Crossing the historic Gandy Bridge in Florida
Usa, north-america
N/A
4,529 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising Florida? You HAVE to experience the Gandy Bridge! This stunner stretches 14,859 feet (that's 4.5 km!) across Old Tampa Bay, connecting St. Pete to Tampa with some serious coastal vibes.
Also known as the Friendship Trail Bridge (though parts have been repurposed over time), this is THE way to travel on U.S. Route 92. Picture yourself gliding over the water, with the sun sparkling and the breeze in your hair.
Okay, real talk: if you get nervous driving close to the water, this might be a *slight* challenge. But trust me, the views are worth it! Traffic is usually pretty smooth, except maybe during the typical rush hour madness. Originally dating back to 1924, the Gandy Bridge has quite the history, but today's version makes for a gorgeous and easy drive. Ditch the mainland and explore this unforgettable coastal route.
Where is it?
Crossing the historic Gandy Bridge in Florida is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.7034, -100.5469
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,529 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.7034, -100.5469
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow do you drive to Benchmark Lookout?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Benchmark Lookout in Dolores County, Colorado! This isn't just any scenic drive; it's a journey to one of the last active fire lookouts in the state, perched way up at 9,278 feet in the San Juan National Forest. You'll be cruising on Road 26, a forest track that's begging for a high-clearance SUV or truck. It's not exactly hardcore off-roading, but expect a bumpy ride with plenty of gravel and rocks. This 3.9 mile climb starts at a junction and winds its way up to the top. Trust me, the views are worth it. The road gets a bit rougher as you approach the summit, and there's a gate right before the lookout itself. Park in the little area provided and stretch your legs for the final short walk. Keep in mind this road's usually snowed in, so plan your trip for when the weather's clear. Even then, the track can be uneven, so that ground clearance is key to avoid any scrapes. Oh, and pro tip: avoid this place during thunderstorms. Being on top of a mountain in lightning? No thanks! The real showstopper here is the view. From the lookout, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama that stretches across four states: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona! It’s seriously breathtaking and makes this a super important spot for keeping an eye on the forest. Remember, it's a working facility, so be respectful of the fire crews doing their jobs during the summer.
easyOld Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Idaho and looking for an epic ride? Check out the Old Spiral Highway! This crazy-twisty road, packing a whopping 64 curves, is a short, sweet blast for any road warrior. You'll find it near the Washington border, on the north side of the Clearwater River near Lewiston, Idaho. Clocking in at just 7.3 miles, don't let the short distance fool you. Originally built way back in 1917, this historic route climbs 2,000 feet in elevation! It was the only way to get around until 1977. Starting at 272m above sea level on ID-128, it winds its way up to 822m at US-95, gaining 550 meters in elevation. The average gradient is about 4.68%, but be ready for some ramps hitting a 13% grade! This baby's paved and ready to roll. Nicknamed Idaho's windiest road, get ready for a wild ride of twists, turns, and switchbacks as you climb that 2,000 ft grade. With over 60 curves and a consistently steep climb, it's a challenge. If you're prone to getting car sick, maybe sit this one out, but otherwise, get ready for some serious fun!
moderateWhere is Snowy Range Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Wyoming Highway 130, also known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, and it's epic! This paved, two-lane beauty stretches for 26.2 miles between Ryan Park and Centennial, taking you to a whopping 10,859 feet above sea level. Why "Snowy Range"? Because even in summer, you’ll spot snow clinging to the high peaks – it’s pretty magical. They even used to call this the "Great Skyroad" back when it was just a wagon trail in the 1870s! It was paved in the 30s and it’s a fantastic detour from boring old I-80. Now, fair warning, this isn't a flat cruise. You'll hit some seriously steep sections, with gradients peaking around 9.5%. But trust me, the views are worth it! Plan for about an hour to drive the whole thing without stops, but honestly, you'll WANT to stop. This road is nestled in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and it is a scenic playground, offering picnic spots, campgrounds (lakeside camping, anyone?), and incredible views of the Snowy Range Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially early and late in the day. Heads up: this road gets buried in snow during the winter. It typically shuts down around mid-November and doesn't reopen until Memorial Day weekend, give or take, depending on the snowfall. But when it's open, you’ll discover deep glacial lakes, peaceful meadows, rushing mountain streams, and, of course, those awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Don't forget your fishing rod for some trout action, or just chill by the lake. It's Wyoming at its finest.
hardTrail Creek Road in Idaho is not for novice mountain drivers
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a wild ride on Trail Creek Road! This super scenic route straddles Blaine and Custer counties in Idaho and is a total hidden gem. Clocking in at just over 40 miles, the road kicks off near Ketchum, winding its way up to Highway 93 close to Chilly. Heads up: the pavement doesn't last long! You'll quickly be bumping along on gravel, and then it's mostly dirt and some seriously aggressive, pyramid-shaped rocks. Think insane drop-offs, a skinny, one-lane gravel path, and views that'll knock your socks off. You don't *need* 4WD, but be prepared for some rocky and potholed sections. This drive is no joke! If you're not comfortable with mountain driving, this might not be for you. Seriously steep sections and unforgiving terrain mean you need to be on your game. There's a reason big rigs and trailers are a no-go. This road has a reputation for flat tires, so make sure your spare is in tip-top shape (and full-sized!). Rockslides and washouts are common, so keep your eyes glued to the road. Did I mention the views are amazing? Just don't become one of them! Located in the heart of Idaho, give yourself 1-2 hours to conquer this incredible drive without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. The actual time depends on the road conditions and how often you pause to soak in the scenery. You'll climb to Trail Creek Summit at a whopping 7,910 feet above sea level. This gravel, mostly unmaintained road is snowed under in winter but opens up as soon as the weather warms. We're talking double-digit feet of snow! Plus, rock and dirt avalanches often cause damage during the colder months.