
Fowler-Hilliard Hut
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,512 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a real off-road challenge in the heart of Colorado's Eagle County, point your rig toward Eiseman Hut. Perched way up high at 11,522 feet, accessing this mountain refuge is not for the faint of heart.
The "road," and I use that term loosely, is a super steep, gravelly beast with switchbacks that'll make your head spin. Seriously, think twice about driving it unless you’re in a proper 4x4 and know what you're doing. This isn’t a Sunday drive, folks.
Typically, you can expect the route to be clear of snow from June to October, but even in summer, be ready for some wild weather changes. Built back in '88, the hut itself is a tribute to mountaineers Ann Fowler and Ed Hilliard, so the views are incredible. Just remember, preparation is key if you want to conquer this one!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,512 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyMount Washburn via Chittenden Road: A Scenic Unpaved Journey in the Heart of Yellowstone
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Yellowstone National Park, ready for an adventure up Mount Washburn. You can't drive *all* the way to the top (10,243ft!), but you can get pretty darn close! From the Grand Loop Road, hop onto Chittenden Road, a former wagon route turned gravel track. It's a pretty easy 4.1 miles until you reach the parking lot at 8,743ft. This section is pretty wide, so no need to stress about oncoming traffic. Sure, you'll hit a steep 15% grade in one spot, but it's not too bad. Once you park, you've got a choice: hike or bike the remaining 2.8 miles to the summit. Totally worth it, though! This road, typically open from late May to mid-October, winds through the Washburn Range, and the views are absolutely insane. At the peak, you can see Yellowstone's northern reaches and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons in the distance! Watch out for those afternoon thunderstorms – they can bring wind, rain, and lightning. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies and black bears (seriously!). And remember, these are wild animals. Give them plenty of space. Bison and elk can also be dangerous if approached. Oh, and by the way, this peak is named after Henry Washburn, the leader of the 1870 Washburn Expedition. The first recorded climb was in 1870, but who knows, maybe someone beat them to it!
moderateA scenic unpaved road to Buffalo Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Buffalo Pass, sitting pretty at 10,321 feet in Colorado, is a must-do if you're exploring the northern part of the state! You'll find it chilling on the Routt and Grand County line, nestled in the Routt National Forest between Steamboat Springs and Walden. This roughly 15-mile dirt road, known as Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38 and Forest Service Road 60), isn't too scary – most SUVs can handle it, and even some regular cars if you pick your lines carefully. The lower sections are usually fine for 2WD, but the last few miles get a little rough, so high clearance is your friend. Keep in mind this beauty is usually snowed in from December to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly! Speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Sunshine can turn into a blizzard in minutes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so have an exit strategy. Sunscreen is a must at this altitude, and watch out for falling trees – they're not always polite enough to wait for the wind. Oh, and pack your bug spray – the mosquitoes are legendary! But it's all worth it! The views of the Yampa and North Park valleys are insane. Plus, you've got alpine lakes within walking distance, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness to explore, and plenty of campsites, including Summit Lake Campground. Summit Lake itself is super easy to get to from the top of the pass. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!
extremeWhat’s the Old Cascade Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky spot! Just east of Everett, Washington, in King County, lurks the Old Cascade Tunnel. We're talking major creep factor. This abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, hidden away in the Cascades, was built way back in 1900 to ditch some gnarly switchbacks. Clocking in at 2.6 miles long with a 1.7% grade, this tunnel, also known as the Stevens Pass Tunnel, is NOT your average scenic route. Forget exploring! This place is collapsing and seriously unstable. I'm talking major cave-in potential. A huge failure occurred in 2006, creating a debris dam and a creepy little lake inside. The lining is cracked, and another collapse could happen any minute. Seriously, DO NOT ENTER. They've built a safe viewpoint at the west end so you can peek, but that's it. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Legend says the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington avalanche, which tragically killed 96 people, still roam these tunnels. So, you know, extra spooky vibes.
extremeWhere is Sweet Hollow Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Sweet Hollow Road! Tucked away in Suffolk County, New York, this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll find it snaking through West Hills County Park, near Huntington on Long Island. Clocking in at just about 3 miles, this completely paved road connects Jericho Turnpike (West Hills) to Broadhollow Road (Melville) and is a real rollercoaster - long, narrow, and seriously winding. Word to the wise: drive carefully! But what makes Sweet Hollow Road truly special? Well, legend has it, this place is haunted AF! South of Jericho Turnpike, the road and its surroundings are notorious for chilling urban legends, ghostly encounters and spooky vibes. Think haunted woods and stories that have been passed down for generations. Some say the Native Americans even considered this whole area cursed. So, if you're brave enough, get ready for a drive you won't soon forget – if you believe in that sort of thing, of course…