Where is Kennaday Peak?
Usa, north-america
10.46 km
3,300 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Carbon County, Wyoming, itching for a view that'll knock your socks off. Kennaday Peak is calling your name! Perched way up high at 10,826 feet, this beauty's nestled east of Saratoga, deep inside the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
Getting there is half the adventure. Forest Road 215, your path to glory, is a rugged dirt track. We're talking steep climbs and some seriously rough patches, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best friend. Four-wheel drive? Probably not necessary unless you're tackling it early in the season or after a storm – and honestly, maybe skip it then.
The road itself? A 6.5-mile climb from NFSR 100, gaining over 2,100 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of around 6%, but be ready for some ramps that hit over 11%!
At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout, a 1960's flattop structure sitting atop a concrete foundation. There's a small interpretive area at the base, but the real star is the 360-degree view. Seriously, it's unreal – mountains for days and the Platte River Valley stretching out below.
Keep in mind this is high country! The road is usually open from June/July through September/October. Summer days might be warm, but nights can get chilly, and those afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast. High winds are a common occurrence too, so pack accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable Wyoming experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10.46 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,300 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, right on the edge of the Dark Canyon Wilderness, just south of Canyonlands National Park. You're on the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway, a 48-mile mix of dirt and gravel that’ll test your ride (and maybe your nerves a little!). Starting about 25 miles west of Blanding, near the junction of Utah Highways 95 and 275, this route climbs through the iconic "Bears Ears," topping out at a cool 8,700 feet on Elk Ridge. The views? Epic! We're talking Canyonlands National Park, Dark Canyon Wilderness Area, Monument Valley, and Bears Ears National Monument all in one glorious panorama, ending at Utah Highway 211 (SR-211). Keep in mind, this beauty is best tackled between June and October. High-clearance vehicles are your friend here, and AWD or 4WD might be a lifesaver. Rain or winter weather? This road becomes a no-go. There are also narrow sections where you might have to play nice and let another vehicle pass. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Henry and La Sal Mountains, plus all those canyons, are postcard-perfect. Just be prepared for a 4-hour (ish) drive, depending on the road’s mood. After a rainstorm, creek crossings can get intense, and mud can get slick, possibly leading to closures. And remember, there aren’t any facilities out there, so pack accordingly!
moderateWhere is Black Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about Black Canyon Road in Southeastern California! This isn't your average Sunday drive. It stretches for about 19.3 miles, running parallel to the notoriously tough, and it's a real mix of smooth sailing and off-the-beaten-path adventure. The first part is paved, easy peasy. Then, BAM, you hit the dirt! Now, don't let that scare you. Usually, a regular car can handle it, and a 2WD with some clearance will breeze through. Even a sedan can usually make it if you take it slow and steady. But pro-tip: always check with the locals about road conditions before you go! Things can change quickly, and you'll want to trust your gut. You can usually cruise at a decent speed on the dirt section, but keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky, unsigned curves! As you climb, the road eventually tops out at 5,344 feet above sea level. Is it worth the trek? Absolutely! You'll be treated to stunning views of the Providence Mountains and the rugged beauty of the Black Mountain Wilderness. Plus, keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road – you never know what you might spot! Just a heads up: If you're scared of heights, this one may not be for you!
hardLondon Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Check out London Mountain! This beast tops out at 12,122 feet in the Mosquito Range, making it one of the highest drives in the state. County Road 696 will get you there, but be warned: it's a rocky, bumpy, gravel road that'll test your driving skills. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here—you'll need high clearance and tough tires. This old mining road is generally closed from October to June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. When it's open, you'll pass some cool historic mining relics. The trail is steep, and the weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler craving breathtaking views and a challenging drive, London Mountain is calling your name!
hardBull Run Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bull Run Pass in California's Tulare County is calling your name, but fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a serious climb up to 7,588 feet above sea level in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The road? Let's just say it's intimately acquainted with gravel and rocks. Translation: expect a bumpy ride! Plan your trip accordingly, as this beast is typically snowed in from October to June. If you're not comfortable navigating unpaved, steep mountain roads, this might be a pass (pun intended!). A 4x4 is an absolute must, and if you're prone to vertigo, maybe sit this one out. Word on the street is the Bull Park Trail section is especially rough. But hey, the views are probably killer if you dare to look!