
Hawley Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,223 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Hawley Mountain in Idaho's Boise County! This peak hits a cool 7,293 feet, and getting there? Well, that's half the fun.
You'll be cruising along Forest Road 340, aka Hawley Mountain Road, for about 10 miles. Picture this: gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. This isn't your Sunday drive! Seriously, road conditions are always changing, and winter likes to hang out here, so mid-summer is your best bet. Trust me, scope out the road ahead before committing – things can get dicey quick. That last fifth of a mile to the lookout is where it gets real – super steep and rocky, so a 4x4 is a MUST.
Speaking of the lookout, it was built back in '35 and offers some killer views. But heads up: the drive up is narrow, so watch for oncoming traffic and keep an eye out for those turnouts. Get ready for a healthy dose of vertigo, too! But hey, those views are worth the white knuckles, right?
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,223 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateOld Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a wild ride? Old Dale Road in Joshua Tree National Park is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 25.9-mile off-road adventure through the park's eastern backcountry. Think old mining roads, dating back to the late 1800s, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Starting inside Joshua Tree, the trail cuts across Pinto Basin before climbing into the rugged Pinto Mountains, eventually connecting to Gold Crown Road and finally spitting you out onto California Route 62, about 15 miles east of Twentynine Palms. Now, let's be real: this is a *dirt* road. Most of it is graded, but be prepared for sharp rocks, deep sand, and some seriously tricky sections across the mountains. We're talking big, loose rocks and steep drop-offs, so a 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. Heads up: you're going remote out here. No cell service, limited traffic, so bring a GPS and maybe a buddy in another vehicle. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer the road non-stop. The best time to visit is October through May—trust me, you'll want to avoid the scorching summer heat. This road winds through both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, so pack plenty of water and prepare for extreme temperatures!
extremeVail Pass is a difficult road in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Vail Pass in Colorado is calling your name! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 10,666 feet above sea level, straddling Summit and Eagle counties. Get ready for a 20.4-mile (32km) ride between Vail and Copper Mountain that'll test your driving skills. This isn't your average Sunday cruise – we're talking seriously steep grades (7-8%!), hairpin turns, and the kind of windy conditions that keep you on your toes. I-70 is your path, but don't let the pavement fool you. Winter here is no joke. Think blizzard conditions, near-zero visibility, and enough slippery ice to make you wish you'd stayed home. They shut this pass down frequently during heavy snow, and multi-car pileups are a real threat. Keep an eye out for those runaway truck ramps on the westbound side – a sobering reminder of the dangers. But hey, when the weather cooperates, the views of the Rocky Mountains are simply breathtaking. Vail Pass is usually open year-round, so if you're up for the challenge, pack your winter tires and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Just remember, stay alert, drive cautiously, and respect the mountain.
hardHeckman Pass: gradients of 18%, no guardrails and sheer drop-offs
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Heckman Pass! This epic mountain route sits way up high in west-central British Columbia, Canada, clocking in at 5,000 feet above sea level. You'll find this beauty on Highway 20, also known as Bella Coola Road or Chilcotin Bella Coola Highway, west of Anahim Lake. It marks the spot where the Chilcotin Plateau and the Bella Coola Valley call it quits. Locals affectionately call it "The Hill," and it's a 47-mile stretch from Stuie in the Bella Coola Valley to Anahim Lake. Budget about an hour to soak it all in. Highway 20 tops out here, making it the highest point on the whole route. Picture this: the Rainbow Range as your backdrop as you cruise a road carved out back in '53 by sheer grit and determination. They called it "Freedom Road" back then, and the name still sticks! Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Expect a narrow, winding path with a heart-pounding 6-mile section of steep switchbacks. We're talking up to 18% grades and 11 hairpin turns! You'll be hugging a cliff face with just a tiny wall between you and a major drop to the valley floor. No guardrails here, folks! While most cars can handle it, it's a true white-knuckle gravel road. Some tourists have even refused to drive back down! Locals drive it with respect, knowing that too much brake can send you sliding. And pro tip: winter tires or chains are a must between October and April in this part of British Columbia.
hardHow to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Colorado's San Miguel County, perched at a breathtaking 11,423 feet, lies the ghost town of Tomboy. Once a bustling mining hub in the 1880s, home to a thousand souls, it now stands frozen in time since its mine closed in 1927 (though some tunnel work continued 'til '78!). Getting there? Let's just say it's an adventure. Starting near Telluride, Tomboy Road (K68 Road), is a 4.5-mile unpaved rollercoaster. Think narrow, rough gravel, and seriously steep drop-offs. Oh, and water crossings. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a true 4x4 experience that demands respect and skill. We're talking 14-15% grades on some corners! You'll need a rugged off-road vehicle with high clearance and beefy tires. The road's only open for a couple of months each year! As you climb (gaining 2,532 feet!), keep an eye out for remnants of the old town. The average gradient clocks in at 10.66%, so get ready for a climb. The views are epic, but the weather in the San Juans can change in a heartbeat. Storms roll in fast, and Tomboy is above the treeline, offering little shelter. Halfway up, you'll find the "Social Tunnel," a relic from the early 1900s where, legend has it, miners met ladies from Telluride (since those ladies weren't allowed any closer to the mining towns, so they say!). Allow about 45 minutes for the one-way trip to Tomboy. It's a steep climb offering great views — just remember to respect the road and the elements!