
Union Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,755 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Union Mountain in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 12,319 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives.
Located inside the White River National Forest, the "road" to the summit is actually more of a rugged chairlift access trail. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. Basically, you'll be bouncing around like crazy! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks.
Winter has a serious hold on this place, so your window of opportunity is pretty much mid-summer. This trail is definitely for experienced off-roaders only. If you're not comfortable on steep, unpaved mountain roads, steer clear. You'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to even attempt this, and a healthy dose of bravery wouldn't hurt either. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? And if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, the views? Totally worth it if you're up for the challenge!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,755 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyTravelling the scenic Road Mexico 16
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic road trip on Mexico 16, the Chihuahua-Hermosillo Road! This route serves up a wild mix of stunning pine forests and classic desert vistas. While the scenery is gorgeous, be warned: the landscape can be a bit repetitive over the long haul. This road links Chihuahua, the capital of Chihuahua, with Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora. Buckle up for at least 11 hours of driving between these two cities, but trust me, the views are worth it. A major highlight is Basaseachic Falls National Park, home to Mexico's two tallest waterfalls. You've got to see Basaseachic Falls (the second tallest) and Piedra Volada, the highest but a bit tricky to reach. This park is a total gem, offering amazing canyon and waterfall views. Don't miss the Basaseachic Falls overlook near the road toward Creel, another cool spot in the park. Heads up: this road can be a bit risky. It’s a long trek between towns, traffic can be light, and weather can throw curveballs like rain, snow, and fog. Plus, those long driving stretches can lead to fatigue. So, stay alert, take breaks, and enjoy the ride!
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Thunder Mountain in San Bernardino County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Thunder Mountain, a sweet peak sitting at 8,572 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about a 1.3-mile, completely unpaved dirt track called Thunder Mountain Road that climbs to the top of some chairlifts. Think wide road... with a generous helping of rocks. Basically, it doubles as a ski run when the snow flies! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, no question. Hidden away in the Angeles National Forest, near the edge of Los Angeles County, be warned: this road is typically snowed in from late October until nearly July – Mother Nature decides when it's passable. But oh, the views! You'll be treated to stunning vistas of Mt. Baldy to the north and the Lytle Creek area to the east. Just remember, this climb is STEEP, with gradients hitting a whopping 22% in places! Starting from Mount Baldy Road, you'll gain 750 feet in just over a mile, averaging an 11% grade. Get ready for a workout – for both you and your rig!
extremeYou May Want to Explore The Dangerous Road to Ojuela
🇲🇽 Mexico
Heads up, thrill-seekers! Just northeast of Durango, Mexico, lies the spooky ghost town of Ojuela. Getting there is half the adventure, but fair warning: this ain't for the faint of heart, or those who can't handle a little reversing! Starting near Mapimà off Carretera Federal 30, the 7km (4.3 mile) road is a mix of gravel and cobblestone that winds up the mountain. The scenery is gorgeous, all desert plants and crazy rock formations, but the road gets NARROW. Like, seriously narrow. If you meet another car, someone's backing up – possibly for up to 3 km – to find a spot wide enough to pass! The main attraction? The Puente de Ojuela – or Mapimà Bridge. This pedestrian-only suspension bridge is legendary, stretching about 1,000 feet long and 327 feet above a ravine. Built in 1898 and restored in 1991, it was once the third-longest suspension bridge *in the world*. Walking across its 2-foot wide span, with its open design, is a total rush! It connects the ghost town to the abandoned Ojuela Mine. The mine itself was discovered way back in 1598 and boomed in the late 1800s, producing silver, gold, and more. But a big storm in the 20th century devastated the town, and folks moved away, leaving it abandoned. So, if you're up for a challenging drive and a seriously cool, slightly creepy destination, Ojuela is calling your name!
moderateTravel guide to Hunt Mountain, in the Big Horn Range
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a wild Wyoming adventure? Let me tell you about Hunt Mountain Road! Tucked away in Big Horn County, inside the Bighorn National Forest, this baby climbs up to a whopping 10,045 feet! It's a 22.6-mile stretch of gravel and dirt (officially U.S.F.S. Road 10) that connects Highway 14A with Highway 14 in the northern part of the Big Horn Range. The road is generally well-maintained, so you probably won't need 4WD unless things get super muddy or snowy. Keep in mind, this is definitely a summer-only kind of trip. But the views? Oh man, the views are totally worth it! Just picture yourself cruising through the mountains, breathing in that fresh air, and feeling like you're on top of the world. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!