Where is Francis Peak?

Where is Francis Peak?

Usa, north-america

Length

20.59 km

Elevation

2,887 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so Francis Peak in Utah is seriously calling my name. This spot is perched right on the Davis and Morgan county line, offering insane views from 9,471 feet above sea level!

The road up, Francis Peak Road (aka Skyline Drive or Farmington Canyon Road), is an adventure in itself. It's paved for the first mile out of Farmington, then it turns into a winding, bumpy dirt road for about 12 more miles. Think narrow, think switchbacks!

Speaking of getting there, from Farmington, it’s about 12.8 miles to the top with a serious climb — we're talking an average gradient of 7.58%! Be prepared for some steep sections.

Heads up: cell service can be spotty on the ridge, and it's definitely a road where you need to watch your step—there are some steep drop-offs. Also, this isn't a winter drive; snow usually blocks the road well into June.

So, what's at the summit? You'll find a restricted zone with radar towers, which is kind of cool to see (they keep the skies safe!), but you can't actually get right up to them. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes sunbathing near the rocks.

But the real reward is the view! You get a sweeping panorama of Morgan to the east and the Great Salt Lake shimmering to the west. Trust me, it's worth the trek!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
20.59 km
Max Elevation
2,887 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Hoosier Pass in Colorado: enjoy a drive among the cloudsmoderate

Hoosier Pass in Colorado: enjoy a drive among the clouds

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Colorado State Highway 9, winding your way up Hoosier Pass. This baby sits way up there at 11,542 feet, right on the Park and Summit County line, west of Denver. Seriously, the views are insane! This paved road is a real treat – smooth sailing on the south side, but get ready for some switchbacks and a punchy 8% grade as you head north. It's about 21.4 miles from Breckenridge to Fairplay, so buckle up for a scenic ride. Word to the wise: this pass is usually open year-round, but Colorado winters can be wild, so keep an eye on the weather. Most cars can handle it, but snowstorms can shut things down. Now, for the adventurous souls! Just west of the paved pass, a rugged dirt road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to a whopping 12,112 feet. We're talking four-wheel-drive territory here, folks. All-wheel drive just won't cut it. The payoff? Unbelievable views of those jagged Rocky Mountains. Charge your camera, you'll thank me later! This is one of the highest roads in the state, and trust me, it's an unforgettable experience.

Where is Hogback Mountain?moderate

Where is Hogback Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for an adventure up Hogback Mountain in Montana's Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, but the views are totally worth it. We're talking a serious climb to a pretty high elevation. The road to the top starts off near... and winds up around 10 miles to the top. While it's generally in decent shape, high clearance is definitely recommended. Your prize for conquering this route? An awesome fire lookout at the summit! The original lookout was built way back in 1936, but it got a makeover in 1961 and now sits on a solid 10-foot concrete base. It's staffed during the summer, but is open to the public so you can soak in the views anytime.

How long is Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu?moderate

How long is Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu is a MUST if you're cruising around western Los Angeles. Seriously, it's supposed to be one of the best drives in the area. Snaking through the Santa Monica Mountains, this paved beauty clocks in at just over 5 miles. You'll start near the Pacific Coast Highway and climb north to connect with CA-23. Heads up: this area can have rock slides. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be climbing quite a bit (averaging a 5.5% grade, with some spots hitting 8%!) and the drive takes about 15 minutes. But trust me, the views are insane. Think endless ocean panoramas as you make your way up. Plus, you're right by Charmlee Wilderness Park, so the scenery is killer!

Dempster Highway is a Top Canadian Drive to the Arcticeasy

Dempster Highway is a Top Canadian Drive to the Arctic

🇨🇦 Canada

# The Dempster Highway: Canada's Ultimate Arctic Adventure Want to drive somewhere that'll make your friends' jaws drop? The Dempster Highway is it. Stretching 736 km (457 miles) across some of Canada's most remote and stunning Arctic landscape, this is the only all-weather road that actually crosses the Arctic Circle. And if you're brave enough to venture the extra 147 km to Tuktoyaktuk, you'll hit Canada's Arctic Coast on the first all-weather road that goes that far north. The route kicks off at the Klondike Highway near Dawson City in Yukon and winds its way through the Northwest Territories all the way to Inuvik on the Mackenzie River delta. Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. It's a two-lane gravel road (also labeled Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8) that demands respect and preparation. Here's what you're getting into: the highway snakes through two mountain ranges—the Ogilvie and Richardson—crosses the Continental Divide three times, and follows ancient dog team routes that Indigenous peoples have used for thousands of years. The road uses seasonal ferries and ice bridges to cross the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. Summer means it can get dusty, so bring a vehicle with solid clearance and definitely pack a spare tire. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll cruise past stunted spruce and alder forests in the Eagle Plains (they're weirdly adorable at just 8-12 feet tall), roll through endless tundra, and eventually drop down to the aspen-covered delta. The highest point is North Fork Pass Summit at 1,328 meters (4,356 feet). Plan on spending at least two days and 12-16 hours of driving each way. Best times to go? Late June through early August for that surreal midnight sun experience (yes, 56 days of 24-hour daylight). Or swing by early August through early September for autumn colors without the extreme light show. Here's the reality check: services are incredibly sparse. Gas, diesel, and repairs exist only at Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson, and Inuvik. Cell service? Forget it in most areas. Seriously consider renting a satellite phone. Stock up on water, snacks, and emergency supplies before you leave civilization. Winter driving (December 15 to April 30) requires extra gear like a shovel, sleeping bag, and stove. Summer season runs roughly June 10 to October 14. Either way, check road conditions in Dawson City or at the Klondike River Lodge before you head out—and check again at Eagle Plains if you're pushing further north. Built between 1959 and 1978 (officially opened in 1979), the Dempster Highway is named after Inspector William John Duncan Dempster of the North-West Mounted Police. It's one of those roads that genuinely feels like you're discovering something most people will never see. If getting way off the beaten path is your thing, this is the adventure you've been waiting for.