Driving the enthralling Notom-Bullfrog Road in Capitol Reef NP
Usa, north-america
52.3 km
1,745 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Notom-Bullfrog Road in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park is an absolute MUST if you're in the area. This beauty traces the eastern edge of the Waterpocket Fold, a geological marvel that'll have you glued to your windows!
Spanning Wayne and Garfield counties, this route clocks in at about 32.5 miles. You'll start smooth sailing on pavement for the first 15 miles, then things get a little more adventurous with a well-maintained dirt, sand, and gravel surface.
Most cars can handle it in good weather, but definitely check in at the visitor center before you go. This road tops out at 5,725 feet above sea level, and Mother Nature can be unpredictable here — recent storms or floods can make it impassable, even for 4x4s.
Give yourself up to two hours each way, and that's without stops (which, trust me, you'll want to make!). The scenery is phenomenal, and there are tons of chances to explore narrow canyons and hit the backcountry trails like Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Narrows. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
Where is it?
Driving the enthralling Notom-Bullfrog Road in Capitol Reef NP is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.7432, -100.6075
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 52.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,745 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.7432, -100.6075
Related Roads in north-america
hardLookout Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip for you: Lookout Mountain in Okanogan County, Washington. This gravel road climbs to a cool 5,522 feet, where you'll find a fire lookout with views for days. Fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Snow can shut it down anytime, and heavy fog can roll in, making visibility a nightmare. You can drive most of the way, but the last bit is a 1.5-mile hike. The road gets super narrow about 3 miles from the top, with a steep drop-off that leaves zero room for error. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll get epic 360-degree panoramas, including killer views of Hoodoo Peak and the North Cascades. Seriously, bring your camera (and extra batteries!), because you're going to want to capture every moment. The lookout cabin itself is locked up, but who cares? The scenery is the real star of the show.
moderateDriving the wild Antelope Mountain (in Lassen County, CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about a killer drive up Antelope Mountain in northeast California’s Lassen County. We’re talking serious elevation here – this peak tops out at 7,687 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away in Lassen National Forest. The road's a decent forest road, but trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind, this route is a no-go in winter; the snow usually hangs around until late June or even July. The climb is a real workout. From Eagle Lake Road, it's about 5.4 miles to the summit, and you gain a whopping 2,434 feet in elevation. That’s an average grade of over 8%! And the payoff? A fire lookout tower awaits you at the top! Built in '78, it was actually the first solar-powered lookout in the US. Usually, there's someone up there during fire season. The views? Absolutely incredible. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateWhere is Monjeau Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to southern New Mexico, north of Ruidoso, and you're looking for an adventure? Check out Monjeau Peak! This beauty sits high in the Sierra Blanca range, inside Lincoln National Forest, clocking in at a whopping 9,603 feet above sea level. You can drive most of the way up via Forest Service Road 117, a 5.7-mile dirt track that kicks off from County Road 532. Word to the wise: this road is curvy, rocky, and a little rough. While a regular car *might* make it in good weather, I'd strongly recommend something with high clearance. Also, the last stretch is usually gated, so you'll need to hike the final bit. The climb is pretty intense, gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, so expect some steep and winding sections. Definitely check the weather before you go, and avoid it if rain or snow is in the forecast! This road closes down completely in the winter. The payoff? Stunning panoramic views and a historic lookout tower, Monjeau Lookout, built back in the 30s and still in use today. It's a super popular spot for good reason. Just be prepared for a thrilling (and possibly bumpy) ride!
moderateWhere is Butte Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Ready for a trek to the shimmering Butte Lake? This gem sits pretty high up in Lassen County, California, nestled in the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. First things first: the road in. It's called Butte Lake Road (aka Forest Road 32N21), and it's all gravel, baby! Don't expect smooth sailing – it can get bumpy and washboarded, so take it slow and steady. You'll hop off the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and head south for about 6.6 miles (10.62 km) – not too long! The good news is it's pretty flat, with only a 725-foot (221-meter) climb. Keep in mind that being in Lassen National Forest means the road is typically closed from November to May due to snow. So, plan your trip accordingly!