Forest Road 162
Usa, north-america
21.88 km
3 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in south-central Utah, Garfield County to be exact, and you're itching for a high-altitude adventure. Look no further than Forest Service Road 162, also known as Spectacle Lake Road! Nestled within the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, this unpaved beauty is a real test for your 4WD. We're talking some rocky sections that'll keep you on your toes.
Clocking in at around 13.6 miles, the road is open from roughly June to October, conditions permitting. Keep an eye on the weather, though; it can become impassable after rain. You'll be cruising along at over 10,000 feet the whole time, hitting a peak elevation of 11,118 feet! Trust me, the views are worth it. Starting from Forest Road 1277 and heading towards Forest Road 154, get ready for some serious mountain scenery. This road is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable experience for those who dare.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 21.88 km
- Max Elevation
- 3 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardRampart Range Road in Colorado is a hidden gem closed in winters
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out Rampart Range Road in Colorado. Nestled right on the edge of Douglas, Teller, and El Paso counties, inside Pike National Forest, this beauty winds along the forested crest of the Rampart Range. This isn't a paved paradise, folks. It's all unpaved goodness, but don't worry, you don't *need* a 4x4. Any car can handle it. BUT if you've got an off-roader or dirt bike, prepare for a playground! Seriously, the trails are calling your name. Keep your eyes peeled, though! Things can change quickly, there are natural hazards, and you'll definitely encounter other vehicles. It gets a little steep in spots, with grades hitting up to 11%. Officially known as Forest Service Road 300, this north-south route runs for about 38.4 miles (61.79 km) from Highway 67 (between Sedalia and Deckers) all the way up to Woodland Park. You'll climb to a cool 9,436 feet (2,876m) above sea level. Heads up: it's usually closed from December 1 to April 1 for the winter, so plan accordingly. Built way back in the 30s, there are NO services along the way, so pack your snacks and fill your tank. What you *will* find are incredible views of Pikes Peak, the plains, and the Front Range and Tarryall Mountains. Think quiet camping, awesome mountain biking, and even one of the last fire lookouts at Devils Head. This is a Colorado gem!
extremeWhere is Hunter Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Hunter Mountain Road in Death Valley National Park is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 10.7-mile unpaved stretch of pure, unadulterated backcountry bliss (or maybe a bit of a challenge, depending on how you look at it). Located in eastern California, snuggled between the Sierra Nevada and Nevada, you'll find yourself climbing to a whopping 7,168 feet! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Expect loose rock, washes, and a whole lotta washboard. But hey, the views! Once you escape the valley floor, the landscape transforms into something truly special. Now, a word of caution: This road is unmaintained and bumpy as heck. Keep an eye out for narrow sections, steep hills (both up and down), scary drop-offs, and sneaky soft sand. Oh, and those boulders lurking in the washes? Yeah, watch out for those too. Also, please be smart: Before you go, top off that gas tank and bring extra supplies! No services exist along this route. And stay out of old mine shafts! They can be unstable, full of bad air, and just generally not a good time. Remember to tell someone where you're going and grab a backcountry permit. Cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone in an emergency. And watch where you step – rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widows love to hang out in shady spots. Finally, be extra aware of flash floods during storms. Oh, and a heads up – during winter, this road can become impassable due to snow or mud. Road conditions in Death Valley are always changing, so make sure to check before you go!
easyWhere is Gore Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Gore Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.909m (9,543ft) above sea level, located in Grand County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Where is Gore Pass in Colorado? The pass is located on the northwestern part of Colorado, 20 minutes west of Kremmling. Who is Gore Pass named after? It’s one of Colorado’s undiscovered gems and a great ride. The pass is named for Sir St. George Gore, an Irish baronet from Sligo Can you drive to Gore Pass in Colorado? The road to the summit is called Colorado State Highway 134. Beware fast-moving traffic on the road. Is Highway 134 in Colorado paved? The road is totally paved. It was newly resurfaced in July 2006. How long is Gore Pass in CO? The pass is 43.13km (26.8 miles) long, running west-east from Colorado State Highway 131, near Toponas (in Routt County) to US-40 Road. Is Gore Pass in Colorado steep? Set high in the Rocky Mountains, the road has a mild approach on the west side. The climb ranges between 3% and 5.5% with a very short 7% grade at the very top of the west summit . On the east side, there’s a moderate 5.4% grade. While the maximum grade is 9.2%, this never really is a hard climb. Is Gore Pass in CO remote? Located within the Routt National Forest, expect a lack of people and cars. This road passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. The pass is an alternative to that will get you off busy US 40. Be cautious, however, the remoteness also causes issues if you break down or need medical assistance. This is a rather remote stretch of road that winds through scenic high country. Ruby Road is a beautiful drive with lots of historical sights in Arizona Granite Pass is a beautiful drive through the Bighorn Mountains 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.
hardQuebradas Back Country Byway
🇺🇸 Usa
Escape to the Quebradas National Back Country Byway! This hidden gem winds through the upper Chihuahuan Desert mountains east of Socorro, New Mexico. Seriously remote and peaceful—leave your phone at home, because you won't get a signal anyway! This 24-mile dirt road is perfect for a day of exploring. It's narrow and sees two-way traffic, but don't worry, it's totally manageable. I'd suggest a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle just to be safe, but if it's dry, a regular car should be fine. Just watch out after a big rain, as the road crosses a bunch of dry creek beds that can become impassable. Speaking of remote, come prepared! Pack plenty of water and keep your eyes peeled. You're out in the desert, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you break down, you might be waiting a while for help. And watch out for the locals – bull snakes, king snakes, whip snakes, and even the occasional western diamondback rattlesnake call this place home! You'll feel like you're miles from civilization, even though you're not far from the interstate. The best part? This backcountry byway is open year-round and totally free! You'll be treated to stunning views of the rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready – the scenery is incredible. Plus, you might even spot some of New Mexico's amazing wildlife. Get ready for a fun drive with plenty of twists and turns!