Where is Elephant Hill Road?
Usa, north-america
14 km
6 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for a challenge? Then you NEED to check out Elephant Hill in Utah's Canyonlands National Park! Nestled between Moab and Monticello in San Juan County, this 9-mile dirt track is legendary for being one of the trickiest 4x4 routes around.
Picture this: Seriously steep climbs, boulders galore, nerve-wracking drops, hairpin turns that'll have you backing up, and views that will absolutely knock your socks off. This isn’t a Sunday drive, folks!
You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range – leave the family SUV at home. And keep your vehicle under 21 feet long. Allow around 4-5 hours to conquer it without stopping.
Elephant Hill is generally open year-round, but be warned, it's a desert environment. Summers are scorching and winters can get chilly. Pack tons of water, and hit the trail early to beat the heat and the crowds. Built in the 40s, this trail will test your skills and reward you with scenery you won't find anywhere else! Just don't go it alone!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 6 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
extremeA Once in a Lifetime Drive through Hell's Backbone Road in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Hell's Backbone Road, nestled in Utah's Garfield County, a hidden gem within the Dixie National Forest. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Built back in the Great Depression, this 38-mile dirt road winds its way from Boulder to Escalante, offering a thrilling alternative to the paved highway. They called it the Poison Road back then because one wrong move could send you tumbling! It's named after the super-skinny ridge it crosses. Now, don't let the "family car" suggestion fool you—this road is narrow, winding, and clings to the side of a ridge with seriously steep drops on either side. Stormy weather? Maybe skip it. Remote is an understatement. No cell service, so you’re on your own out there. Oh, and did I mention it climbs to a whopping 9,232 feet? Yeah, it's a high one, which means it's a no-go in winter, closed after the first big snow. But, oh, the views! Sweeping vistas, access to incredible wilderness, and a healthy dose of history. The highlight? Hell's Backbone Bridge, a 109-foot-long span with a 1,500-foot drop on either side. Seriously, bring your camera! It crosses Sand Creek, giving you amazing views of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area. Summer's the busiest time to visit. Give yourself 2-3 hours to tackle this beauty without stops, but honestly, you'll want more time to soak it all in. It's a trip you won't soon forget!
moderateWhere is Marshall Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Marshall Pass, perched way up in Colorado's Saguache County at a cool 10,842 feet. It's just south of Poncha Springs, smack-dab in central-southern Colorado. Back in '73, a Lieutenant William L. Marshall found it, and boom, it got his name! So, the road? It's a bit of a blast from the past. They basically followed the old Denver & Rio Grande railroad tracks from like, forever ago. That means it's not crazy steep, but it does kinda meander all over the place to gain altitude. This toll road was finished way back in 1878. Heads up: this isn't your smooth highway drive. It's all unpaved – think Marshall Pass Road. Most of the time, it's not too gnarly, and a regular car can totally handle it if you take it slow. If you're rocking a super low-rider, watch out for a few bumps, especially on the west side. Since it's high in the Rockies, this pass is a no-go in winter. Snowed in! But when things thaw out? Epic. Seriously, the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are insane. Summer and late fall are prime time for a visit. There are tons of awesome, rugged campsites near the pass. The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles, going from Sargents on US-50 all the way to Mears Junction on Highway 285. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Togwotee Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trippers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Togwotee Pass in Wyoming. This epic stretch of U.S. Highway 287/26 clocks in at around 55 miles, and it’ll take you all the way up to 9,580 feet above sea level in the Absaroka Mountains. We're talking Teton County views for days! You'll find it nestled in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in northwestern Wyoming. The pass is named after Togwotee, a Sheepeater tribe subchief. The road is paved, so no need for a monster truck, but be warned – there are some seriously steep sections. And, while it's usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. This area gets *dumped* on with snow—we’re talking potentially over 25 feet…sometimes even double that! Blizzards can shut things down, so plan accordingly. This route runs from Moran, south-central Teton County, to Dubois in Fremont County. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardWhere is Forest Road 132?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Forest Road 132 in south-central Utah's Dixie National Forest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 20.3 miles of unpaved adventure that twists and turns through some serious mountain scenery. You'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle for this one, as the road can get pretty rough and narrow – treacherous in spots. And with a maximum gradient of 13%, you'll definitely be putting that engine to the test! Keep in mind, this road is no joke: it climbs to some serious elevation, so plan accordingly. Sadly, it's usually impassable from late October through June/early July, depending on the snow, so summer/early fall is the window for this epic trek. But trust me, the views are worth the wait! Once you hit the paved Johns Valley Road, you'll be ready to plan your next adventure.