
A fairly rough road to Big Creek Baldy in MT
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,764 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Big Creek Baldy in Montana's Lincoln County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a serious climb up to 5,787 feet, smack-dab in the Purcell Range of the Rockies.
You'll be cruising along Big Creek Baldy Mountain Road 309, a dirt track that really tests your mettle. High clearance is a must – seriously, don't even think about it in your sedan! The last mile is especially gnarly, so be prepared for some bumpy fun.
This road is generally open from mid-June to late September, but Mother Nature has the final say, so check conditions before you go. Nestled within the Kootenai National Forest, the summit rewards your efforts with a fire lookout tower (built in '66!) and mind-blowing panoramic views of endless, densely forested peaks. Trust me, the photo ops alone are worth the trek!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,764 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe road to Columbia Ridge is not for the faint of heart
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild Idaho experience, Columbia Ridge is calling your name. Perched high in the Gospel-Hump Wilderness, we're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 7,867 feet. The route? It's Crooked River Road (aka Forest Road 233), peeling off south from Highway 14. Fair warning: "road" is a generous term. Expect a rough and tumble ride on a narrow path that sometimes feels more like a boulder field – with bonus seasonal streams! Cross your fingers you don't meet anyone coming the other way. Nestled in the Clearwater Mountains, this trek isn't for the faint of heart (or low-riding cars). Forget your trailers, and plan your trip for summer – snow can linger well into June or even July. Oh, and ditch the cell phone; you're going off-grid for this one. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and jostle!
hardBear Valley Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Bear Valley Mountain in Idaho! This peak sits way up high at 8,293 feet, nestled in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The route to the top is Forest Road 583, also known as Bear Valley Mountain Road. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's a gravel track, and you'll definitely want a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Keep a super close eye on the weather. This road gets dicey fast! We're talking avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – plus, ice patches are common. But, if you catch it on a good day, the views are incredible. At the very top, you'll find a fire lookout tower that was built back in 1936. It’s an awesome reward after a challenging climb! Just remember, lightning and lookouts don't mix, so skip it if there's a thunderstorm brewing. Be safe and enjoy the ride!
hardCoronado Trail Scenic Byway is the road with 460 turns in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! I've just conquered the legendary Coronado Trail Scenic Byway in Arizona, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure carved into the southeastern Arizona landscape, near the New Mexico border, right on the edge of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Think of it as your gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with a hefty dose of adrenaline thrown in! They call it the Coronado Trail, named after that Spanish explorer who was chasing the Seven Cities of CÃbola way back when. This route used to be known as "The Devil's Highway," which should give you a hint about what's in store! Stretching for 129 miles from Springerville down to the old copper mining town of Clifton, this fully paved road is all about the twists and turns – a mind-boggling 460 of them! Seriously, it's a rollercoaster for cars! The scenery is epic, and you’ll likely have the road practically to yourself. But fair warning: this mountain road is narrow, winding, and clings to steep cliffs with little to no shoulder in many spots. Newbies might want to sit this one out. You'll climb to a breathtaking 9,383 feet above sea level, just south of Hannagan Meadow in the heavily wooded White Mountains. The views? Unforgettable! Generally, the road's open year-round, but winter, spring and fall can bring ice and snow. Pro-tip: snow isn't plowed on weekends or at night during winter, just weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm. Plan for a solid 4-5 hours of driving, but that's *without* stopping. And trust me, you'll want to stop. Snowy mountains, grassy valleys, wildlife galore, heart-pumping driving, and views that will blow your mind – this road has it all. Just remember to fill up your gas tank in Alpine. There aren't any stations along the way!
moderateWhere is Onion Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in California's Inyo County, Onion Valley Road is a must-drive for those seeking a thrilling ascent! Picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Owens Valley, right between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and the vast Nevada landscape. This 13-mile stretch, formerly known as California State Route 180, kicks off from Independence on US 395 and winds its way westward to Onion Valley Campground. Typically open from May to November, Mother Nature dictates the schedule with snow conditions. Prepare for a climb! They say this is one of the toughest cycling routes in California, and it's no joke. The road gains serious altitude as you go, hitting an average grade of almost 8% over the last ten miles. Starting at around 3,937ft, you'll climb over 5,200 feet in elevation to reach a staggering 9,219ft near the top. The fully paved road features nine switchbacks, offering killer views of the Owens Valley. Keep an eye out for bears, as they're known to frequent the area! The scenery is simply breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the Owens Valley and the Sierras.