Where is Moses Mountain?
Usa, north-america
6.59 km
2,066 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Moses Mountain! This bad boy towers over Okanogan County, Washington, clocking in at a whopping 6,778 feet above sea level. You'll find it chilling in the north-central part of the state, smack-dab in the Colville Indian Reservation. It's named after a legendary Sinkiuse-Columbia tribe chief from way back when.
The payoff at the top is so worth it. Besides the rad radio facilities and structures, there's this historic fire lookout tower. It's a total behemoth at 123 feet – supposedly the tallest in the Pacific Northwest! Okay, it might be retired from actual lookout duty these days, but it's a seriously cool piece of history.
Now, about the road... Buckle up, because it's called BIA Road 61, and it's 100% unpaved. Think dirt, ruts, rocks, and potholes galore. Seriously, almost every switchback has enough room to pull over if you need a breather, or just want to soak up the views. Which are, by the way, totally amazing. You'll gain 2,054 feet of elevation over just 4.1 miles, so yeah, it’s steep.
While you might get away with a regular vehicle, a high-clearance ride is your best bet for a smoother (and safer) journey. Pro tip: only attempt this when it's dry. A little rain turns that dirt into a muddy mess you do not want to mess with. Trust me, getting stuck way up here is not how you want to spend your day.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.59 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,066 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Butte Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Ready for a trek to the shimmering Butte Lake? This gem sits pretty high up in Lassen County, California, nestled in the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. First things first: the road in. It's called Butte Lake Road (aka Forest Road 32N21), and it's all gravel, baby! Don't expect smooth sailing – it can get bumpy and washboarded, so take it slow and steady. You'll hop off the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and head south for about 6.6 miles (10.62 km) – not too long! The good news is it's pretty flat, with only a 725-foot (221-meter) climb. Keep in mind that being in Lassen National Forest means the road is typically closed from November to May due to snow. So, plan your trip accordingly!
moderateA scenic paved road to Mores Creek Summit in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Mores Creek Summit in Idaho's Boise County is calling your name. Nestled high in Boise National Forest, this pass sits at a cool 6,138 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along the fully paved Idaho State Highway 21, also known as the super scenic Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Good news: it's usually open year-round! Just keep an eye on the weather in winter, as things can get dicey. At the summit, you'll find a spacious parking area where the highway meets several forest roads. This north-south stretch runs for about 33 miles from Lowman to Idaho City, the heart of Boise County. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart! Prepare for some seriously steep climbs, with grades hitting a maximum of 11% in certain spots. But hey, the views are totally worth it!
moderateBig Sur Coast Highway is an epic coastal drive in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Big Sur Coast Highway, California dreamin' in real-time. This legendary route hugs the coastline from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, and trust me, it’s a ride you won't forget. We're talking 123 miles (that’s about 198 kilometers) of pure, paved bliss along the iconic California State Route 1. Officially an All-American Road, it strings together the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway into one epic adventure. Give yourself around five hours each way to soak it all in. You’ll want to, because the scenery is next-level. Seriously, this is one of the most breathtaking drives in the US, with mind-blowing views of the rugged Pacific coastline. Just a heads up: it can get a little crowded with slow-moving RVs during holiday weekends. The road is fine for most cars, and it's been twisting and turning since way back in 1937. But keep your eyes peeled – some sections have narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs. RVs and larger vehicles, be extra careful! Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting here, too. Landslides and washouts after big storms and wildfires can cause closures. Also, remember you're heading into the wild: cell service can be spotty at best.
moderateDiscover the Sierra Vista Byway: A Scenic 83-Mile Drive through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Sierra Vista Byway! This 83-mile route winds its way through the heart of California, offering jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You'll cruise from gentle foothills to towering alpine forests on a mix of paved and unpaved roads – don't worry, even though it's a bit bumpy in places, your average car should handle it just fine. The road peaks at Cold Springs Summit, a cool 7,326 feet above sea level. Heads up: this byway is a seasonal treat, typically open from June to October, depending on the snow. Prepare to be wowed by the incredible scenery! This loop through the Sierra National Forest boasts views of the Sierra Crest, funky rock formations, granite domes, sparkling mountain streams, inviting fishing lakes, and even some cool historic buildings. You'll feel like you're in a postcard at every turn. Plan on about 4-5 hours of drive time without stops. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank beforehand. There's only one gas station along the way (Wagner’s Store at Mammoth Pool), and you know what that means for prices!