Where is Swanholm Peak?
Usa, north-america
30.6 km
2,662 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Swanholm Peak in central Idaho is calling, but this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 8,733 feet in Elmore County, about 19 miles southeast of Lowman.
So, how do you get there? Ditch the pavement! You'll be bumping along FS Road 229LO, affectionately known as Swanholm Jeep Road. From FS Road 251, it's about 3 miles to a first summit, then just a bit further (0.2 miles) to FS Road 229LO itself. This beast is only 2 miles long, but those are two seriously steep miles!
Expect a super bumpy, rocky dirt track that demands a 4x4. Long wheelbase vehicles? Good luck navigating those tight switchbacks! Passing another vehicle is a real challenge, with few pull-outs.
Heads up: this road is only open from about June 15 to Sept 15, buried in snow the rest of the year up in the Boise National Forest.
But is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are incredible. Plus, there's an old fire lookout on the summit, built way back in 1922. It's not in use anymore, but it adds a cool historical vibe to the amazing scenery. Get ready for an adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 30.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,662 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeTravel guide to the top of Grey Creek Pass in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Wanna tackle one of Canada's highest roads? Head to British Columbia's East Kootenay region and find Grey Creek Pass, sitting pretty at 2,083m (6,833ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive – the entire 53.6 km (33.3 miles) route, known as Gray Creek Forest Service Road, is unpaved, connecting Gray Creek to St Marys River Road. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure! Built in the late 80s and opened in 1990 after a powerline went through in the 50s, this route offers stunning Kootenay range views. But be warned, it's typically closed from mid/late October to late June/early July due to snow. Road conditions are seriously variable. Expect it to be rough, narrow, and seriously steep in sections (up to 16% grades!). Lower gears are a must, and watch those brakes! While the signs might suggest high clearance, you can probably manage with most vehicles. But, when it's wet, it's DANGEROUS – think slippery mud on steep inclines. There are tons of corners, and no emergency services are available. Logging trucks frequent the road, and heavy rain can cause washouts, so keep your eyes peeled and drive carefully. This isn't a fast track; it's all about soaking in the scenery.
hardWhere is Beef Pasture Gap?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to Beef Pasture Gap in Jeff Davis County, Texas! This isn't your average highway – it's perched way up at 6,161 feet! Seriously, it's one of the highest paved roads you'll find in the Lone Star State. You'll be cruising along Texas State Highway 118 (SH 118), a fully paved road that winds its way through the stunning Davis Mountains. The whole route clocks in at about 51.4 miles, stretching from I-10 down to Texas State Highway 17, near the cool little town of Fort Davis. Get ready for some seriously scenic backcountry vibes!
moderateWhere is Christmas Tree Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Christmas Tree Pass is a super cool mountain pass chilling at almost 4,000 feet in Nevada's Clark County. You'll find it in the southern part of the state, not far from Arizona and California. So, why "Christmas Tree Pass?" Well, legend has it there's a tree along the way decked out with Christmas ornaments! The road, Christmas Tree Pass Road (NPS Road 20), is all unpaved gravel, stretching for about 16 miles. It'll take you from just outside Laughlin, right off NV Highway 163, to the little town of Searchlight on US Highway 93. The road cuts through the Newberry Mountains, and while mostly in good shape, there are some steep and rough spots, especially on the eastern side right below the pass. A high-clearance vehicle can be helpful for those occasional deep ruts, but careful driving can usually get a passenger car through. Just watch out for soft, sandy spots and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! The views are incredible! You'll be cruising through the Nevada desert with amazing mountain scenery. You'll start on the desert floor and then gently climb into the mountains. This is a drive for the journey, with lots of hiking and rock-scrambling spots. Make sure you stop at Grapevine Canyon! You can clamber on granite boulders and check out a crazy amount of ancient rock art. Give yourself about an hour to drive the whole thing without stopping. This scenic drive goes through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and takes you to a huge petroglyph site in Grapevine Canyon. The road winds through a desert landscape that's important to many Native American tribes. Get ready for awesome desert and mountain views as you drive between wilderness areas.
moderateLa Lagunita Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're kicking off in Orizabita, a cool 1,900 meters above sea level. Buckle up because you're about to climb! In just 6 kilometers, this road throws you up to La Lagunita at a breathtaking 2,770 meters. Hold on tight as you navigate 15 hairpin turns – seriously, they're epic! The views? Insane! Think sweeping vistas of the Ixmiquilpan valley and rugged desert mountains stretching out forever. Just a heads-up, it's a narrow cliff road that leads to San Pedro de Analco. So keep your eyes on the road and soak it all in!