An awe-inspiring road to Little Guard Peak in ID
Usa, north-america
16.89 km
1,837 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Shoshone County, Idaho, you HAVE to check out Little Guard Peak. We're talking serious off-the-grid vibes here.
First things first: this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Little Guard Peak Road is all dirt, all the time. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle and tires that can handle some rough stuff. Trust me, it's worth it.
The road clocks in at about 10.5 miles, starting from Coeur D'Alene River Road, and let me tell you, it's a climb! We're talking an elevation gain of 1082 meters! Prepare for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 22% in places.
The payoff? Unbelievable views from the fire lookout tower built right on the summit (elevation 6,026ft)! You'll be gazing out over the Coeur d'Alene River and the majestic Bitterroot Mountains. Just imagine the photos! Pack a picnic, take your time, and get ready for an unforgettable Idaho adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16.89 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,837 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Quail Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic Colorado climb? Head west of Granite, into Chaffee County, and set your sights on Quail Mountain. We're talking a proper 4x4-only kind of trail here. Forest Service Road 398, aka Lost Canyon Road, will test your skills and your vehicle's suspension. The first half? Manageable. The second half? Buckle up, buttercup, because you're heading above the treeline into some seriously rugged terrain. This isn't a Sunday drive; we're talking a 3.8 km (2.36 mile) ascent with gradients hitting a wild 20% in places. You'll climb almost 400 meters, averaging a 10% grade, so make sure your rig is ready. But the views? Totally worth it. At the summit, you'll find relics from the mining days – a couple of old cabins – and overlooks that will blow your mind. Lost Canyon sprawls below you to the northeast, the glistening Clear Creek Reservoir to the east, and a panorama of mountains in every direction. Keep in mind that being high up in the Sawatch Range means snow closes this road down for a good chunk of the year. Plan your trip for the warmer months!
easyWhere is Hershberger Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Hershberger Mountain in southwestern Oregon's Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about a completely unpaved, bumpy, and pothole-filled climb to a historic WWII aircraft warning station, later refurbished and now on the National Historic Lookout Register. Starting from the scenic Highway 230 (Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway), you've got about 11 miles of rough, unpaved road ahead. Get ready for an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet, which translates to a pretty consistent gradient. A 4x4 is highly recommended, and forget about bringing your low-clearance car – especially for that final, super gnarly stretch. But trust me, it’s worth it! You'll be weaving through gorgeous forests, passing meadows bursting with wildflowers, and treated to miles and miles of stunning panoramic views, no matter the time of year. Hershberger Mountain isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
moderateWhere is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah? You absolutely HAVE to take the Scenic Drive! This little gem starts right off UT-24, near the Visitor Center, and stretches 7.9 miles into the heart of the park. It's paved the whole way, so no need for a special vehicle—even RVs up to 27 feet are welcome! Keep in mind, it's not a loop, so you'll be doing an out-and-back. Rising to a modest 5,977 feet, this road can be a bit temperamental, so watch out for closures due to snow, ice, mud, or flash floods. Give yourself at least 30 minutes for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time. It's a photographer's dream, with pull-offs galore to capture those incredible views of the sheer sandstone cliffs and wild rock formations. Plus, it's your gateway to must-see spots like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. There is an entrance fee per vehicle, but trust me, it's worth it to experience some of Capitol Reef's finest scenery.
moderateHow to Get by Car to Calakmul, a Maya Site
🇲🇽 Mexico
Deep in the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Campeche, lies Calakmul, a massive Maya archaeological site. Picture this: you’re in the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, about 22 miles from the Guatemalan border, heading towards what might have been the biggest city back in the Maya days. Forget your average tourist traps; Calakmul was a major player, the capital of the Kingdom of the Snake (Kaan), giving Tikal a run for its money. We're talking over 6,000 structures here, including a towering pyramid that stretches 148 feet into the sky, plus tons of stelae covered in ancient carvings. Now, getting there is an adventure in itself! From Conhuas, off Carretera 186, you’ve got a 40-mile drive ahead. It's all paved, but get ready for a long, winding, and narrow two-way road. There might be a few moments where you hope you don’t meet anyone coming the other way. Keep your eyes peeled for crossing howler monkeys and jaguars – yes, really!