Hamels Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,067 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a real challenge in Nevada, head to Hamels Peak. This beast of a mountain road sits way up high at 10,062 feet, right in White Pine County.
Fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpin' and tippin'. You absolutely need a 4x4 to even think about tackling this one. And forget about it in the winter—it's a no-go zone. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, or heights make your palms sweat, maybe skip this one. Expect a steep climb. Muddy conditions can make things extra tricky, too.
But if you're an experienced off-roader craving epic views and a serious adrenaline rush, Hamels Peak is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,067 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhy is it called Coquihalla Summit?
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey fellow road trippers! Let me tell you about the Coquihalla Summit in British Columbia, Canada. This mountain pass climbs to a lofty 1,249m (4,097ft) and stretches for 115km (71 miles) between Hope and Merritt. It's named after the Coquihalla River and the road was carved out way back in 1941. Today, it's all smooth sailing on paved British Columbia Highway 5. Sure, you might find a few frost heaves here and there, but with two lanes in each direction, you won't be stuck behind any slow-pokes. Just be warned, the ascent is a real leg-burner, especially heading north after the Great Bear snow shed! Speaking of challenges, even though it's a modern highway, some truckers avoid it because of the extra fuel needed to tackle those steep inclines. Generally, the pass stays open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw curveballs, especially in winter. Think sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and thick fog. Oh, and did I mention it can get down to -30°C? Avalanche chutes etched into the mountainsides are a constant reminder of the rugged terrain. From October to April, winter tires or chains are a must. Smart travelers pack extra gas, warm clothes, a candle, and even a sleeping bag – better safe than sorry! And don't forget to give your vehicle a once-over: coolant, brakes, and tires should all be in top shape. In the summer, keep an eye on your temperature gauge; that steady uphill climb can cause overheating.
extremeCan you drive your car to the top of Mt Washington?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime on the Mount Washington Auto Road! This unforgettable toll road in New Hampshire snakes its way from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch all the way up to the summit of Mount Washington. Can you drive your car to the top of Mt Washington? This incredible 7.8-mile stretch climbs to 6,286 feet above sea level, boasting an average gradient of 11.37%. The weather up here is a wild card, so prepare for anything! You might find blue skies or get caught in the mountain's famous fog, strong winds, and rapidly changing conditions. While the road is fully paved as of 2022, it's still a challenging drive with countless twists and turns. There's even a mile of hard-packed gravel mid-mountain to keep you on your toes. But trust me, the above-tree-line views starting around 4,200 feet are worth it! Just a heads up – certain vehicles loaded down with people or luggage might not be allowed, and bikes are generally a no-go unless it's race day. This road opened way back in 1861, and it's been a popular adventure ever since. More than 45,000 vehicles make the trek each year! Because of the extreme weather at the summit, it’s usually only open during the summer months, with opening day depending on how much snow has fallen. Be sure to pack warm, dry clothes no matter when you visit because the temperature at the summit is usually way colder than at the base. Also, the mountain had the second highest windspeed ever recorded on Earth! The road has some steep drops and no guardrails in places. If heights make you nervous, you may want to consider taking a guided tour. In over 150 years, there have only been three fatalities on the road. Taking about 30-45 minutes to ascend and descend, you will be rewarded with incredible scenery. There are pull-offs where you can stop and take in the views. It's an amazing drive through the Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest that you will not soon forget! Just be sure to check the closing times for the day you visit.
moderateWhere is Greens Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk Greens Peak, a total hidden gem nestled in Apache County, Arizona. We're talking sky-high – this extinct volcano clocks in at a whopping 10,141 feet! You'll find it chilling in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, just west of Springerville, in the northeast of Arizona. What's up there? Besides some serious bragging rights, the summit is decked out with radio towers (hello, cell service!) and a fire lookout, rebuilt in '62 from an original '30s model. The views? Killer, obviously. Heads up: This isn't your Sunday drive. Forest Service Road 117 (aka Greens Peak Road) to the top is all unpaved. You're gonna need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive beast to conquer this one. The climb kicks off from State Route 260 and it's a 5.7-mile haul to the top. You'll gain about 1,000 feet in elevation, so yeah, it gets pretty steep in sections. Important FYI: Winter is a whole other story. Snow can shut this place down HARD. Even in summer, be ready for anything. Temps are usually mild (around 70°F), but can plummet at night or during those afternoon thunderstorms. And the wind? Let's just say hold onto your hat.
hardHow is the drive to Sun Notch?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of Crater Lake in Oregon, high above the deepest lake in the USA. You're on the Rim Drive, heading towards Sun Notch, a gap in the caldera wall that gives you knockout views. "Notch" is the perfect name, because it was carved by a massive glacier that flowed down Mount Mazama ages ago. When the volcano blew and the summit caved in, the glacier was basically chopped off, leaving this epic, U-shaped valley behind. Talk about a geological rollercoaster! Now, the road to Sun Notch is paved, but hold on tight. It hugs the caldera's edge, meaning it's narrow with some serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, this can be a bit intense, especially when you're sharing the road with RVs and cyclists. Watch out for rocks on the road, and if you're in a bigger rig, take it slow — this section of the Rim Drive is pretty mountainous, with elevation changes and tight turns galore. Luckily, there are plenty of turnouts, and Sun Notch itself has a parking area where you can start the short walk to the rim. Why make the trek? Because Sun Notch is *the* spot for photographing Phantom Ship Island. This ancient, jagged island looks like a ghostly galleon floating in the impossibly blue water. The view from Sun Notch is a total game-changer. A heads up: Sun Notch is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. This area gets buried under *tons* of snow, sometimes over 60 feet deep! They have to work like crazy to clear the East Rim Drive, and Sun Notch is usually one of the last sections to open up. Always check the park's conditions before you go, because early storms can bring ice as early as October.