Where is Wheeler Lake?

Where is Wheeler Lake?

Usa, north-america

Length

4.82 km

Elevation

3,717 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, cruising between Alma and Breckenridge in the Pike National Forest. Granite peaks tower all around as you bounce along an unpaved road (Pv32 if you're looking for it). This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking a seriously rough track with big, loose rocks that demand respect.

This 3-mile trail climbs 1,220 feet from the west end of the Montgomery Reservoir, boasting an average grade of 7.73%, with some sections hitting a crazy 18.2% incline. You definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the three main obstacles and multiple creek crossings. Trust me, leave the family sedan at home.

This high-altitude alpine escape sits at a whopping 12,194 feet! But be warned, this gem is usually buried in snow from October to June, so aim for a summer adventure. Wheeler Lake is absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a challenge with views that'll blow your mind.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
4.82 km
Max Elevation
3,717 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Juniper Lake?moderate

Where is Juniper Lake?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Sierra Nevada in northeastern California, headed to the hidden gem that is Juniper Lake. This beauty straddles Plumas and Lassen counties, nestled in the southeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The adventure starts just north of Chester (off Highway 36). The first six miles are smooth sailing on pavement. But then things get interesting! The next seven miles transform into a narrow, sometimes rough, and definitely dusty dirt road that hugs the northern shore of the lake. Don't worry, you usually won't need 4WD or high clearance in good weather, but be prepared for some tight squeezes — sections are barely wide enough for a single car. Just a heads-up: this isn't RV or trailer territory, and low-clearance vehicles might want to think twice. Keep in mind, because we are in the Sierra Nevada, this road is typically closed from November to May due to snow. But when it's open, the views of those beautiful mountains and lakes are totally worth it!

A Road Trip to Powder River Pass in Wyomingmoderate

A Road Trip to Powder River Pass in Wyoming

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for Powder River Pass! You'll find this beauty chilling at a cool 9,666 feet up in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, right in Johnson County. We're talking U.S. Highway 16, also known as Muddy Pass - a fully paved route that's generally in great shape with hardly any traffic. Tucked away in north-central Wyoming within the Bighorn National Forest, this pass is the highest point on Highway 16. Though you'll gain a good bit of altitude on this 46.4-mile stretch between Meadowlark Lake and Buffalo, the road isn't crazy steep (maxing out at 8% in some spots). Get ready for curves though, meaning those speed limits stay nice and low. Heads up: while Powder River Pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can throw a wrench in the plans, so be prepared for potential closures. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think towering rocky cliffs, gorgeous pine forests, and rivers winding through the landscape. And the best part? A massive parking area awaits you at the summit, perfect for soaking it all in!

Where is Barker Pass?hard

Where is Barker Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so Barker Pass in California, nestled high in Tahoe National Forest, is totally worth a trek! We're talking about a high-altitude experience here. You'll find yourself at a serious elevation. You can totally do it in most cars, even 2WD, which is great. The road starts out paved, but don't get too comfy because it turns to dirt! You'll see more mountain bikers than cars up there, which tells you something. Speaking of road conditions, expect it to be closed from around October until late June or even July, thanks to snow. Patches can linger well into summer, so always check conditions. The whole adventure is roughly along the unpaved portion. The elevation changes a bit along the way, nothing too crazy, and the views? Epic! There's also a short dirt road leading to the top of Pelican Butte in Oregon!

Where is Hole in the Wall?hard

Where is Hole in the Wall?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Hole in the Wall Road in Death Valley is calling your name! You'll find this wild ride smack-dab in Inyo County, California, right in the heart of Death Valley National Park. So, how long is this off-road escapade? It clocks in at about 6 miles, starting from CA-190 (just under 6 miles east of Furnace Creek Inn). The first 4 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall are doable with high clearance, but after that, you'll definitely need 4x4 to conquer the rough terrain. Word to the wise: it gets even tougher after you pass through the "hole"! The road eventually dead-ends at an old mining prospect, though it doesn't look like much ever came of it. Expect a totally unpaved surface. And here's the deal: flash floods happen, so road conditions can change on a dime. After a storm, even 4-wheel drive might not save you. Always check Death Valley's official website for the latest updates before you go. Double-check your vehicle, pack tons of water (for you and your radiator!), bring some grub, and take it slow and steady. The views are amazing, but safety first!