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
hardTravel guide to the top of Tincup Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Tincup Pass in Colorado! This stunner of a road sits at a whopping 12,171 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it chilling west of the ghost town of Saint Elmo, right on the line between Chaffee and Gunnison counties. Heads up: this is a 12.7-mile unpaved adventure on County Road 267, linking the town of Tincup to the eerie St. Elmo. The season's short – typically mid-June to early autumn, snow permitting. Because, yeah, even early July can see snow up here! You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing for this one – it's easier going from the east. The road's generally decent, but expect eroded sections with rocks, especially on the west side. There are a few steep spots and narrow areas, and near the top, it gets seriously tight with cliff edges. Rocky at the summit, and that shelf road at 12,000 feet can hold snow well into summer. Usually, you'll have enough room to pass other vehicles (mostly ATVs). This old wagon road (built back in 1881) cuts through the Gunnison and San Isabel National Forests and puts you right on the Continental Divide. The pass gets its name from a prospector who toted his gold home in a tin cup back in the day! But the real reason to come? The views! High alpine scenery galore. Plan on a 2-3 hour trip with photo stops. You'll cruise through aspen forests at lower elevations and get insane views of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for marmots and other wildlife, and don't miss Mirror Lake. Trust me, it's a four-wheeling paradise.
hardLubken Canyon Road is a drive worth taking in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through California's Inyo County, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, southwest of Lone Pine. You've stumbled upon Lubken Canyon Road, a hidden gem that's begging to be explored. This paved beauty snakes for just over 3 miles through the Owens Valley, connecting US-395 to Horseshoe Meadows Road. As you wind along Lubken Creek, get ready for some serious mountain vistas. Now, a word of warning: this road's got some curves and can get a little narrow. Watch out for loose gravel, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife – you might just share the road with horses and cows chilling in the meadows! Oh, and make sure your ride isn't too heavy, there's a 7-ton weight limit. But trust me, the views are worth it.
easyWhere is the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southwestern Louisiana on the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. We're talking about Highways 182 and 31, smooth asphalt all the way. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 125-mile (201km) adventure from Arnaudville to Morgan City winding through the heart of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. Imagine wetlands, rivers, and bayous unfolding before you. Seriously, some of the most stunning swamp scenery on the planet. You're basically tracing a former Mississippi River channel, hugging the banks of the legendary Bayou Teche. Keep your eyes on the skies for eagles, hawks, and vultures soaring above, and watch the mangroves—you might just spot an alligator lurking! It's a total immersion into Louisiana's natural beauty.
extremeDriving the challenging Forest Road 120 in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Forest Road 120 in Wyoming's Park County is calling your name—if you're up for a real backcountry experience. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 15.5-mile (24.94km) shortcut off the US-212 Beartooth Highway that climbs to a whopping 10,183 feet (3.104m) in the Northern Rockies. Now, here's the deal: this road is unpaved, rough around the edges, and can be seriously treacherous. Weather? Expect the unexpected—conditions can change on a dime, and closures are common. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Only tackle this beauty when it's dry. Oh, and a word to the wise: altitude is a serious factor here. If you've got respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. But, if you're prepared for a rugged ride with stunning scenery, and you're ready to share the landscape with the local grizzlies, Forest Road 120 is an unforgettable detour. Just be sure to check conditions before you go!