Where is Old Baldy Mountain?

Where is Old Baldy Mountain?

Usa, north-america

Length

1.31 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Old Baldy Mountain in Montana's Lewis and Clark County! This peak sits pretty high up in the Big Belt Mountains, east of Helena, smack-dab in the Helena National Forest.

Getting to the top isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a 1.31 km unpaved adventure from Basin Creek Rd. Forget your sedan; you'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this steep, rocky, and narrow track. The last stretch throws in a couple of hairpin turns just to keep you on your toes!

Prepare for a serious climb! You'll gain some significant elevation over a short distance, resulting in a super steep average gradient.

Heads up: this road is usually only open from mid-spring to late autumn. Winter brings heavy snow, making it impassable until the thaw. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the wait!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
1.31 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

El Mortero Roadmoderate

El Mortero Road

πŸ‡²πŸ‡½ Mexico

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're hitting El Mortero Road, snaking between the charming towns of Monte Escobedo and Mezquitic. Think vast valleys and gentle hills rolling as far as the eye can see. The adventure starts in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, perched high at 2200 meters above sea level. The paved road then dips down to a small village nestled on a mesa at 1930 meters – picture-perfect! From there, it's a sweet descent to Mezquitic, Jalisco, sitting pretty at 1350 meters. Get ready for some breathtaking views and a serious dose of Mexican charm!

Driving the frozen Aklavik Ice Road in the Northwest Territoriesmoderate

Driving the frozen Aklavik Ice Road in the Northwest Territories

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Aklavik Ice Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 117 kilometers (that's about 73 miles) of pure, frozen glory in the Inuvik Region of Canada's Northwest Territories. Imagine cruising across the Mackenzie Delta and even a stretch of the Arctic Ocean! Seriously, how cool is that? (Pun intended!) And the scenery? Epic! The Richardson Mountains loom in the distance, making for some seriously Instagrammable moments. This icy highway connects Aklavik and Inuvik, both north of the Arctic Circle. You won't be alone out there, expect to see around 54 vehicles a day. Keep your eyes peeled, obey the speed limit (usually 70 km/h, or about 43 mph), and remember those limits are there for your safety. Be warned: this road can get a little bumpy! Patches of rough ice are common. Drive carefully, watch for signs, and respect the conditions. The season is short, typically late December to early April, but climate change has been pushing that opening back a bit. Still, hitting the ice road while you can is an experience you won't soon forget! Just remember, it's illegal to drive it until it's officially open, so stay safe and plan accordingly.

Is the road to Slumgullion Pass paved?moderate

Is the road to Slumgullion Pass paved?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Dude, Slumgullion Pass in Colorado is a MUST for your next road trip! We're talking Hinsdale County, smack-dab in the San Juan Mountains, and the views? Epic! This baby's a fully paved rollercoaster, part of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (aka Highway 149), stretching for 50 miles from Lake City to Creede. Don't let the "fully paved" part fool you – the north side is seriously steep, boasting the gnarliest grade of any paved road in Colorado (nearly 10%)! The climb from Lake City is a leg-burner: 783 meters up over just 7 miles, averaging a 6.9% grade, and it kicks off with almost 10% right away! Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, moose, and even bighorn sheep chilling by the roadside. Sitting pretty at 11,574 feet, Slumgullion Pass is one of Colorado's highest paved passes. It's generally an easy drive, but those steep sections and a few tight turns will keep you on your toes. The road's maintained year-round, even in winter, though you'll definitely want to check conditions before heading out if there's been recent snow. Make sure to pull over at Windy Point Overlook, just a couple miles west of the pass. The panoramic views of those 13,000+ foot peaks are totally worth it!

California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslidesextreme

California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on California State Route 39! This epic stretch of road straddles Orange and Los Angeles counties, carving its way through the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at around 50 miles (80 km), you can cruise from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) all the way up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2). Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, Route 39 made a cameo in *Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift*. Now for the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been off-limits since a massive mudslide back in '78. This means the last 6 miles (9.65km) or so are a no-go for cars. We're talking rockslides, erosion, and enough dirt to make your off-roader blush. Budget a cool $100 million to get it back in shape. While it's technically closed, you might spot hikers or bikers braving the washed-out sections, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. Just be warned: Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs here. We're talking snow, avalanches, and landslides galore. Emergency vehicles can still squeeze through, but those "roads" get pretty narrow and gnarly! Despite the challenges, this forgotten highway is a trip back in time. You can practically feel the ghosts of California's past as you explore the remnants of this once-bustling route. So, if you're up for an adventure and a dose of history, Route 39 is calling your name!