
Buck Ridge
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,180 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,180 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBeartooth Highway
🇺🇸 United States
# The Beartooth Highway: America's Most Scenic Mountain Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips of your life? The Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is a 109-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic that connects the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, sitting right at Yellowstone's northeast doorstep. This isn't just any mountain pass—it climbs to a lung-busting 3,337 meters at Beartooth Pass, making it one of the highest paved roads in the entire country. And it's not just us saying it's stunning; legendary road-tripper Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America," and honestly, it's hard to argue with him. The scenery is absolutely unreal. As you climb nearly 1,500 meters from the valley floor, you'll wind through 20 major switchbacks and hairpin turns that make every moment feel like an adventure. The landscape transforms as you go—glacially carved valleys give way to sprawling alpine plateaus and dramatic granite peaks that'll make you forget to breathe. Once you break above the treeline, get ready for endless vistas of alpine tundra. In summer, wildflowers paint the landscape in a thousand colors, while snowfields stubbornly cling to the highest spots deep into July. And here's the cherry on top: keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats scrambling across cliff faces, playful marmots, and if you're lucky (or cautious), glimpses of bears enjoying their natural playground.
moderateNorth Star Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a Colorado thrill, you HAVE to check out North Star Mountain. We're talking serious altitude here - a whopping 12,992 feet! Located in Summit County, this is one of the highest drives in the state. Fair warning: this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. This is a proper 4x4 kinda adventure. Co Rd 2 is a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes bumpy old mine trail that winds its way up through the Mosquito Range. Expect high winds pretty much year-round, and even in summer, be prepared for a potential snowy surprise. Keep in mind that access can change due to private mining claims, so stay alert! This road is generally impassable between October and June, weather depending, of course. But trust me, when you finally reach the top (or Zenobia Peak along the way), the views are absolutely worth it. Get ready for some seriously scenic backcountry beauty!
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Mauna Kea in Hawaii
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mauna Kea, a massive dormant volcano in Hawai’i! Seriously, you can drive from sea level to almost 14,000 feet in about two hours – it's wild! This beauty sits 35 miles west of Hilo, on the Big Island’s north side, and it’s the highest point in the entire Hawaiian archipelago. The Mauna Kea Access Road, built back in '64, clocks in at 14.6 miles, starting from Saddle Road. Don't let the pavement fool you; this climb is intense! Prepare for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 15%. We're talking about a 7,150-foot elevation gain, averaging a 9.27% gradient. Cyclists, this is your Everest! While mostly paved, the road throws in some unpaved sections near the summit to keep things interesting. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended for the whole journey. Brakes can overheat on the way down, so be careful! Reaching the top is a real challenge, and not just because of the road. The air thins out quickly, so altitude sickness is a real possibility, along with plummeting temperatures. You actually have to stop at base camp to acclimate before tackling the off-road part of the drive! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Keep in mind that traffic and road closures can happen due to all sorts of reasons, like heavy equipment or slow-moving vehicles. Dust, fog, or snow can also mess with visibility. Stop at the visitor center to adjust to the elevation. Many rental car companies also have specific Mauna Kea clauses about driving to the summit, so check the fine print. Anyone with health issues, pregnant people, and kids under 16 should be extra careful at these altitudes. Scuba divers, wait 24 hours before heading up! Driving straight through takes most people 2-3 hours. At the summit, or Maunakea, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views and incredible sunsets. Plus, you can check out the Mauna Kea Observatory, a super important research facility used by scientists worldwide. The drive itself is stunning, winding through volcanic lava fields and ancient forests packed with unique plants. Keep an eye on the weather because things can change fast! A sunny day can quickly turn treacherous with crazy winds and blizzard conditions. Summit winds can exceed 120 mph! Snowstorms even happen in summer, and below-freezing temps, snow, and ice are common. If it gets too dangerous, the road closes for everyone's safety. It's re-opened as soon as things are safe again.
moderateWhere is Six Mile Cove?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Lake Mohave, right? Check out Six Mile Cove – it's this sweet little spot in southeastern Nevada, practically kissing the Arizona border. Now, getting there is part of the adventure! You'll be cruising along Mead-Davis Powerline Road for about 6.3 miles, and fair warning: this road is all dirt! It can get pretty washboard-y. Most cars can make it, and RVs do too, but honestly, a 4WD would be your best bet for a smoother ride. Six Mile Cove is popular, especially in the summer, so try to get there early, like a Friday. There's plenty of space on the waterfront and for parking, but keep in mind your cell signal might be spotty out there. Happy travels!