Where is the Boulder Basin?
Usa, north-america
9.17 km
2,987 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in central Idaho, about 15 miles northwest of Ketchum, ready for an adventure. You're heading toward Boulder Basin, way up in the Boulder Mountains. This ain't your typical Sunday drive, though. Forget the pavement! You're hitting Boulder Creek Road (aka County Road 158A and 158), a 5.7-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt-road fun.
Starting from Highway 75, you'll climb a whopping 2,792 feet to nearly 9,800 feet above sea level. That's an average grade of over 9%! Trust me, this road is bumpy, rocky, and rough. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here – high clearance is a MUST, and airing down your tires is a smart move. The higher you go, the wilder it gets, with the road turning into shale rock and sometimes even a stream running right down the middle! Plus, the last mile is a narrow ledge clinging to the mountainside, so hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way.
Keep in mind, this road's a no-go in winter thanks to the snow. Aim for July or August for the best shot at getting through. But trust me, if you make it, the views are epic. You'll reach the ghost town of Boulder City and a stunning, secluded alpine lake. Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.17 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,987 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBull Park Trail: rough and bumpy
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a proper off-road adventure? Check out Bull Park Trail (Forest Service Road 376A) in Teller County, Colorado. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road! Clocking in at just under 3 miles, this unpaved track is seriously bumpy and eroded. Think rocks, ruts, and a real test for your vehicle. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4, and a lifted one at that, to crawl over some of the obstacles. The trail winds its way high into the mountains above Colorado Springs, hitting a peak of around 11,400 feet. The views are incredible! Just a heads up: this road is closed during the winter months, usually from December to the end of May. So plan your trip for the warmer months to experience this wild ride.
moderateWhere is McClellan Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna bag a peak in Colorado? Check out McClellan Mountain! This baby tops out at a cool 13,110 feet, making it one of the highest drivable spots in the state. You'll find it west of Georgetown, in the northern part of the state. The route up follows the old Argentine Central Railroad bed – a seriously impressive feat of engineering from way back in 1905. Get ready for six switchbacks where the train used to zigzag its way up the mountain. Now, listen up: this isn't a Sunday cruise. The road is 100% unpaved and rocky. You're gonna need a proper SUV with low-range to tackle this one. Expect tight switchbacks and some seriously challenging terrain. The first section, right off Guanella Pass Road, is probably the toughest part, so be ready for it. The whole thing is about 8.7 miles from the pavement of Guanella Pass Road, and you'll climb over 3,000 feet – that's an average gradient of around 7%! Best to hit this one in the summer, when the snow's gone. And the views? Totally worth it. Plus, you get to check out historic spots like the old railroad remains along the way. Epic!
hardWhat is at the summit of Bald Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Lake County, Oregon, smack-dab in the south-central part of the state. You're about to tackle Bald Butte, a 7,542-foot peak that's all about volcanic vibes, sagebrush seas, and some serious peace and quiet. You're driving through the Fremont-Winema National Forest, a wild wonderland of snow-capped peaks and views for days. Seriously, this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the untamed heart of the Pacific Northwest. So, what's the payoff? At the top, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that was built way back in 1931. It’s surrounded by forested hillsides and panoramic views. Only two of these kinds of towers still stand in Oregon. You can even rent it out for the night! Talk about a unique stay. Now, let's talk about the road. It's about 24.2 miles long, entirely unpaved, and most cars can handle it just fine. BUT – those last two miles? That's where things get interesting. It's steep, it's rocky, and you might have to do some light rock-moving to clear the way. RVs? Probably not a great idea. High clearance is your friend here. The adventure kicks off from the town of Paisley. Fill up your tank and grab some water because you're heading into the boonies. As you climb, you'll cruise through everything from wide-open sage country to thick forests. And oh yeah, the views of Sherman Peak in California are insane!
moderateWhere is Bull Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Bull Creek Pass in southeastern Utah is calling! Located inside the stunning Capitol Reef National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This is an unpaved, gravelly, single-lane path that stretches for a thrilling 65.8 miles. You'll climb to a serious elevation – one of Utah's highest! But be warned, this route is strictly for high-clearance vehicles only. Expect a bumpy ride with numerous hazards along the way. The road is generally open during the warmer months, but snow can shut things down, so plan your trip accordingly. Despite the challenges, you'll be rewarded with seriously breathtaking views! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!