Copper Mountain

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Why is it called Mount Elden?

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Okay, so you're heading to Arizona? You HAVE to check out Mount Elden! This beauty is a lava dome rising to 9,320 feet – seriously, one of the highest drives in the state. It's named after some pioneer dude, John Elden, who apparently loved sheep. The road up, Elden Lookout Road (Forest Road 557), is totally unpaved, so buckle up and bring your 4x4. The adventure starts just north of Flagstaff on US-180, and it's about 7.4 miles to the top. You'll climb a whopping 2,200 feet – that’s an average gradient of around 5.6%. FYI, the very tippy-top is restricted, so don’t even think about hopping the gate. The road conditions are, shall we say, "variable." It really depends on when the grader last paid a visit. Expect a narrow, curvy road with some fun switchbacks and hairpin turns. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and mountain bikers—sharing is caring! But is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Mountains, and the whole of northern Arizona are incredible. Fall is especially gorgeous. Just a heads up: near the summit, you’ll cruise through an area that was hit hard by a wildfire back in '77, which is a bit sobering.

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How long is the road to Tioga Pass?

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Tioga Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,036m (9,960ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Tuolumne and Mono counties in the U.S. state of California. It is one of the highest roads in California How long is the road to Tioga Pass? Tucked away in the east-central portion of California, the road to the summit is called Tioga Road. It’s part of California State Route 120. The road is 108km (67.3 miles) long, running east-west from Lee Vining to Big Oak Flat. It’s said to be the highest highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada. The road to the summit is totally paved. The pass is named after Tioga Mine. The road was built in 1882-1883 as a mining road and was realigned and modernized in 1961. Is Tioga Road scenic? It’s said to be one of the best drives in California, with hundreds of opportunities to hike and explore Yosemite's backcountry and provides instant access to the spectacular Sierra high country. There are many turnouts with broad and beautiful vistas. This scenic drive through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes offers sweeping views. Mount Dana is to the east of the pass. There are several trailheads into the Yosemite backcountry that begin at Tioga Pass, including the trail to the Gaylor Lakes to the west/northwest and the rough trail to the summit of Mount Dana. This is a very beautiful Alpine drive, but the road is up/down and twisty, curvy all the time. It is a wide two-lane road with many turnout areas to pull off and soak in the absolutely spectacular scenery. There are no guard rails along most of the drive, so if you go off the road, it's a thousand-foot drop down the side of the mountain. The drive features steep sections. Starting at Lee Vining, the ascent is 20km (12 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 957 meters. The average percentage is 4.7%. Is Tioga Pass Road open? Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the road is generally open to vehicle traffic only from late spring (usually late May or early June) through mid-fall (usually until the first significant snowfall in November). These dates are subject to considerable variation. In heavy snow years, the road usually closes in early October and could open as late as mid-July. In light snow years, the road could be closed in December and open as soon as April. In 2004, however, the road closed for the winter on October 17, the earliest closing in at least 25 years. Snow clearing of the Tioga Road normally begins on or about April 15 each year and usually takes between one and two months. Predicting when these roads will open is not possible, even in late spring, because April and May weather significantly affect plowing progress. Kaiser Pass is a classic road trip in Sierra National Forest Driving the infamous Atigun Pass in Alaska 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.

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Medano Pass in Colorado: 9 creek crossings to the summit

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Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Medano Pass in Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a wild 20.1-mile (32.34km) off-road adventure that climbs to a whopping 10,013 feet (3,052m). You'll find this gem nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, hugging the southern heart of Colorado near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Forget pavement – this is all about conquering Medano Pass Primitive Road (County Road 559), a rough and rugged path from the dunes to Highway 69. Now, listen up: this route demands respect. Deep sand, rocky climbs, steep descents, and no fewer than NINE creek crossings of Medano Creek stand between you and bragging rights. Spring runoff can turn those crossings into serious water hazards, sometimes up to two feet deep, so a proper 4WD vehicle is absolutely essential. Don't even think about attempting this in a low-clearance AWD vehicle – you'll be stuck faster than you can say "help!" Soft sand also means airing down your tires might be a smart move, especially if you're rocking narrow tires or a heavier rig. This road is usually closed from November until mid-to-late May due to snow, and even summer weather can be unpredictable. Expect single-lane sections and moderate grades that'll keep you on your toes. Factor in 2.5 to 3 hours to traverse the road without stops. Fall is particularly beautiful time to drive.

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Where is Sundance Mountain?

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Okay, so you’re heading to northern Idaho? Sundance Mountain is calling your name! This peak, nestled in Bonner County near the Washington border within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, tops out at 6,279 feet. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is about 7.9 miles long, and boy, does it climb! You're looking at an average gradient of nearly 9%, gaining over 3,700 feet in elevation. Translation? Steep! The road is unpaved and gnarly. We're talking fallen trees, overgrown brush, and enough rocks to make you question your life choices. High clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable unless you fancy walking. And forget about it in winter – snow makes it impassable. Why go through all this trouble? The views, people, the views! Think sweeping panoramas of Priest Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. It's seriously Insta-worthy. Plus, there’s a fire lookout tower built back in '35 waiting for you at the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too – you might just spot a deer or even a moose along the way. Just remember, this mountain has a history. A massive wildfire swept through here in '67, so expect to see a landscape still recovering, with ghostly, fire-scorched trees dotting the slopes.

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Why is it called Mount Elden?

How long is the road to Tioga Pass?

Medano Pass in Colorado: 9 creek crossings to the summit

Where is Sundance Mountain?