A very bumpy, grueling road to Warrior Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,433 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Just south of Squaw Pass Road (Highway 103) in Colorado's Clear Creek County, you'll find Warrior Mountain, topping out at 11,263 feet.
Tucked away in the Arapaho National Forest, the road to the top is a real off-road experience – think completely unpaved and seriously steep, so a 4x4 is a must. Starting from the Warrior Mountain Picnic Ground, it’s a short but intense climb, just 1,237 feet long, gaining 111 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of 9%!
At the summit, besides the radio tower, the views are incredible. You'll see the Mount Evans Group to the west, Chief Mountain to the east, and on a clear day, even glimpses of Denver to the northeast. Summer's the best time to hit this one, as it's pretty inaccessible other times of the year. Get ready for some epic scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,433 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
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!
moderateLittle Bald Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Little Bald Mountain, also known as Duncan Peak, nestled high up in Placer County, California! We're talking a whopping 7,182 feet above sea level! You'll find this gem inside Tahoe National Forest, and the way up is via Robinson Flat Road. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride that can get pretty dicey. We're talking 4x4 recommended territory, and maybe not the best choice if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing. Winter? Forget about it – this road is usually snowed in. It's steep in sections, so if you are scared of heights, maybe give this one a miss. A wet day just turns the road into a muddy mess, too. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are SO worth it! And at the top, you'll find a cool fire lookout tower that's been there since 1943, still used by the Forest Service during those hot summer months. Get ready for some serious scenery and a truly unforgettable off-road experience!
moderateWhy is it called Kancamagus Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Kancamagus Highway, snaking through New Hampshire's Grafton County. Locals call it "The Kanc," and it's part of Route 112, stretching 35 glorious miles between Lincoln and Conway. You're talking about a legendary fall foliage road trip, named after Chief Kancamagus from way back in the 1600s. This isn't just some boring highway, though. It's an American Scenic Byway, loaded with history and seriously stunning views. Just be ready for some climbs; you'll hit grades as steep as 7%, plus a few hairpin turns thrown in for good measure on the way to Kancamagus Pass, the road's highest point. Keep your eyes peeled – those views are distracting! The road can get a little narrow in spots, and wildlife like deer or moose love to hang out. You don’t need to be a pro driver, though; the pavement is generally in great shape. Without stops, you could cruise the whole thing in about an hour, but trust me, you'll want to budget closer to three. The views of the White Mountain National Forest are unreal, especially when the leaves are changing. It’s peak leaf-peeping central in September and October. Make sure to stop and check out the panorama and learn about the rivers flowing in either direction from Kancamagus Pass. This road is like a time machine. No gas stations, restaurants, hotels, or anything like that to break the wilderness vibe. Expect crowds, though, especially during peak season – think over 4,000 cars a day! The Kanc sits at a cool 2,867 feet above sea level and is usually open year-round, although heavy snow can shut it down temporarily. The snow can start early and last late, but the road is well-maintained, making it perfect for winter fun like skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
easyWhere is Battle Pass in Wyoming?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Battle Pass to your bucket list. Tucked away in southern Wyoming, near the gorgeous Medicine Bow National Forest, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. First off, the history! The name comes from a legendary clash between Native Americans and fur trappers – how cool is that? Secondly, the road itself, a whopping 57.2 miles of pure driving pleasure on the Battle Highway Scenic Byway. Think light traffic, smooth pavement, and views for days – perfect for a scenic cruise. Budget around two hours to really soak it all in; you'll want to stop and explore the old ghost mining town of Battle. Keep in mind this beauty is in the Sierra Madre Mountains and gets seriously snowy, so it's generally closed from November to April. Plan accordingly, and get ready for an epic adventure! The views from the top? Absolutely worth it.