
Cinnamon Butte
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,958 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cinnamon Butte, a volcanic cinder cone peaking at 6,423 feet, sits pretty in Douglas County, Oregon. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to conquer Forest Road 4793 to reach the top.
Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking mostly gravel terrain winding through the Umpqua National Forest. Think proper tires and maybe a bit of off-road swagger. Mother Nature often throws a curveball, making it a no-go zone from October to June, depending on the snow. Seasoned off-roaders will find it a blast! Newbies might want to level up their skills before tackling this one.
Perched at the summit in the Cascade Range is an active lookout tower, built way back in 1955. So, get ready for some seriously stunning panoramic views that make the bumpy ride totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,958 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateGunsight Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Gunsight Pass! Tucked away in southeastern Oregon's Malheur County, this beauty sits at a cool 6,332 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along Mahogany Road to get there. Now, heads up: it's a gravel road. When it’s dry, you'll likely have a good time, but those unpaved sections can get seriously gnarly when wet. Seriously, if there’s a hint of rain in the air, maybe save this trip for another day. This route stretches for about 14.4 miles, so you will feel like you're really out there. With the elevation you will have some gorgeous views along the way!
easyWhy is it called Mount Washburn?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna tackle Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park? This peak, named after some dude named Henry Washburn from way back when, sits pretty at 10,243 feet. Now, you can't actually *drive* all the way to the top, but you can get close! Head up Chittendon Road, a mostly chill unpaved path (an old wagon road!). It's manageable, wide enough for two cars, though it does throw a 15% grade at you in one spot. From the scenic road, it's about 4.1 miles up to the Chittendon Parking lot. You can drive about 1.3 miles on Chittenden road, ending at 8,743 feet above sea level. Park your ride and then you've got 2.8 miles left to hike or bike to the summit. Keep in mind this road's usually open from late May to mid-October. Up top, there's a lookout tower that's staffed during fire season. Weather can be WILD – think sudden storms with wind, rain, and lightning. Plus, it's bear country, so keep your eyes peeled and give those grizzlies and bison a wide berth. But seriously, the views are SO worth it. From the top, you can see the whole northern part of Yellowstone and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons way off in the distance. People were climbing this thing way back in 1870, so you'll be following in some pretty epic footsteps!
extremeTravel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on Saline Valley Road, a super scenic track cutting through the heart of the Mojave Desert in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a challenging backcountry route in Death Valley National Park that'll test your mettle. You'll find this road tucked away in one of the most remote spots in California, stretching north to south through the vast Saline Valley. Picture a huge, arid valley nestled within the Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area. Keep in mind there are absolutely zero services available out there, so come prepared. Originally built to haul borax and salt back in the early 1900s, the road now spans a whopping 95 miles (153 km). The elevation ranges wildly from 1,094 to 7,593 feet (333 to 2,314m). Expect mostly unpaved conditions with lots of washboard sections. It's often heavily corrugated and sandy in spots, with sporadic maintenance. As you climb higher, it gets twisty with some serious drop-offs. The road is bumpy and rough, with curves, drop-offs, and deep, loose sand to keep you on your toes. High ground clearance is a must, and 4x4 might be needed in winter. Off-road tires and a full-size spare are highly recommended. Take breaks – your back will thank you! Technically, any vehicle can pass, but long stretches are extremely rough with sharp, primitive rock gravel. The road's open year-round, but winter can bring closures due to snow, ice, or washouts. October to May is prime time, although higher elevations might be snowed in. Spring and fall are especially nice, with temperatures in the 50-85 degree range. The Inyo County Road Department often marks the road as "CLOSED" after floods or winter snows, but those signs often stay up to deter unprepared drivers. The route goes through two mountain passes: the Inyo Mountains in the north and the Nelson Range in the south. The northern pass is higher but better maintained and closer to the hot springs. Remember, this isn't a Park Service Road; Inyo County handles maintenance. The drive treats you to some of Death Valley's most incredible landscapes. Think sweeping views of salt marsh, sand dunes, warm springs, and the majestic Inyo Mountains.
hardMount Jefferson
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're in Montana's Madison County and craving a serious off-road challenge, Mount Jefferson is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 9,481 feet in the rugged Tobacco Root Mountains. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday cruise. The road is gravel, and things get rocky, bumpy, and tippy – you've been warned! It's generally snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. You'll find this beast within the beautiful Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This trail is strictly for experienced 4x4 drivers, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Expect steep inclines and potentially muddy conditions if it's been raining. But if you're prepared for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely epic! Just remember to pack your nerve and your off-road skills. You’ll need them!