Vermilion Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,838 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you want adventure? Check out Vermilion Pass in Montana's Sanders County. We're talking a rugged, gravel 4x4 track – NF-367, aka Graves Creek Road – that tops out at a cool 6,030 feet.
Now, heads up: this isn’t a Sunday drive. Keep an eye on the weather. Seriously. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and slick ice patches can pop up out of nowhere. Expect a bit of rock and mud too, just to keep things interesting. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be rewarded with some killer scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,838 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateCrossing the Sixaola-Guabito International Bridge
🌍 Panama
Okay, picture this: you're standing on the Costa Rica-Panama border, ready to cross one of the world's most... *unique* bridges. Forget boring concrete; this is the Sixaola-Guabito International Bridge, a 64-meter-long relic made of metal and wood. Seriously, the wooden planks move under your feet! This single-lane bridge, a former railway crossing over the Sixaola River, connects Sixaola, Costa Rica, with Guabito, Panama. A newer bridge handles the vehicles now, but this old-timer is still open for pedestrians. It's a bit rickety, but the experience (and the views!) are totally worth it. Talk about a memorable border crossing!
hardGalena Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Galena Saddle in northwest Nevada's Douglas County is calling your name. We're talking about a wild ride up to 9,294 feet, right in the heart of the Pine Nut Mountains. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Expect a seriously rough, tippy, and bumpy climb. Winter? Forget about it, you won't get through. This trail is for experienced off-roaders only. It's a narrow path with few passing spots, so be prepared if you encounter another vehicle. A high-clearance vehicle is an absolute must! It's seriously steep, and if it's wet, that mud will make things even trickier. But if you're up for the challenge, get ready for some incredible scenery!
hardWhere is Mount Grant?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the lowdown on an epic Nevada drive to the summit of Mount Grant. You'll find this beast lurking in the western part of Nevada, named after the 18th president. Now, before you jump in your car, a heads up: access is super limited since the military owns most of the area, so you'll need permission to even attempt this trek. First things first: forget your Prius. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance is an absolute MUST! This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is usually off-limits from late October to late June/early July due to weather. Clocking in at a decent length, this climb really puts your rig to the test with a whopping 2,057-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.30%! You'll start low down, then inch your way up to some serious altitude. The beginning is a narrow canyon section, but don't worry, it eventually opens up, giving you enough space for two vehicles to pass, and you can even pick up the pace a bit – think speeds that feel fast on well-maintained areas. Initially, you'll snake through a narrow canyon. But as you gain elevation, BAM! The landscape explodes into a vast, high-altitude dreamscape. You'll even get a sneak peek of the road ahead, zigzagging its way up the mountain. There are some scattered small rocks, but nothing crazy, and high clearance is useful. However, those afraid of heights might find this section uncomfortable. It is not difficult for passing vehicles. However, traffic is minimal, and the gate locks behind you! Plus, keep your eyes peeled – there are some seriously steep cliffs along the shoulder! One of the highest roads in Nevada, this is a drive you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Barker Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Barker Pass in California, nestled high in Tahoe National Forest, is totally worth a trek! We're talking about a high-altitude experience here. You'll find yourself at a serious elevation. You can totally do it in most cars, even 2WD, which is great. The road starts out paved, but don't get too comfy because it turns to dirt! You'll see more mountain bikers than cars up there, which tells you something. Speaking of road conditions, expect it to be closed from around October until late June or even July, thanks to snow. Patches can linger well into summer, so always check conditions. The whole adventure is roughly along the unpaved portion. The elevation changes a bit along the way, nothing too crazy, and the views? Epic! There's also a short dirt road leading to the top of Pelican Butte in Oregon!