Forest Road 697
Usa, north-america
4.5 km
2.4 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Forest Road 697, aka Casto Canyon Trail in Garfield County, Utah, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking high-altitude thrills, with the whole route hanging out above 8,000 feet.
This 2.8-mile stretch of gravel is a real nail-biter in spots, squeezing down to widths that'll have you holding your breath if you meet another vehicle. Seriously, leave the minivan at home; you'll need a 4x4 for this one.
Winter? Forget about it. This road is snowed in more often than not. Even in the good weather, conditions can change on a dime. Bone-dry one day, a muddy, slippery mess the next, especially after rain. But trust me, the juice is worth the squeeze. At the end of the line, you're rewarded with a mind-blowing 360º panorama. Get ready to say "WOW!"
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.4 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardA scenic paved road to Mount Norquay in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about Mount Norquay in Alberta, Canada, nestled right in Banff National Park. This peak, named after a Manitoba premier from way back, tops out at 1,720m (5,643ft). The Mt Norquay Scenic Drive? Totally paved and calling your name! It's a short but sweet 5.8 km (3.6 miles) up from the Trans-Canada Highway, but don't let the length fool you. You'll be climbing 318 meters, so get ready for some steep sections and six seriously sharp hairpin turns – watch out for loose gravel! These twists and turns wind you right up to the Norquay Ski resort. The views? Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously epic! You'll get incredible vistas of Banff and the surrounding landscape... if the fog doesn't roll in, that is! Catch it at the right time, and you might even see some alpenglow painting the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the way! Locals say the best lookout isn't at the official viewpoints, but from the meadow at the very end of the road. Just a heads-up: this is grizzly bear territory, so be aware of your surroundings!
extremeWhere is Cerro Gordo?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a unique road trip? Head to Cerro Gordo, a silver mining ghost town nestled in California's Inyo County. The adventure starts on Cerro Gordo Road, a 12.6-mile dirt track that winds from California State Route 136 (near Keeler) up into the Inyo Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive! The road climbs rapidly, hugging the ridge and delivering breathtaking views. While a 2WD vehicle might get you to the ghost town itself, venturing east requires a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the washed-out and rocky terrain. Be prepared for steep ascents that'll have you shifting into low gear. Cerro Gordo Road is remote, and this narrow, winding route is prone to washouts and rock slides. But the payoff? Stunning vistas, fields of wildflowers, and a glimpse into California's wild west history. You'll find yourself snapping photos at every turn! Just watch out for rattlesnakes along the way. Keep in mind, this road isn't always accessible. Topping out at 8,208 feet, snow can close it down between November and April, so plan your trip for late spring, summer (though it can get scorching!), or autumn. For the truly adventurous, a short but challenging 4x4 road north of the town climbs even higher to an FAA site at 9,222 feet. At 1.8 miles, it's one of California's highest roads! Just remember to check current road conditions before you go and be prepared for an unforgettable journey.
extremeMilk Cow Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Milk Cow Pass in Colorado's Saguache County. We're talking serious altitude here - 11,004 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away inside the Rio Grande National Forest. Now, a word of warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. County Road 26A is a gravel 4x4 track, so leave the low riders at home. You'll need some clearance and a bit of off-road skill. Keep an eye on the weather, because things can get hairy up there. Think avalanches, heavy snow, landslides... not exactly postcard material. Expect a rocky, potentially muddy ride, but the views? Absolutely worth it. Get ready for some epic scenery!
hardA wild 4x4 road to Teddys Peak in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious dose of Colorado high country, you NEED to check out Teddys Peak. This unpaved beast of a road tops out at a whopping 12,066 feet, straddling Costilla and Huerfano counties in southern Colorado. Tucked away in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, inside the San Isabel National Forest, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking rough and rugged terrain that demands a 4WD vehicle with some decent clearance. Be ready for some steep climbs, too – there are sections hitting an 11% grade! Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect the road to be closed from around November due to heavy snow. Even in the summer months, don't be surprised if you run into a bit of the white stuff. But trust me, the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, plains, and forests from the summit are totally worth it. Get ready to have your breath taken away!