
Road trip guide: Conquering Castle Butte in ID
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,032 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Castle Butte in Idaho County, Idaho! This peak sits way up high at 6,666 feet in the Clearwater National Forest, and getting there is an adventure in itself.
The road is totally unpaved, and seriously, you'll probably need a 4x4 with high clearance to make it. Forget bringing your RV or anything with low ground clearance. The Lolo Motorway, an old single-lane road, is how you get up there, but keep in mind it's usually snowed in from October to June.
Expect some steep sections along the way, and be aware that thunderstorms can roll in fast, making the road super tricky or even impassable. But the payoff is SO worth it! At the top, there's this awesome lookout tower built way back in 1950, and the views? Unreal! You get 360-degree panoramas of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Seven Devils Mountains, and the deep canyons of the North Fork Clearwater River. Just remember, cell service is pretty much non-existent, so be prepared!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,032 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bill Moore Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 11,368 feet in Clear Creek County. The road? It's Forest Service Road 183.1, and it's a total adventure. We're talking unpaved, super rocky, and seriously steep. Think epic views as you climb, but also loose dirt and small rocks that'll test your driving skills. If it's wet, forget about it unless you're prepared. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. The fun starts from the historic town of Empire, and it's about 6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you — you'll climb over 2,700 feet! That's an average grade of 8.5%, so buckle up! Heads up: this road is SEASONAL. It's in the Arapaho National Forest, so expect snow to close it down in winter. Usually, it's good to go from late spring through fall. Is it worth the bumpy ride? ABSOLUTELY! You're right on the edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. Much of the route winds through a dense pine forest. At the top, there's a big parking lot and access to trails and even the historical Conqueror Mine. Seriously, pack a picnic, explore, and make a weekend of it. The scenery is unreal.
hardBlowhard Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Blowhard Mountain in Utah's Iron County is calling your name! We're talking serious elevation here – 10,708 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, FR #277 (aka Blowhard Station Road), is a rugged gravel track through Dixie National Forest. Expect a bumpy, tippy, rocky ride that'll test your off-roading skills. Heads up, this bad boy is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. The trail is a steep climb, and summer thunderstorms can turn the road into a 4x4-only zone (or worse, totally impassable). At the top, you'll find a radar station humming away, but the real reward is the view – epic mountain scenery that'll make you forget all about the white-knuckle drive up.
moderateWhere is Nevado de Toluca?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Nevado de Toluca, a dormant volcano in Estado de México, is a must-see! Just a short hop from Mexico City, you can find yourself driving up to an incredible 4,254m (13,956ft) – making it one of the highest roads around. Nestled in the Nevado de Toluca National Park, the road to the summit (also called Xinantécatl) is a bit rough and rugged, thanks to rain and volcanic rock. This unpaved road lets you get super close to the crater, but you can no longer drive all the way, as it's been gated 2 km before the lakes. You'll need to pay an access fee at a couple of checkpoints to get up there. Heads up: in winter, the upper parking area might be closed, so be prepared to park lower down. The road stretches for 20.5 km (12.73 miles), kicking off from RaÃces. Most 2-wheel drive vehicles can handle it when it's dry. Expect some steep sections with gradients up to 7%! You'll climb about 784 meters from RaÃces, with an average gradient of 3.82%. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the road without stops. The drive is stunning, winding through dense pine forests as the snow-capped volcano gets closer with every turn. You'll pass a few places to stay along the way. About six kilometers from the crater, there's a gate, a café, and a basic shelter if you need it. Thinking of visiting in winter? From November to March, the summit often gets snow, which is great if you love off-piste cross-country skiing. But keep in mind, the park might close during heavy snowstorms for safety.
extremeThe breathtaking road to Red Cone Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Red Cone Pass in Colorado's Park County! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a 7-mile (11km) unpaved adventure that climbs to a whopping 12,811 feet (3,905m). You'll find it nestled in the Front Range of the Rockies, near Keystone and Webster Pass, a quick hop from Denver. Picture this: steep inclines, loose rock under your tires, and views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance to tackle this beast. Be warned, though – the edge of the slope isn't for the faint of heart, with some pretty extreme drop-offs! Descending is even wilder, with a narrow, one-way trail clinging to the mountainside. We're talking serious switchbacks down a steep, rocky slope towards the ghost town of Webster, with over 1,000 feet of nothingness below. Trust me, you'll want to be on your A-game. Keep an eye on the calendar, too. This pass is typically open from late July (depending on the snow) to October, but snow can linger late into summer and the first snows will shut it down fast! Late August or early September is your best bet for a snow-free run. It's an adventure you won't forget!