Skidoo Road
Usa, north-america
5.6 km
1,734 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Skidoo Road in Death Valley National Park! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seven-mile trek best tackled in a high-clearance vehicle – seriously, leave the sedan at home unless you're cool with some undercarriage scratches.
Around mile 3.5, things get spicy with a steep incline and rocks jutting out like grumpy desert cacti. And heads up: snow and mud can throw a wrench in your plans, so check conditions before you go. Flooding is common in this area, making road conditions unpredictable. Be prepared for a remote journey, and never travel during severe weather.
Your destination? The ghost town of Skidoo, perched at a cool 5,689 feet. Don't expect a bustling metropolis; most of the town has returned to the desert, but you'll find some interesting reminders of its early 1900's boomtown days.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 5.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,734 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs the road to Batopilas paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Batopilas de Manuel Gómez Morín? It's this tiny town in Chihuahua, Mexico, chilling way down at 501m (1,643ft). Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road from Huasarorare is totally paved, but hold on tight – it's 62.5 km (38.8 miles) of pure twists and turns carved into one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. We're talking over a hundred curves and 34 hairpin turns! The drive usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. It’s steep, with some sections hitting a crazy 15% gradient. But oh, the views! Batopilas itself is a hidden gem at the bottom of a cliff. Think charming plazas, bridges made of rope and river rocks, and this amazing 19th-century aqueduct. It's a real step back in time, and totally worth the white-knuckle drive.
moderateHow Long Is Howland Hill Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Howland Hill Road in Del Norte County, California, to your bucket list. Yep, this is the spot where they filmed scenes from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi"! This isn't your average cruise; it's a 6.8-mile (10.94 km) redwood wonderland connecting Crescent City and Hiouchi, peaking at 643 feet (195 meters). Think towering trees and dappled sunlight – seriously stunning! Give yourself around 35-45 minutes to soak it all in, especially at Stout Grove, home to some of the most postcard-worthy redwoods. Now, a little heads up: Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball. Winter storms can make parts of the road impassable, and summer might bring road work (usually May-July) and those pesky mosquitos, so pack your bug spray. Built way back in 1887 as a stagecoach route, it's a narrow, winding adventure. Big rigs and RVs might find it a bit tight, so maybe leave those at the campground. The road surface can be a mix of smooth, hard-packed gravel and some potholed sections, so keep your eyes peeled, but standard cars should be just fine. Get ready for an amazing drive!
moderateCrossing the historic Gandy Bridge in Florida
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Florida? You HAVE to experience the Gandy Bridge! This stunner stretches 14,859 feet (that's 4.5 km!) across Old Tampa Bay, connecting St. Pete to Tampa with some serious coastal vibes. Also known as the Friendship Trail Bridge (though parts have been repurposed over time), this is THE way to travel on U.S. Route 92. Picture yourself gliding over the water, with the sun sparkling and the breeze in your hair. Okay, real talk: if you get nervous driving close to the water, this might be a *slight* challenge. But trust me, the views are worth it! Traffic is usually pretty smooth, except maybe during the typical rush hour madness. Originally dating back to 1924, the Gandy Bridge has quite the history, but today's version makes for a gorgeous and easy drive. Ditch the mainland and explore this unforgettable coastal route.
extremeRed Mountain Pass in Colorado is a treacherous drive in the wintertime
🇺🇸 Usa
Red Mountain Pass, chilling at 11,018 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a must-do for thrill-seeking road trippers! This stunning stretch of the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) links Ouray and Silverton, treating you to unbeatable views of the "American Alps." Named for the rusty-red peaks that dominate the landscape, this high mountain pass is paved, but don't let that fool you. Expect steep sections, hairpin curves, and drop-offs that demand your full attention. Avalanche season is a real thing here, so be prepared for potential closures. Black Bear Road, known for its extreme danger, kicks off right here. The climb can be intense, featuring an 8% grade on the north side near Ouray and sheer cliffs. But even with winter weather, crews generally keep the road open. Just remember: chains or snow tires might be required, and you definitely want to avoid this drive in the dark or in wet conditions! The lack of guardrails allows for snow plowing, but makes things interesting! Come prepared for one of the most visually stunning, edge-of-your-seat drives in the country! Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe not the drop-offs!).