Road trip guide: Conquering the Strawberry Ridge Road in UT
Usa, north-america
47.31 km
2,947 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Strawberry Ridge Road! This beast of a road straddles the Utah and Wasatch county line in Utah, deep in the Uinta National Forest.
Forget pavement; this is pure, unadulterated dirt for 29.4 miles. It's a north-south trek that links Main Canyon Road to Forest Road 042 (Indian Creek Road).
You'll be climbing high, reaching a dizzying 9,668 feet above sea level! Be warned: this road is usually a no-go from late October until late June/early July due to snow. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 to even think about tackling it.
But hey, the views are incredible! We're talking panoramic vistas of Strawberry Reservoir and the majestic Wasatch Mountains. Just factor in plenty of time; this isn't a quick jaunt. Expect the drive to take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours without stops.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 47.31 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,947 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Peguis Canyon?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, amigos, because Highway 16 in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a total stunner! This isn't just a road trip; it's an adventure carved right through the heart of the Sierra Madre. You'll find yourself smack-dab in the Área Natural Protegida Cañón y Sierra del Pegüis, where the mighty Conchos River has sliced a dramatic 2,000-foot gorge – the Cañón Pegüis – into the landscape. Think epic views at every turn! The fully paved Mexico 16 stretches for about 226 kilometers (that's 140 miles for my American friends). You'll be cruising east-west, starting near the US border in Ojinaga and winding your way to Chihuahua City. Get ready for some serious curves through the Plan de Barrancas – it's all part of the fun! Just keep your eyes on the road and your camera ready for those unforgettable canyon vistas.
hardWhy Is It Called Calispell Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Calispell Peak in Washington state! This bad boy tops out at 6,856 feet, making it one of the highest points you can drive to in the state. The peak gets its name from the Kalispel Indians who used to call this region home. So, what's up there? Besides bragging rights, the summit is home to a bunch of communication towers. Back in the day, it was a fire lookout spot, and now it’s prime real estate for catching all the signals. You'll be rewarded with insane 360-degree views above the treeline in an alpine meadow. Word has it there's even an old beryllium mine up there! Now, for the nitty-gritty: the road, officially NF-629 (aka Calispell Peak Road), is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking rocks, ruts, the whole shebang. It’s about 8.8 miles from Tacoma Creek Road (Highway 2389) to the top, with a hefty 4,200 feet of climbing. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12.5%! Definitely bring your A-game (and a high-clearance 4x4) for this one. This is NOT a drive for your grandma’s sedan. And be warned: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. If you're hitting it during the snowy months, strap on your snowshoes or skis. Oh, and did I mention it can get pretty windy up there? Be prepared for anything! If it is wet and muddy, the road might also be impassable.
hardWhere is Kelso Dunes?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through San Bernardino County, California, heading towards one of the biggest dune fields in the US. The road you're on is Kelso Dunes Road, and it's an experience in itself. This isn't your smooth, freshly paved highway. Think more "bumpy but passable." It’s partially paved, but expect some pockmarks and gravel. It’s roughly 3 miles long, cutting through a surreal landscape of sand, making the drive as visually stunning as the destination. The good news? Under normal conditions, most cars can handle it. And get this – you'll likely have the whole road to yourself! Just take it slow and easy. The road continues for a short distance to a parking area. Word of warning, though: summer heat here is INTENSE, pushing triple digits. And gas? Non-existent within the entire Mojave National Preserve. So, fill up before you venture in. Trust me, the views are worth it!
hardWhere is Cayuse Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Cayuse Pass is calling! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Washington State, hovering around [elevation] above sea level. You'll find it straddling the line between Pierce and Yakima counties, smack-dab in the heart of central Washington. Get ready for a fully paved but seriously twisty and turny ride. You'll be gripping the wheel the entire way! At the top, you'll hit a junction. This epic stretch is about 10.12 miles long, running north-south from State Route 123. Word to the wise: Cayuse Pass is a fair-weather friend. Typically, it shuts down around November due to heavy snow, and doesn't thaw out until sometime in May. Snowdrifts can get HUGE, which combined with avalanche danger, icy roads, and limited emergency services, makes it a no-go zone in winter. So, plan your trip accordingly and get ready for some killer views – when you can actually *see* them!