Bachelor Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,754 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Bachelor Mountain in central Idaho's Custer County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 9,035-foot summit reached via the legendary Lucky Boy Road, nestled deep within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Forget pavement; this is a gravel-grinding, 4WD-only kind of road. And listen up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Severe weather is a HUGE no-no. Avalanches, surprise snowstorms, and landslides are real threats, not to mention those sneaky patches of ice that can send you for a spin.
But hey, if you're prepared and the weather's on your side, the views from up here? Absolutely epic. Just remember to respect the mountain, drive smart, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,754 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardBurr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Burr Trail: Utah's Stunning Backroad Adventure If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking drives in Utah, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is absolutely worth the detour. This 66-mile gem winds through the heart of some seriously stunning landscape, connecting Bullfrog (at the northern tip of Lake Powell via Highway 276) to the charming mountain town of Boulder on Utah Scenic Byway 12. Here's what to expect: The road is a mix of paved sections and graded dirt—fully paved from Boulder to Capitol Reef's western boundary, then it transitions to a rougher gravel road through the park. Fair warning: those gravel stretches can get washboarded and choppy in spots. Traffic is practically nonexistent, which is part of the magic. **The catch?** Weather is your real concern here. From spring through fall in dry conditions, any passenger car can handle it just fine. But throw rain into the equation, and even 4WD vehicles might get stuck. Flash floods can materialize out of nowhere, turning canyons into raging torrents in seconds. Check with rangers before you go, and always fill up on gas beforehand (Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder are your options). The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks are legitimately intense—a steep series of hairpins that climb 800 feet in just half a mile over the Waterpocket Fold. It's testing, but totally doable if you're prepared. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want way more time. The scenery—painted rock formations, the Henry Mountains, those incredible red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon—practically demands you stop constantly. Plus, there are killer hikes like The Gulch, The Circle Cliffs, and the Waterpocket Fold waiting for you. Pack plenty of water, don't count on cell service, and skip the RV. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though winter days are mild too. Summer? Scorching. With dispersed camping scattered throughout, you can make this an epic multi-day adventure through some of Utah's most extraordinary terrain.
moderateIs Dinkey Creek Road Paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! Dinkey Creek Road in central California is your ticket to stunning Sierra National Forest scenery. Is it paved? Yes, mostly, though it gets a bit narrow in places. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears -- this is their territory, so secure your snacks! You'll definitely want to pack a camera for this 13.5-mile gem, stretching from Highway 168 up to Dinkey Creek. Heads up: you're going off-grid here, so don't count on cell service. You'll climb up to 6,538 feet above sea level, so be prepared for some awesome views. Get ready for a memorable adventure!
extremeWhat is the route of Forest Road 040?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Forest Road 040 in Utah's Duchesne County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude shortcut – a rugged, unpaved gem that connects back to Forest Road 196. Think pine forests, alpine meadows, and pure backcountry vibes! This track sits entirely above 3,100 meters, topping out at an eye-watering elevation. The air gets thin up there, and your engine WILL feel it. Word to the wise: this road is DIRT. If it’s wet, forget about it. Seriously. When it’s dry, a 4x4 is a MUST. We're talking steep sections, uneven terrain, and high clearance to avoid those sneaky obstacles. Weather is a HUGE deal. High winds whip across these ridges year-round, and even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Brutal. The short driving season is usually only open during peak summer. Check local conditions before you go—you don't want to be surprised by late-spring snowdrifts!
moderateA delightful yet crowded road to Bear Lake in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Bear Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 2.890m (9,481ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road is usually crowded during peak tourist season. Is the road to Bear Lake in CO paved? Set high in the Rocky Mountain National Park, the road to the summit is and navigable by all passenger vehicles. It’s called Bear Lake Road. Starting at US-36, the drive is 15.12km (9.4 miles) long. It's a dazzling little drive, with a few hairpin turns. The road was constructed in 1928. Is the road to Bear Lake in CO open? Access to the lake is typically , with the occasional closure in winters due to dangerous weather conditions. At 2.890m (9,481ft), Bear Lake freezes in the winter. Is the road to Bear Lake in CO worth it? The drive is very scenic. It’s said to be one of the most famous roads in Rocky Mountain National Park . It has an estimated 2 million visitors each year. Traffic can be heavy especially in summer and on fall weekends and the Bear Lake parking lot often fills up by noon on busy summer days. It can be congested. Is the road to Bear Lake steep? The road to the summit is steep, hitting a 9% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at US-36, the ascent is 15.12km (9.4 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 385 meters. The average gradient is 2.54%. 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.