Driving the defiant USFS 503 Road
Usa, north-america
N/A
833 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to check out USFS 503 in Colorado's Mineral County. Seriously, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest, this super short mountain road is a real gem.
We're talking totally unpaved, raw adventure. Clocking in at just over half a mile, don't let the length fool you. This climb takes you up to a whopping 12,877 feet! Yeah, you heard right.
Word to the wise: this road is NOT for your average sedan. You're gonna need a 4x4 with some serious clearance. It's steep – like a 12.6% average gradient steep, gaining 344 feet in elevation. Expect it to be snow-free only in the late summer months. But trust me, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Get ready for some killer mountain scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 833 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCan you drive into Waipio Valley?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're on the Big Island of Hawaii, ready for an adventure. You've heard whispers of a legendary road leading down into the breathtaking Waipio Valley in the Hamakua District. But this isn't just any road trip, folks. Waipio Valley Road is a beast! Clocking in at a mere 1.4 miles, this paved path plummets from the Waipio Overlook (about 915 feet above sea level) down to almost sea level, into a valley so lush it looks prehistoric. "Waipi'o" means curved water in Hawaiian, and you'll see why as you descend into this dramatic landscape. But here's the kicker: this road is seriously steep. We're talking sections with a 40-45% gradient! It's so intense that some say it's the steepest road of its length *anywhere* in the USA. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Think of it as the opposite of a lazy river cruise. Word to the wise: This road is generally open only to 4x4 vehicles (the valley floor roads aren't paved, either!). Many rental car agreements ban this road, so read the fine print. And get this: Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic (because trust me, nobody wants to stall going *up*). Driving down in low gear to save your brakes is crucial. Unfortunately, this stunning road is currently closed to tourists while local residents take legal action. It is reserved for residents with agricultural businesses. But even if you can't drive it, you *can* still experience Waipio Valley. Hiking down is a popular (though strenuous!) option, and local tour companies offer rides. Just remember, safety first! Waipio Valley Road is an unforgettable experience, but it demands respect (and a very capable vehicle).
hardWhere is Keystone Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You NEED to check out Keystone Mountain in Colorado's Summit County. This road climbs to a whopping 12,063 feet, making it one of the highest in the state. Located south of Dillon, it's about 8.4 miles from the pavement to the top, with a pretty serious elevation gain of 2,713 feet. We're talking an average grade of over 6%, so buckle up! Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is unpaved, narrow in spots, and those climbs are STEEP. It can get pretty rocky and rough in sections, too. A 4x4 is definitely recommended! But trust me, it's worth the challenge. At the summit, you'll find the historic Erickson Mine site. Keep an eye out: surveyors have spotted gold in the old ore piles! However, it's not maintained, so don't try to explore. Sadly, it's impassible in the winter. But the views along the way? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll see the whole Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Seriously, add this one to your bucket list!
hardWhere is Wheeler Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, cruising between Alma and Breckenridge in the Pike National Forest. Granite peaks tower all around as you bounce along an unpaved road (Pv32 if you're looking for it). This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking a seriously rough track with big, loose rocks that demand respect. This 3-mile trail climbs 1,220 feet from the west end of the Montgomery Reservoir, boasting an average grade of 7.73%, with some sections hitting a crazy 18.2% incline. You definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the three main obstacles and multiple creek crossings. Trust me, leave the family sedan at home. This high-altitude alpine escape sits at a whopping 12,194 feet! But be warned, this gem is usually buried in snow from October to June, so aim for a summer adventure. Wheeler Lake is absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a challenge with views that'll blow your mind.
easyOlympic Peninsula Loop Drive, an unbelievable adventure in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure: the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive! This scenic journey winds through western Washington, showcasing the state's incredible forests, wildlife, and natural beauty. The loop starts and ends in Seattle, taking you south around the Olympic Peninsula via US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8. Clocking in at 329 miles (531 km), this paved route immerses you in the diverse ecosystems of the region. While you *could* technically drive the whole thing in 8 hours non-stop, you'll want at least three days (or more!) to truly soak it all in. Picture this: picturesque shoreline, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, stunning mountain vistas, and even a lush rainforest. Side adventures abound! Timing-wise, May and early June are prime for waterfall viewing, but be aware that higher elevations may still have snow, and beaches can be foggy. July to September brings drier weather and sunshine, but also more crowds. Fall is gorgeous with colorful foliage, and winter offers dramatic, wild beaches—just be prepared for rain. Trust me, this drive is worth it! The Olympic Peninsula Loop is pure road trip bliss.