
Utah State Route 44
Usa, north-america
44.9 km
2,323 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along UT-44 in northern Utah, smack-dab in the Ashley National Forest, and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is putting on a show just for you. This paved road twists and turns for about 28 miles (around 34 minutes of driving time), revealing some seriously dramatic geological formations.
Seriously, the views are unreal! My photos don't even scratch the surface. Just imagine: You start near the tiny town of Manila, practically on the Wyoming border, and wind your way south to Red Canyon on US-191.
Heads up, though: this road climbs! You'll reach a lofty 7,621 feet above sea level, so it's definitely a steep one. UT-44 is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter—it can get temporarily closed if things get too wild. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 44.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,323 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is La Mosca Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk La Mosca Peak in northwestern New Mexico's Cibola National Forest. This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking serious off-road vibes on Forest Service Road 453, aka La Mosca Lookout Road. The road to the top? Think rugged, rocky, and entirely unpaved. You're gonna need a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive beast to conquer this one, especially if it's been raining. Even then, it's mostly a late-spring-to-early-fall kinda gig. But if you're geared up right, you can make it almost all the way to the summit. This climb stretches for roughly , gaining serious altitude – we're talking an average grade of all the way up. And trust me, the views are worth it! At the summit, you'll find a cool lookout tower that's been there since the 60s. The views to the east, south, and west are simply breathtaking. Just keep an eye on the sky, because this peak is super exposed, and lightning strikes are common. Don't get caught in a storm up there!
hardWhere is Fairview Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Check out Fairview Peak in Gunnison County, Colorado! This spot is north of Pitkin, deep in the Gunnison National Forest. You'll be tackling Terrible Mountain Road, and let me tell you, the name fits! This is a totally unpaved, rough, and narrow track with some serious drop-offs. It's an old mining road, so definitely high-clearance 4WD territory. Passenger cars should probably sit this one out. From Pitkin, it's about 10 miles to the top, with a hefty 3,700-foot climb. That's an average gradient of 7%, so get ready for a workout! Of course, being in the Sawatch Range, this road is completely snowed in during winter. What's the reward? The summit has the ruins of an abandoned fire lookout built way back in 1912. They say it was the highest fire lookout around, but it wasn't staffed for long. You can actually go inside! Just be aware that lightning strikes are frequent, so skip it if there's a storm brewing. The views are supposed to be spectacular.
hardHow long is Mount Baker Highway in Washington?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Mount Baker Highway (also known as Washington State Route 542), a 57-mile stretch of pure driving bliss snaking through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This baby starts near Bellingham, Washington (that’s just north of Seattle, close to Canada), and follows the North Fork Nooksack River all the way up to Artist Point, which sits pretty at 5,140 feet. Built way back in 1893 as a logging road, the final few switchbacks near the top are a real gut check. You can see exactly how much further UP you have to go, and it's either inspiring or terrifying! Fair warning: after you pass the town of Glacier (around Mile 33), you won't find any services like food, gas, or even proper restrooms. So, fill up before you go! Allow about two hours to drive it straight through, but honestly, you'll want to budget way more time because the scenery is insane. Think breathtaking views around every bend. The ultimate payoff is Artist Point, offering a complete 360-degree panorama of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, plus a bunch of hiking trails. Keep in mind that Artist Point is only accessible for a few months each year (usually July to September/October) because of heavy snow. The Washington State Department of Transportation closes the road to Artist Point during winter. Even then, the road is open to the Mount Baker Ski Area (Mile 55) which is where the road ends in the winter. This area once held the world record for snowfall in a single season, so you know they get serious snow.
extremeCoquihalla Highway is one of the worst roads in winter
🇨🇦 Canada
The Coquihalla Highway, or "the Coq" as locals call it, carves its way through the heart of British Columbia, connecting Kamloops and Hope (near the Fraser Valley) via Merritt. Clocking in at 193 km (119 miles), this fully paved freeway takes you on a wild ride. Okay, let's be real: winter here is no joke. You're climbing to high elevations, with the Coquihalla Pass reaching 1,249m (4,097ft) and Surrey Lake Summit topping out at 1,444m (4,738 ft). Expect some serious snow and winds that can test even the most seasoned drivers. While it's generally open year-round, closures happen due to crazy weather. Sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and fog are common winter woes. Keep an eye out for avalanche chutes, a stark reminder of the steep terrain. Winter tires or chains are a must from October to April. Before you hit the road, prep like a pro. Fill up your gas tank, pack winter gear, a candle, and maybe even a sleeping bag (just in case!). Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape with the right coolant, brakes, and tires. This route is seriously steep at both ends. While most cars cruise it no problem in the warmer months, truckers sometimes avoid it because of the extra gas guzzled on those inclines. Just be mindful of potential overheating in summer. Weather can change on a dime, so stay alert. Sure, winter driving can be intense, but that's more about the elevation and mountains than the road itself. But defensive driving is smart because of the terrain and possible weather and uneven pavement. The highway itself is pretty good, with four to six lanes. Some spots have frost heaves and uneven pavement, but with two lanes each way, slower vehicles aren't usually a problem.