Where is Big Windy Peak?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Big Windy Peak in eastern Idaho! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're heading west of Leadore, way up to a summit with seriously breathtaking views.
The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. It's an old mining track, about 6 miles long, switchbacking up almost 3,000 feet. Think rough, rocky, and unmaintained – a real test for your vehicle and your nerves. You’ll want a high-clearance 4x4 with tough tires and skid plates, trust me.
This route takes you past relics of old mining operations, remnants from the late 1800s and early 1900s when miners were digging for gold, silver, copper, and lead. Keep an eye out for the remains of a large mining operation. Big Windy Peak was also used as a fire lookout in the past.
But here's the kicker: this road has serious exposure. One wrong move, and you're in trouble. Plus, no cell service, so you're on your own. Oh, and winter? Forget about it. This road is completely snowed in.
Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Just remember to respect the mountain, drive smart, and soak up the views. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyExploring Skyline Drive: A Scenic Journey Through Shenandoah National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic road trip! Skyline Drive is a total stunner, winding along the Blue Ridge Mountains right through the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. This beauty is paved the whole way, your only public access road snaking through the park. Keep it slow and steady at 35 mph (56 kmh) — the park rangers mean business with that speed limit, and it's there to protect the critters. Speaking of, keep your eyes peeled for deer, bears, and all sorts of wildlife darting across the road. RVs and trailers are welcome, but be ready to downshift on those climbs. One thing to note: Marys Rock Tunnel at mile 32.2 has a clearance of 12'8", so mind your height! Clocking in at 105 miles (169 km), this stretch of Virginia State Route 48 runs north-south from I-64 (near Afton) up to US-340 (near Front Royal). Usually, you can cruise it any time, day or night, but keep an eye on the weather – winter storms can shut it down. Being up in the mountains, it takes a while to clear after snow and ice. Non-stop, it's a 3-4 hour drive, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. Campsites and visitor centers dot the route, and the views are unreal. We're talking mountains, valleys, wildflowers, and wildlife galore. Mileposts on the west side of the road guide your way to points of interest. Don't forget to wind down those windows and breathe in that mountain air! There are 75 overlooks offering views stretching out to the Shenandoah Valley or the Piedmont. Fall is a real showstopper here, with the foliage blazing from late September to mid-November. Spring's no slouch either, with wildflowers and mountain laurel exploding with color. Skyline Drive's a popular spot, drawing over 1.2 million visitors yearly.
easyOld Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Idaho and looking for an epic ride? Check out the Old Spiral Highway! This crazy-twisty road, packing a whopping 64 curves, is a short, sweet blast for any road warrior. You'll find it near the Washington border, on the north side of the Clearwater River near Lewiston, Idaho. Clocking in at just 7.3 miles, don't let the short distance fool you. Originally built way back in 1917, this historic route climbs 2,000 feet in elevation! It was the only way to get around until 1977. Starting at 272m above sea level on ID-128, it winds its way up to 822m at US-95, gaining 550 meters in elevation. The average gradient is about 4.68%, but be ready for some ramps hitting a 13% grade! This baby's paved and ready to roll. Nicknamed Idaho's windiest road, get ready for a wild ride of twists, turns, and switchbacks as you climb that 2,000 ft grade. With over 60 curves and a consistently steep climb, it's a challenge. If you're prone to getting car sick, maybe sit this one out, but otherwise, get ready for some serious fun!
hardMaconí
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're headed to the tiny town of Maconí in Querétaro, Mexico, get ready for a visual feast. This road trip plunges you into the heart of the Sierra Gorda mountains with views that will leave you speechless. We're talking a serious drop, people! You'll start way up high at around 2,400 meters above sea level and wind your way down, down, down into a canyon at just 1,140 meters. Think dramatic switchbacks hugging the mountainside, with a river gurgling alongside you. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you – it's a twisty, turny route that demands your attention. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
moderateSummit Drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Summit Drive is a short mountain road located in Mono County in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California, climbing up to 3.000m (9,842ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of California. The road is 1 mile long heading north from . It’s mostly paved. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude. The road to Blair Mountain in Colorado is a chillout in high mountains 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.