the Colorado Rockies, straddling Hinsdale and San Juan counties. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 19.5-mile off-road adventure on Cinnamon Pass Road, part of the legendary Alpine Loop. You'll need a 4WD with high clearance to tackle this baby. The road's unpaved and can get pretty gnarly, especially on the western ascent, with steep, rocky sections that turn treacherous when wet. Even the easier eastern side demands a capable vehicle. Be prepared for some serious shelf roads, where passing other vehicles can get a little hairy. The scenery, though? Totally worth it. Think panoramic views of the San Juan National Forest and classic Colorado high country. Just keep in mind this popular route can get crowded in the summer. The pass is usually open from late May to October, but that all depends on the snow situation. If you're not afraid of heights and love a good off-road challenge, Cinnamon Pass is calling your name.
moderatePine Nut Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Pine Nut Road! This 5.9-mile dirt track is tucked away in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, east of the Sheep Range. Don't expect a smooth ride! It's gravel, rocky, and bumpy, but that's part of the fun. It's a north-south route from Mormon Well Road up toward Sheep Peak Mountains, ending at the Pine Nut Camp site. The road's condition is always changing. Dry? Might be a fairly easy drive for high-clearance vehicles. After rain? Watch out! It can get seriously muddy, slippery, and even impassable. That first large wash can be tricky. Heads up: this is a remote area. Be prepared! No cell service in spots, no services, no people. Bring plenty of water, food, a spare tire, shovel, tools, tow rope—basically, everything you'd need to survive a night in the desert.