
Fields Peak
Usa, north-america
3.9 km
2,246 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Fields Peak in Oregon's Grant County is calling your name! Nestled in the stunning Blue Mountains inside the Malheur National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rugged, unpaved route (NF-212) that'll have your 4x4 working overtime. High clearance? Absolutely essential.
Think you're ready for a climb? From the NF-2160 junction, it's just under 4 kilometers to the top, but prepare to gain a whopping 621 meters in elevation! That's an average gradient of nearly 16%! The views, though? Totally worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the way, and when you finally reach the summit, imagine the lookout tower that once stood guard here, built way back in 1933! Just remember, this road is generally only open from mid-June to November, so plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,246 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, right on the edge of the Dark Canyon Wilderness, just south of Canyonlands National Park. You're on the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway, a 48-mile mix of dirt and gravel that’ll test your ride (and maybe your nerves a little!). Starting about 25 miles west of Blanding, near the junction of Utah Highways 95 and 275, this route climbs through the iconic "Bears Ears," topping out at a cool 8,700 feet on Elk Ridge. The views? Epic! We're talking Canyonlands National Park, Dark Canyon Wilderness Area, Monument Valley, and Bears Ears National Monument all in one glorious panorama, ending at Utah Highway 211 (SR-211). Keep in mind, this beauty is best tackled between June and October. High-clearance vehicles are your friend here, and AWD or 4WD might be a lifesaver. Rain or winter weather? This road becomes a no-go. There are also narrow sections where you might have to play nice and let another vehicle pass. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Henry and La Sal Mountains, plus all those canyons, are postcard-perfect. Just be prepared for a 4-hour (ish) drive, depending on the road’s mood. After a rainstorm, creek crossings can get intense, and mud can get slick, possibly leading to closures. And remember, there aren’t any facilities out there, so pack accordingly!
hardWhere is Juniper Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and craving a truly rugged experience, Juniper Canyon Road in the Chisos Mountains is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously remote, folks. You'll be deep in the heart of the park, with zero cell service. Download those maps beforehand! The 5.4-mile stretch is entirely unpaved, twisting through desert wilderness. Picture this: rocky terrain, loose stones, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two. Rain turns this road from challenging to downright treacherous, so keep an eye on the weather. Think twice about bringing anything but a 4WD vehicle with solid tires. Low clearance? Forget about it. And trailers? Definitely not recommended. You'll be crawling at a snail's pace (5-10 mph), but the solitude is worth it. The road ends at a parking area near Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail, sitting pretty at 3,973 feet. It climbs a good 1,079 feet in elevation. Plus, there's a water storage locker for long-distance hikers. All that said, the views of the Chisos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking! Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.
hardPalmetto Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-road experience, Palmetto Mountain in Nevada's Esmeralda County is calling your name. We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at 8,937 feet! Nestled in the heart of the Palmetto Mountains, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think rough, tippy, and bumpy – you'll definitely earn those off-road stripes. Winter's a no-go; this route gets buried. For experienced wheelers only! The trail narrows, making passing a potential headache, and it's STEEP. High clearance is an absolute must, no question about it. Watch out for wet conditions, as things can get pretty muddy, especially around those old mining relics. But hey, the views? Totally worth the challenge! Just be prepared for an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping ride.
extremeThe Wild Road to Cerro de la Muerte in Costa Rica
🌍 Costa Rica
Cerro de la Muerte, or "Mountain of Death," is a legendary pass soaring to 3,341 meters (10,961 feet) in Costa Rica's San José province. It's the highest point on the Central American Pan-American Highway! Want to go even higher? A side gravel road climbs to the true peak at 3,470 meters (11,384 feet), where you'll find a bunch of antennas. You'll find it on the route from Cartago to San Isidro de El General. The name isn't just for show, sadly. It's a somber reminder of travelers who didn't make it due to the harsh conditions back in the day. Now, the road itself (Ruta 2, part of the Pan-American Highway) is paved, but hold on tight! Expect sharp curves, plenty of potholes, and ever-present fog. The road serves up rapidly changing climates and temperatures as you ascend. Be ready for blind corners, seriously steep cliffs, and drivers who take chances to pass. Keep an eye out for roadside memorials – a sobering reminder of the road's dangers. But, oh, the views! At the summit, you'll be rewarded with insane panoramic views of the Cordillera de Talamanca. On a clear day, you might even spot the Pacific Ocean shimmering in the distance! The road's usually open all year, but be prepared for flash floods, landslides, and those aforementioned narrow curves and cliffs. Rain makes everything extra slippery, and the summit can be seriously windy, so pack warm clothes!