Bare Cone
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,386 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Bare Cone, a seriously stunning peak way up in southwest Montana's Ravalli County. At 7,828 feet, the views are mind-blowing! Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, even bears – this place is teeming with wildlife.
Getting there is half the fun. You'll be tackling Forest Service Road #1303 – think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpin' and grindin'. This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! This trail, located within the Bitterroot National Forest, is definitely one for experienced off-roaders; 4x4 is your best friend here. And if you're not a fan of heights... well, let's just say this might test your courage. It gets pretty steep. Rain turns the road into a muddy mess, so pick a dry day! Your reward? A super cool fire lookout tower at the summit, built way back in 1922 and still in use. It's a hotspot for hikers, bikers, quad riders, and anyone craving a serious dose of epic scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,386 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow long is the Shafer Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Shafer Trail Road, also known as Potash Road. It’s a classic Utah drive, right on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. We're talking about 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved road connecting Island in the Sky Road with UT-279. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This trail was built by uranium miners back in the day. Think steep sections (up to 16%!), super tight curves, and a road so narrow in spots that only one car can squeeze through. You're gonna need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this one. Watch out for low rocks and sharp rocks, tire damage is a real possibility. Also, extra fuel is a must. Is it open? Well, that depends. When it's wet or icy, forget about it. This trail gets super slippery, and closures are frequent, especially in winter. Even if it's open, drive slow! But get this: the views are absolutely insane. We're talking about Indian petroglyphs, natural stone arches, and access to the White Rim Trail. Don't miss the Schafer Switchbacks – a killer climb with panoramic views. Oh, and did I mention this is where they filmed that famous scene from "Thelma & Louise"? Yep, you can stand right where they drove off that cliff (although, spoiler alert, it's *not* the Grand Canyon!). The view? A 2,000-foot drop overlooking the Colorado River, with the sculpted pinnacles and buttes of Canyonlands stretching out before you. Seriously unforgettable.
extremeWhere is Hanaupah Canyon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a truly wild desert drive? Head to Death Valley National Park in California for Hanaupah Canyon Road. This ain't your grandma's Sunday cruise, though. The first 5 miles are doable in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle, but after that, you're gonna need a proper 4x4 beast. Expect a rocky, dirt track that winds a total of 8 miles through some seriously stunning scenery. But hold on, it’s not all sunshine and photo ops. Think massive boulders, loose gravel, and gully washes that can totally obliterate the "road." There's a climb before the canyon mouth, and some sections might be completely washed out, leaving you to navigate by instinct. The payoff? Epic views and a taste of real backcountry exploration! Just remember to check current conditions before you go.
hardWhere is La Sal Loop Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in Moab, Utah, right on the edge of Colorado, ready for an epic adventure. You're about to tackle the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a local favorite snaking through the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This isn't just a drive; it's a 56-mile journey begging for scenic overlooks and photo ops. Now, the road is paved, but hold on—it gets interesting. Think narrow, steep sections, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and some drop-offs that are seriously breathtaking (and a little nerve-wracking, because...no guardrails). Heads up: this is a remote route. There are zero services once you commit, so fuel up, pack snacks, and bring plenty of water before you go. You'll climb to a whopping 8,343 feet, so make sure your car is up for it. Passenger vehicles will be fine, but leave the RVs and trailers at home for this one. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll wind through cool, green forests with panoramic views of Moab Valley and Canyonlands National Park that will leave you speechless. If you're looking for an unforgettable drive, this is it!
moderateHighwood Pass is the highest paved road of Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, is calling your name! This epic pass clocks in at a whopping 2,217m (7,273ft), claiming the title of Canada's highest paved road. Just a short 140 km jaunt southwest from Calgary, nestled in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park near Lower Kananaskis Lake, this beauty is easy to get to. Highway 40 will lead you on a 148 km (92-mile) paved journey from Kananaskis to Longview. But heads up—the road can get steep (we're talking up to 7% gradients!) and icy conditions are definitely possible. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for bears! Perched high in the Rockies, this route offers some seriously amazing scenery. Just be aware that it's usually closed from December to mid-June due to heavy snow and wildlife migration. You’ll be right at the tree line, so the views are totally alpine. Pro tip: the summit can get super windy, and the weather changes on a dime. While the drive itself is only about 1.5-2 hours non-stop, you'll want to plan a full day to truly soak it all in. Trust me, with views this good, you’ll want to stop often!