Sidney Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,291 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Sidney Peak in Utah's Garfield County, a beast of a mountain road sitting at a cool 10,797 feet above sea level. Nestled in Dixie National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
The road is gravel, and trust me, it gets steep and gnarly in sections. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. Speaking of tackling, be prepared for rapidly changing weather – things can get dicey real quick. Plus, closures are pretty common.
But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely breathtaking! This winding mountain road delivers miles of pure scenic bliss. Just a heads up, though, it can turn into a muddy, slippery mess after a rain shower. So, do your homework, check the conditions before you go, and be prepared. This road is no joke, especially if it's wet or dark. And listen, if you've got respiratory issues or a heart condition, maybe sit this one out. Otherwise, get ready for an epic ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,291 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardA road with an intimidating sheer cliff to Black Rock Reservoir in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Black Rock Reservoir is a hidden gem tucked away at 1,260m (4,133 ft) elevation in Fresno County, California—sitting right on the edge of Kings Canyon National Park and Sierra National Forest. If you're after remote alpine scenery, this is it. Getting there is half the adventure (and we mean that literally). From Fresno, head 47 miles east on CA 180 to Piedra Road, then take Trimmer Springs Road for 17 miles until you hit the bridge split toward Balch Camp. From there, Black Rock Road takes over for the final 17km (11 miles)—and yeah, this is where things get real. Fair warning: Black Rock Road is seriously not for the faint of heart. We're talking a single-lane ribbon of pavement that clings to cliff faces with absolutely nothing between you and 1,000-foot drops. The narrow wooden bridges are barely wide enough for one vehicle, so if you meet someone coming the other way, someone's backing up (fun times). There are zero guardrails, and the road climbs along sheer cliffs that'll make anyone afraid of heights break out in a cold sweat. RVs? Absolutely not. The added hazard of falling rocks or ice from above keeps things exciting too. This is true backcountry—zero cell service. It's bear country, so lock up your food tight and don't even think about feeding wildlife. Pack bug spray for the mosquitoes, and fuel up in Prather or Shaver Lake before you make the push. Late winter through early spring is magical here—wildflowers pop off and there are waterfalls worth the drive. The tiny campground sits at 4,000 feet where the pavement ends. Roads usually stay open year-round, but winter snow can shut things down fast. Safe to drive in summer and fall; skip it if there's snow on the ground.
extremeWhere is Mosquito Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Mosquito Pass, Colorado! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a 29km (18-mile) beast of an unpaved road straddling Lake and Park counties, hitting a lung-busting 4,026m (13,208ft) above sea level. Located smack-dab in central Colorado within the Pike National Forest, this historic route—once known as "the highway of the frozen death"—winds between Colorado Highway 9 (near Alma) and the old mining town of Leadville. Now, is it difficult? You bet. Expect tight squeezes where you'll be playing chicken with oncoming traffic, plus steep grades and narrow cliff faces that'll test your nerves. We're talking multiple stream crossings and seriously challenging terrain. A high-clearance 4WD isn't just recommended, it's essential. Leave the 2WD at home, folks. Budget two to three hours for this epic trek, crawling along at a leisurely 3 to 8 miles per hour. Open typically from July to September, depending on the snow gods' whims, Mosquito Pass demands respect. Rain turns it into a slippery mud pit, and snow can show up any time. Speaking of history, the road itself dates back to the 1870s as a toll road, but construction started in 1949. And the name? Legend has it, a mosquito met an unfortunate end during a town meeting, and well, the rest is history. Preparation is key! Pack extra layers because that summit can get brutally cold and windy. Because this is a remote area, you should also inspect your tires, fluids, hoses, and belts, and also stock up on supplies and fuel. You'll also want to carry at least two spare tires and tools, emergency flares, extra gasoline, motor oil, and wiper fluid. The ascent from Highway 9 is a leg-burning 15.77km (9.8 miles) with an average gradient of 5.64%. From Leadville, it's a slightly steeper 12.55 km (7.8 miles) averaging 7.0%. So, if you're craving a truly wild Colorado adventure, Mosquito Pass is calling your name. Just remember to pack your skills, your courage, and maybe a can of bug spray – just in case the legend is true!
moderateWhere is Little Mountain Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure lovers, because Little Mountain Summit in Utah is calling your name! This high-altitude pass, clocking in at 6,250 feet, sits pretty in Salt Lake County, just east of Salt Lake City near the university area. The road to the top? It's called Emigration Canyon Road and it's a smooth, paved dream with plenty of twists, turns, and hairpin bends to keep you on your toes. Be warned, though, some sections are seriously steep, especially as you get closer to the summit. The ride stretches for a cool 10.2 miles, running from Foothill Drive to Utah State Route 65. Think of it as one of the most popular canyon cruises in the area, offering stunning views and a fun driving experience. Nestled in the Wasatch Range, Little Mountain Summit is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast during winter. Short closures are possible due to the weather. Once you conquer the climb, you'll find a handy parking lot at the top to soak in the scenery.
moderateL Road in Nebraska is haunted by the screams of 7 sisters
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, ghost hunters, because we're heading to L Road in Otoe County, Nebraska! Just a hop, skip, and a jump (about an hour) south of Omaha, near Nebraska City, you'll find this eerie east-west stretch of road running 22.3 miles from S 62nd Road to S 18th Road. Locals call it Seven Sisters Road, and for good reason. Legend has it that seven sisters met a gruesome end here back in the day. The story varies, but it always ends with the sisters meeting an untimely demise. Think a farmer who lost it and hung his daughters on trees atop seven hills. Or a disgruntled brother offing his sisters one by one. Gruesome, right? The road itself is mostly unpaved, winding through some seriously hilly terrain. But the *real* thrill comes at night. Brave (or foolish?) souls who dare to drive it after dark have reported feeling an unsettling presence, hearing faint screams and moans, and even seeing mysterious flickering lights or ghostly figures lurking in the shadows. Some even say their headlights mysteriously dim! So, if you're looking for a spooky road trip with a side of serious chills, L Road might just be your next adventure. Just be sure to bring a friend… and maybe a flashlight!