A narrow dirt road with steep drop offs to Francis Peak in Utah
Usa, north-america
20.59 km
2,887 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near northern Utah, you HAVE to check out Francis Peak! Perched way up high on the border of Davis and Morgan counties, this mountain clocks in at a whopping 9,471 feet.
The road? Well, let's just say it's an experience. You'll start on pavement, cruising nice and easy for about a mile. Then, BAM! You hit a winding, narrow dirt road that'll take you on a 12-mile rollercoaster up the mountain. It’s called Francis Peak Road, but some know it as Skyline Drive or Farmington Canyon Road.
Now, be warned, this climb is STEEP! Starting near Farmington, you're looking at almost 13 miles of uphill driving, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. And hold on tight – there are some serious drop-offs and iffy cell service the whole way.
Heads up: this road is a no-go in winter. Snow can stick around well into June.
Once you get to the top (which is inside the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, BTW), you'll find a restricted zone with huge radar towers that look like something out of a sci-fi movie! Sadly, you can't get right up to the towers themselves.
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes sunbathing near the rocks! But most importantly, soak in the views! Seriously, they're insane. You can see Morgan to the east and the Great Salt Lake shimmering to the west. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.
Where is it?
A narrow dirt road with steep drop offs to Francis Peak in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5964, -97.8933
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.59 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,887 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.5964, -97.8933
Related Roads in north-america
hard17 brutal switchbacks in the Green River Cove Road of North Carolina
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Polk County, North Carolina? Green River Cove Road is calling all experienced riders! Picture this: you and your bike, carving through the southwestern part of the state on 10.7 miles of pure riding bliss. This isn't just any road – it's a mountain rollercoaster nestled high in the Appalachians, linking State Road 1138 to Holbert Cove Road. Think tight switchbacks, steep climbs, and a serious test of your skills, all while surrounded by the sprawling, forested Green River Game Lands. This climb is legendary for a reason: 17 hairpin turns that will get your heart pumping. Most of the road clocks in at a respectable 6-8% grade, but those hairpins? Cut them on the inside and you're staring down a jaw-dropping 22% incline! The outer lane offers a slightly gentler 8%, but either way, be prepared to work for it. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and get ready for one of the most exhilarating rides in the area.
hardIs a 4x4 Essential for Rat Trap Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a real beast of a pass? Head to Snohomish County, Washington, and find Rat Trap Pass. We're talking a whopping 3,182 feet above sea level, people! Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. Located inside Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this is National Forest Road #27. It's a gnarly, unpaved track where a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! Seriously, leave the sedan at home. Washouts are common, and "impassable" is a regular state of affairs. The road stretches for a solid 13.7 miles from the Mountain Loop Highway to National Forest Road #2703. But trust me, the views are worth it! Prepare to be blown away by the incredible scenery, especially the majestic White Chuck Mountain. Just remember to pack your nerves of steel!
moderateWickiup Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Wickiup Pass! Nestled high in Utah's Garfield County, this beast of a pass tops out at a cool 9,255 feet. We're talking about BLM 14635, a road that laughs in the face of pavement. Seriously, it's rough, rocky, steep, and a true test of your off-road skills. Expect a windy, twisty, single-lane experience where you'll be VERY grateful for that 4WD with high clearance. Winter? Forget about it. Wet conditions? Hard pass. Heights aren't your thing? Maybe skip this one. But if you're brave enough to tackle it, Wickiup Pass carves right through the stunning Henry Mountains. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wicked sense of humor up here. Expect high winds, sudden weather changes, and even snow in summer! Basically, pack for anything and everything, and get ready for an unforgettable ride. (Pic & video credit: AtomicGeo)
hardLadybug Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ladybug Peak, nestled in California's Sierra County, is calling your name! This bad boy tops out at a cool 8,280 feet. You'll be cruising along Verdi Peak Road, a gravel track that definitely keeps things interesting. Think rocky, bumpy, and maybe a little tippy in spots. Winter? Forget about it – this road's a no-go zone when the snow flies. This is really a trail for the seasoned off-roader, so if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. A 4x4 is practically a must-have. Oh, and if heights make you queasy, you might want to reconsider; it's a steep climb! Rainy days can turn the road into a muddy mess, adding another layer of challenge. But hey, the views are worth it, right?