
Where is Sedgwick Peak?
Usa, north-america
10.62 km
2,791 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in Idaho? Sedgwick Peak is calling your name! Tucked away in Bannock County, inside the Caribou-Targhee National Forest south of Pocatello, this bad boy tops out at 9,156 feet. Word has it that it *might* be named after General John Sedgwick, but who really knows for sure?
So, how do you get there? Road W, baby! It's a completely unpaved climb to the summit, with views for days. But hold your horses - this isn't a Sunday drive. Think steep sections, super rocky terrain, and the need for some serious grip. We're talking a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
The climb starts from Thunder Mountain Road and stretches for about 6.6 miles. You'll gain a solid 2,683 feet in elevation, making for an average grade of around 7.7%. Once you reach the top you will find communication towers, a weather station, and radio equipment. Breathtaking views are your reward! Just remember, good tires and even better brakes are your best friends on the way down!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10.62 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,791 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow long is Joe Brown Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're carving through the wilderness on the Joe Brown Highway – Unicoi Turnpike if you're feeling fancy – a 40-mile ribbon of road twisting between Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Murphy, North Carolina. Most of it's paved, about 20 miles of sweet, winding asphalt, but then you hit about 10 miles of well-maintained dirt. It's doable in a regular car, but leave the buses and big rigs at home. Seriously, there's no room to turn around! This route climbs up to Unicoi Gap at just over 2,000 feet. You'll want to budget at least two hours for the drive, but make time to stop because the views are incredible. Also, pro tip: say goodbye to your cell signal, because you won't have any for most of the trip. This road has history, too – it more or less follows the old Unicoi Turnpike, a trade route for the Cherokee. Grab your camera and get ready for an adventure!
hardHow Long Is Elliott Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Alaska, craving adventure. The Elliott Highway is calling your name! This beauty, part of Alaska Route 2, stretches 152 miles from Fox, near Fairbanks, all the way to Manley Hot Springs. Now, heads up: it's a mixed bag. You'll cruise smoothly on pavement from Fairbanks to the Dalton Highway junction, but then… gravel time! The last 80 miles are unpaved, adding a rustic touch to your journey. You might not see another car for miles past the Dalton cutoff – talk about remote! Speaking of remote, winter here is NO joke. The highway department basically says, "You're on your own!" Ice, fierce winds, and drifting snow can make things super dicey. No cell service? Yep, that's part of the deal. Before you go, check those road conditions, pack emergency gear, and fill up with enough fuel to cover 400 miles. But if you're itching for a true off-the-grid experience and a soak in some hot springs, the Elliott Highway is definitely worth considering! Just double-check with your rental car company – many don't allow gravel road adventures.
extremeHow long is the Million Dollar Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in western Colorado, about to tackle the legendary Million Dollar Highway! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 25-mile (40 km) rollercoaster from Silverton to Ouray that'll take your breath away – literally! Give yourself around 42 minutes to fully soak it in, but be warned, RVs also love this route, so patience is key. Now, this beauty is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva, especially in winter. We're talking possible closures and chain requirements thanks to those snowy conditions. You'll be scaling three epic mountain passes – Coal Bank (10,640 ft / 3,240 m), Molas (10,970 ft / 3,340 m), and Red Mountain (11,018 ft / 3,358 m). Summer days? Expect temps ranging from a balmy 70-90°F at the ends to a cooler 50-70°F up high. Rain can turn things dicey, creating surprise waterfalls, and did I mention this stretch has some serious avalanche risk? So, yeah, it's not all sunshine and roses. This road demands respect. That initial drive? Get ready for sweaty palms! You'll be hugging the "outside" lane with views that are both stunning and slightly terrifying. Some of those mountain turns require a snail's pace of 10 mph. The real heart-pumper is that 12-mile stretch south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge leading to Red Mountain Pass. Think steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a distinct lack of guardrails! Those hairpin turns are no joke. And drivers sometimes get a bit "frozen" mid-route. Going south, you're the one on the exposed side. The origin of that name? Mystery! Some say it cost a million bucks a mile to build, others claim the dirt's laced with gold ore. No matter the truth, it was hand-carved in the 1880s as a toll road, and today, it's one of the most spectacular drives in the US, if you don’t drive too fast for conditions. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You’ll be cruising through the San Juan Mountains, spotting wildflowers, elk, mountain goats (maybe even a bear!), and soaking in views that'll stay with you forever. It's a true bucket-list adventure!
moderateWhere is El CapulÃn?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, adventurers, listen up! I've found a road that'll take your breath away - literally! We're heading to El CapulÃn, snuggled right on the edge of Morelos and Mexico City, deep in the heart of the country. This isn't just any drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the nation, topping out at a cool 3,627m (11,899ft) above sea level inside the beautiful Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. You'll be cruising the Xalatlaco-El Ajusco road for about 11.6 km (7.20 miles) until you arrive to the famous church. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. Low visibility can make this road a bit tricky. But with clear skies? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!