Scenic Loop Drive
Usa, north-america
57.9 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Scenic Loop Drive in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park! This 36-mile asphalt adventure winds through the heart of the South Unit, and trust me, you'll want your camera ready. Think stunning landscapes and enough photo ops to fill your memory card.
Just a heads-up: winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, so plan accordingly. And if you're cruising at dusk, keep an eye out for buffalo jams! Seriously, these majestic creatures own the road sometimes, so be patient, stay in your car, and definitely don't honk!
With pullouts and interpretive signs dotting the route, you'll learn a ton about the park's history and natural wonders. Plus, wildlife is everywhere – keep your eyes peeled! Just remember to stick to the 25 mph speed limit and share the road with everyone: cars, bikes, hikers, and of course, the local wildlife. It's a drive you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 57.9 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardSawyers Bar Road: 12 miles of snake track using 1st gear in California
🇺🇸 Usa
California's Klamath National Forest is home to Sawyers Bar Road, and trust me, this is one ride you won't forget. Picture this: a 3,713-foot descent crammed into just 12 miles of twisting road. Seriously, you'll be hugging those turns in 1st gear, and your brakes? Well, they'll be getting a serious workout! This epic 39.8-mile stretch winds from Forks of Salmon, right where the north and south forks of the Salmon River meet, all the way to Etna, nestled in the scenic Scott Valley. You'll even cruise through Sawyers Bar, a charming, historic mining town founded way back in 1850. Give yourself around 1.5 hours for this adventure. The real fun begins after Etna Summit (elevation 5,960 feet), heading towards Sawyers Bar (2,247 feet). You'll start with a pretty straight climb, but once you conquer the summit, get ready for a winding, narrower, and oh-so-pretty descent. Parts of the road are seriously steep, with grades hitting 18%! Expect slow and steady progress, think 10-15 mph, on this rugged, mostly single-lane road. This is a remote area, so fill up your tank and pack some snacks, because services are scarce. Summer afternoons can be scorching, so be prepared! And definitely honk your horn around those blind curves. This route isn't ideal for large RVs, trailers, or inexperienced mountain drivers. The scenery is incredible, though! Expect dramatic shifts in landscape. You'll climb to a peak of 5,994 feet above sea level at Etna Summit, hugging the North Fork of the Salmon River as it twists and narrows. Be prepared for a serious drop-off to the left in places – we're talking 500 feet straight down! The road often hugs the hillside, with the mountain on one side and that steep drop to the river below on the other. Keep an eye out for markers indicating areas where the road is eroding. Occasional rock slides are also possible.
hardWhere is Pearl Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pearl Pass, Colorado, clocks in at a whopping 12,723 feet above sea level! This high-altitude pass straddles the Pitkin and Gunnison county line, offering a wild ride between Crested Butte and Aspen. Pearl Pass Road (#102) is a 16.9-mile unpaved beast of a former mining road. Forget your sedan – you NEED a seriously capable 4x4 to conquer this one. Think boulder fields, steep climbs that'll make your engine scream, water crossings, and nail-bitingly narrow shelf roads. Be warned: one particularly gnarly half-mile stretch boasts a 25%+ grade. Even past that, expect plenty of rocky sections, occasional rock slides, and hold on tight—seatbelts are a must! There's even a marshy section to keep you on your toes. Because it's tucked away in the Rockies, Pearl Pass is often snowed in until late July (or even later some years!). It's typically only open for a few precious weeks in late summer. The south side of the pass is notorious for snowdrifts that can block the trail for the entire year. Snow and ice are real possibilities even in late summer. Give yourself 5-6 hours to soak in the unmatched variety of landscapes. This route crosses the Continental Divide, treating you to views that are simply spectacular. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, between Aspen and Crested Butte, Pearl Pass promises an unforgettable adventure.
hardHow long is Old Priest Grade Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California is a wild ride! Nestled in the Western Sierra, this 1.8-mile stretch from Moccasin to Priest might be short, but it packs a serious punch. Think switchbacks, hairpin turns, and grades hitting up to 20%! This paved road has some serious history, evolving from a Native American path to a wagon route for gold miners back in the day. Now, it's a white-knuckle climb best left to passenger vehicles with good brakes – trucks, RVs, and trailers need not apply. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's steepness can cause overheating, especially in summer. Rain makes it slippery, and rock slides are a real possibility. Oh, and did I mention it's super popular with Yosemite-bound traffic? Despite the challenges, the views are totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe say a little prayer to the mountain gods. Just remember to check conditions before you go, because winter can make things extra dicey with all that ice!
hardWhere is Whites Flat?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk Whites Flat in Utah's Garfield County, nestled in the Dixie National Forest. Picture this: you're cruising at a whopping 8,566 feet above sea level, surrounded by epic alpine meadows. Now, FR-152 (that's the road's name) isn't paved, so be ready for dirt and volcanic rock. Things get seriously muddy and slippery after rain, so a high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended—it's essential. Expect ruts and rocky sections that'll test your off-roading skills. Keep in mind that heavy snowfall makes this route impassable from late October to late June/early July. And even in summer, watch out for those sneaky afternoon thunderstorms that can change road conditions in a heartbeat. This north-south route connects to Upper Valley Road and clocks in at about 40-60 minutes, depending on how brave you're feeling. You'll be treated to views of the Escalante canyons to the south as a reward for your daring driving.