A Once in a Lifetime Drive through Hell's Backbone Road in Utah
Usa, north-america
61 km
2,814 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Hell's Backbone Road, nestled in Utah's Garfield County, a hidden gem within the Dixie National Forest. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks!
Built back in the Great Depression, this 38-mile dirt road winds its way from Boulder to Escalante, offering a thrilling alternative to the paved highway. They called it the Poison Road back then because one wrong move could send you tumbling! It's named after the super-skinny ridge it crosses.
Now, don't let the "family car" suggestion fool you—this road is narrow, winding, and clings to the side of a ridge with seriously steep drops on either side. Stormy weather? Maybe skip it. Remote is an understatement. No cell service, so you’re on your own out there.
Oh, and did I mention it climbs to a whopping 9,232 feet? Yeah, it's a high one, which means it's a no-go in winter, closed after the first big snow.
But, oh, the views! Sweeping vistas, access to incredible wilderness, and a healthy dose of history. The highlight? Hell's Backbone Bridge, a 109-foot-long span with a 1,500-foot drop on either side. Seriously, bring your camera! It crosses Sand Creek, giving you amazing views of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area. Summer's the busiest time to visit.
Give yourself 2-3 hours to tackle this beauty without stops, but honestly, you'll want more time to soak it all in. It's a trip you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
A Once in a Lifetime Drive through Hell's Backbone Road in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5546, -99.0683
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 61 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,814 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.5546, -99.0683
Related Roads in north-america
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Burned Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a high-altitude thrill in New Mexico, Burned Mountain is calling your name. We're talking about a rugged, unpaved climb up to a whopping 10,000 feet in Rio Arriba County. Forget your fancy sports cars – this baby demands a 4x4! Forest Road 91B is the name of the game, a 3.2-mile dirt track that kicks off from the paved US-64. Prepare for some serious inclines, with gradients hitting a maximum of 9% in places. Word to the wise: winters are a no-go. But when the weather's right, get ready for incredible scenery as you conquer one of New Mexico's highest roads!
hardA steep paved road to Allison Pass in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Allison Pass in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! You'll find this beauty smack-dab in the middle of Manning Park, nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Fun fact: it's named after a local rancher, John Fall Allison! The road itself is the fully paved BC-3, also known as the Hope-Princeton Highway, and this pass marks its highest point. Get ready for a 126 km (78-mile) journey stretching from Hope (where the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers meet) to Princeton. Now, the road usually stays open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs with those short-term closures. Cyclists and drivers alike, be warned: this stretch can be a beast with some steep climbs and altitudes. Coming from Hope, you'll hit those 7% grades up to the Hope Slide before even starting the climb to Allison Pass – you might even see some trucks pulled over to cool their engines! But trust me, the views are worth it!
moderateWhere is Idaho Peak?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near southeastern British Columbia, you HAVE to check out Idaho Peak. We're talking about a 7.3-mile unpaved climb to 6,958 feet above sea level. The road winds up, up, up, offering killer views of the Selkirk Mountain Range. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is gravel and while usually maintained, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle. Leave the low riders at home, trust me! Also, keep an eye out for other drivers. Passing spots are scarce. The trail has multiple switchbacks to help you get up the mountain, and please remember to stop partway to cool your brakes! This beauty is only accessible from mid-July to mid-August, so plan accordingly. You'll find a lookout at the top, perfect for snapping some envy-inducing photos. Seriously, the vistas are worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive. Just remember to respect the mountain and drive safely!
hardWhere is Santiago Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're in Southern California and craving a serious off-road experience, you HAVE to check out Santiago Peak. Perched right on the Orange/Riverside County line, inside Cleveland National Forest, this bad boy is Orange County's highest point. We're talking a 15.5-mile climb up Main Divide Road, a totally unpaved trail that'll test your off-road skills. Don't get me wrong, it's not *crazy* difficult, but the road is narrow and can be loose in spots. A 4WD is ideal, but most SUVs or trucks should handle it. Just be ready for some steep climbs – we’re talking gradients up to 22%! Keep in mind that because it's tucked away in the Santa Ana Mountains, the road can close due to weather or high fire danger, and yes, it even snows up there sometimes! But trust me, the views are worth it. We’re talking panoramic vistas stretching from Catalina Island all the way to the San Jacinto mountains and across Orange and Riverside counties. Seriously breathtaking! The summit itself is a bit anticlimactic – it's covered in radio and telecommunication antennas (this is how they get coverage for much of Southern California!) And if you hear locals call it "Saddleback Mountain," that's why. Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving time each way. So pack some snacks, fill up your gas tank, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!