
West Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,314 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! West Mountain in Utah's San Juan County is calling your name, but don't think this is just another Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass, peaking at a whopping 10,872 feet! Nestled in the Blue Mountains, this beauty is Forestal Road 0354, and she's a gravel queen – steep, rough, and ready to test your mettle.
Forget your low-riders; you'll absolutely need a 4WD beast to tackle this one. The weather here is a total wildcard, changing on a dime, and road closures are pretty common. But, oh man, are the views worth it! Miles and miles of winding mountain roads with scenery that'll knock your socks off.
Word to the wise: this road gets super muddy and slippery after rain, so come prepared. Seriously, do your homework and check conditions before you head out. And a big NOPE if you’re not comfy with heights or sketchy terrain, or if you have respiratory or heart problems. This road is a beast, especially when wet or dark. But if you’re prepped and ready for an adventure, West Mountain will reward you with views you won’t soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,314 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Cottonwood Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cottonwood Pass in Colorado! This high-altitude beauty straddles Chaffee and Gunnison counties in central Colorado. We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 12,126 feet! It's one of the highest paved roads you'll find in the state. The backstory? The Forest Service needed a timber route back in '55, and voila, a dirt road was born by '58. Fast forward to 2019, and now it's all smooth asphalt, baby! The 31.7-mile stretch is a shortcut from Buena Vista to County Road 742, near Taylor Park Reservoir. You'll cruise east on Chaffee County Road 306, which magically morphs into Gunnison County Road 209 near the top as you head west. Expect some seriously tight switchbacks near the summit. We're talking a 15 mph speed limit! The road gets steep in sections (up to a 10% gradient), so if you're towing an RV or piloting a massive motorhome, be prepared for a bit of a challenge. Open seasonally (usually from May to October), this route gifts you with panoramic views of the Sawatch Range in your standard car. Just a heads-up: mountain weather can be unpredictable, so aim for an early visit to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Altitude sickness and hypothermia are real concerns, so respect the mountains! Snow at the summit is a strong possibility year-round. Keep an eye out for mudslides during heavy rains, just in case! Budget about an hour for the drive. The fall colors are epic. The parking area at the top offers insane views. And on the way down, don't miss the overlooks. Trust me, this drive is worth every second!
moderateSnow Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Snow Summit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.498m (8,195ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in Southern California, United States. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, the road to the summit is called Skyline Drive . Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, the trail spans the South Shore of Big Bear, running along a ridge that parallels Forest Service road 2N10, a heavily used Forest Service road. The road is gravel. 4x4 vehicle recommended. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateBurro Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Burro Pass in Grand County, Utah – a seriously scenic spot nestled high in the La Sal Mountains. Now, the road itself (Forest Road 0240) doesn’t *quite* reach the actual pass summit (which sits at a lofty 11,200 feet). Instead, it climbs to a respectable 10,488 feet, where you'll find the Burro Pass Trailhead. The road is short and sweet – only about half a mile – but don't underestimate it! You'll definitely want a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this little jaunt. Once you reach the trailhead, the final push to the true pass is all hiking or mountain biking only. Get ready for incredible views!
moderateHow long is Fern Lake Road in Rocky Mountain NP?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado? Awesome choice! Fern Lake Road is a must-do if you're looking for a scenic little detour. This 2.7-mile jaunt winds its way through Larimer County, starting paved but turning to dirt at the Cub Lake trailhead. Weaving along the north side of the gorgeous Moraine Park meadows, it’s a pretty tight squeeze in spots, especially the last 0.7 miles. It's basically a one-lane track to the Fern Lake Trailhead parking lot. Speaking of parking, it's seriously limited (think 15-20 cars, max!). Hit the Hiker Shuttle to avoid a headache and a ticket (seriously, don't park on the roadside – it damages the environment!). The road tops out at 8,149 feet, and the very end portion is usually closed during the winter months. Basically, stunning views with a touch of adventure!