Haystack Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,613 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you: Haystack Mountain in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains. We're talking a lung-busting 8,572 feet above sea level, so get ready for some seriously stunning views.
You'll find it inside the Salmon-Challis National Forest, and the only way up is via the infamous Moose Creek Road. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper 4WD gravel track.
Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is prone to avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides. Patches of ice are super common, making it extra dicey. Only tackle this one if you're prepared and the weather's playing nice! The views from Glacier Peak (an old mining road to the top) are totally worth the risk if you're up for the challenge.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,613 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Melendrez Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits in Arizona! Melendrez Pass, nestled in Pima County within the Coronado National Forest, is a must-do if you're craving some off-the-beaten-path exploration. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. You'll find the turnoff south of Sonoita, where things kick off from the smooth AZ-83 onto Forest Road 229. The road stretches for about , starting paved but turning to gravel for the final 5 miles. Trust me, it gets a little rough in the last 0.3 miles, so you'll want a high-clearance 4x4! The elevation gain is gentle, but there are several river crossings and some seriously rocky patches that demand your attention. Given its perch high in the Santa Rita Mountains, keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out. Rain or snow can turn this drive into a real challenge. But here's the reward: breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, chances to spot some cool local wildlife, and plenty of spots to pull over and soak it all in. It’s the perfect day trip for anyone wanting to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
hardForest Road 248
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Forest Road 248 in northern Utah's Cache County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 4.5km (2.8 mile) gravel track that gets seriously steep and bumpy in sections. You'll need a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Weather up here can flip on a dime, and closures are common, so keep an eye on the forecast. And after a rain? Forget about it—you'll be swimming in mud! FR 248 connects Forest Road 211 with Forest Road 177, winding its way up to a lofty 2,518m (8,261ft) above sea level near a radio tower. While the views are killer, tackling this road in the wet or dark is a recipe for a white-knuckle experience!
moderateThe Best RV Routes Through The Smoky Mountains (Must See!)
🇺🇸 Usa
The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, offer over 500,000 acres of some seriously rewarding RV adventures! But be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll need to be ready for steep climbs, unpredictable mountain weather, and that iconic blue mist – all thanks to some funky natural chemistry. Think of the Smokies as a logistical puzzle for RVers. From the buzzing gateway of Gatlinburg to those quiet backcountry roads, choosing your route is all about knowing your RV's limits. So, let's break down the must-do sectors for any high-altitude RV expedition. First up: Newfound Gap Road. This is the only fully paved road that cuts right through the heart of the National Park. It's a 31-mile climb, taking you 3,000 feet up from Gatlinburg. Get ready for a constant uphill trek through forests, and you'll even cross the Appalachian Trail at the top! It's the main way to get between Tennessee and North Carolina. Next, "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway. This massive 469-mile road tops out at 6,053 feet at Richland Balsam. RVers, you'll be rewarded with awesome views, but watch out for tunnels with low clearance and those long, steady climbs. This one's all about taking it slow and soaking in the Pisgah National Forest. Looking for a less crowded, but equally stunning option? The Cherohala Skyway is it! It climbs to nearly 6,000 feet over 36 miles, connecting North Carolina and Tennessee through the Tellico River Gorge. Expect steep rock walls and those winding curves that will put your RV's stability and cooling system to the test. If you're aiming for the highest point in the park, you'll need to tackle the 7-mile Clingmans Dome Road. It's paved, but super twisty, and ends at a high-altitude parking area at 6,643 feet. Heads up: this road is usually closed from December to March because of ice and snow. Finally, there's the Cades Cove Loop, an 11-mile, one-way loop. It's slow going, but the road is narrow, and you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially black bears, elk, and coyotes! It's *the* spot to see historic 19th-century log homes and churches in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. Whether you're here for the thrill of the climb or the Southern charm of Dollywood, an RV trip through the Smokies is the *ultimate* way to experience the Appalachian range. Respect those hills, keep an eye on the weather, and enjoy those dreamy, blue-tinted views.
hardWhere is South Baldy?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride to South Baldy in central New Mexico's Cibola National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a lung-busting 10,789 feet above sea level. The view from the top, where you'll find the Langmuir Laboratory and Magdalena Ridge Observatory, is totally worth it – seriously breathtaking. But getting there? That's another story. The summit road clocks in at almost 13 miles of rocky, single-lane, near-vertical, slope-hugging fun. It's STEEP in places, so don't expect to fly up those ramps. While a rugged sedan *might* make it with some careful driving, a four-wheel drive is your best bet, even in summer. Oh, and did I mention that this road is typically impassable in winter? Yeah, that's a no-go. But hey, if you're up for an adventure with a view, South Baldy is calling your name! Just remember to pack your nerve.