Adventure along Scenic Skyline Drive to North Tent Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,214 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Ready for a serious alpine drive? Head to Sanpete County, Utah, and get ready to climb North Tent Mountain. This peak soars to 10,544 feet, making it one of Utah's highest drivable spots!
You'll be cruising Skyline Drive Scenic Backway (aka Forest Road 150), a totally unpaved path built way back in the 30s that hugs the Wasatch Plateau's ridgeline. This isn't your average Sunday drive though! The road can get narrow, barely wider than your vehicle as you straddle those 10,000-foot ridges.
While you *can* tackle the northern part year-round in a regular car, the southern sections demand some serious clearance or 4x4 power. Think ruts and rocks! Open season is generally July to September. Come prepared – unpredictable rainstorms can turn that dirt track into a muddy mess, so pack extra supplies, shovels, and maybe even chains.
But trust me, the views are worth it! This "Utah Adventure Highway" offers mind-blowing scenery and killer camping, fishing, and hunting spots. Just remember: cell service is spotty at best. Plan ahead, embrace the digital detox, and get ready for an epic off-the-grid experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,214 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardCopper Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Copper Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.758m (12,329ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado. The road to the summit, located within the White River National Forest, is a chairlift access trail. It’s gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. Winter comes early and stays late on this trail, so you may only be able to safely run it in the middle of the summer. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle with high clearance required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. 5 Essential Safety Protocols for Driving Remote and Dangerous Routes Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardBuck Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Buck Ridge in central Utah! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 10,433 feet in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The road, known as FR0030, is mostly gravel, and let's be honest, it can get pretty rocky, bumpy, and tippy. Basically, you’ll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. This isn't the road to learn how to drive off-road. Definitely avoid this road in winter, and even in good weather, be prepared for some serious slopes. The views are incredible. Just remember, if you're not comfortable with heights, this might not be your cup of tea. And if it's been raining, be ready for some seriously muddy conditions. This trail will test you!
hardHow challenging is the road to Tomboy ghost town?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're itching for an adventure in Colorado? Let's talk about Tomboy Road! This epic, unpaved trail kicks off near Telluride and winds 4.5 miles up to the legendary Tomboy ghost town, a relic from the 1880s mining boom. Fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking serious off-road conditions: narrow tracks, gnarly rocks, steep drop-offs, and maybe even a splash through some water crossings. Those hairpin turns can hit a 15% grade, so you'll need a legit 4x4 with good clearance and tough tires. Seriously, if you're not experienced with off-road driving, sit this one out. The reward? Killer views of the San Juan Mountains. The road climbs almost 2,500 feet, averaging over a 10% grade. It's only open for a couple of months each summer. And remember, Tomboy is above the tree line, so conditions can change fast – be prepared for cold, wind, and even sudden storms. Keep an eye out for the "Social Tunnel" about halfway up. Legend has it, lonely miners met women from Telluride there back in the day. The whole trip one way will take about 45 minutes. Get ready for a truly unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Geology Tour Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in California, cruising through Joshua Tree National Park. Wanna ditch the pavement for a bit? Take the Geology Tour Road! This 18-mile dirt track kicks off just west of Jumbo Rocks Campground and plunges you into a landscape shaped by crazy erosion, earthquakes, and ancient volcanoes. Seriously, it's stunning. The first few miles can be a bit of a bumpy ride with some ruts, and later on you'll hit patches of soft sand. Most cars can handle the start of the road in good weather, but keep an eye out for the sign recommending 4x4 – you'll definitely want that if you're planning to go further and tackle the loop beyond Squaw Tank. Leave the RV at home, though, this road isn't suitable for those. Allow a good two hours to soak it all in. The rock formations are super cool, and you can grab a map or brochure at the start of the road to learn about what you're seeing at the 16 marked stops along the way. It's one of the best backcountry drives in Joshua Tree, a total must-do!