
Hells Canyon Road is A Majestic Drive Along the Snake River Between Idaho and Oregon
Usa, north-america
37.49 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic drive on Hells Canyon Road (NF-454), snaking between Idaho and Oregon right through Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in the USA! This isn't just about getting from A to B; it's about the views and the thrill of the drive itself.
You'll hug the eastern bank of the mighty Snake River, twisting and turning through the very soul of Hells Canyon. The whole road is paved, but be warned: it's a rollercoaster of switchbacks, seriously steep hills, and sections that practically hang off the canyon walls. One minute you're gazing down from crazy high viewpoints, the next you're almost at river level, so keep your eyes on the road!
This unforgettable stretch runs for about 23 miles (37.5 km), kicking off near the Oxbow Bridge close to Copperfield, Oregon, and culminating at the impressive Hells Canyon Dam. Heads up, though—unless you're in a Park Service vehicle, you'll have to turn around at the dam. Originally built to help construct the dam, this road is now a legendary route for anyone chasing incredible scenery.
Where is it?
Hells Canyon Road is A Majestic Drive Along the Snake River Between Idaho and Oregon is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.8022, -93.9835
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.49 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.8022, -93.9835
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Santa Fe Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Santa Fe Peak in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there in Summit County, clocking in at a whopping 13,149 feet. Trust me, getting there is an adventure in itself! You'll find it west of Denver, smack dab in central Colorado's eastern Summit County. The route, aka Santa Fe Peak Road (#264), kicks off from Montezuma and stretches for about 4.7 miles. Don't let the short distance fool you, though — you're climbing over 2,800 feet with an average gradient of 11.3%. Get ready for a workout for your rig! Speaking of rigs, you NEED a 4x4 with high clearance. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive! It’s a narrow, old mining road clinging to the mountainside, so expect switchbacks galore right from the get-go and some serious drop-offs. Most of the switchbacks are wide enough to pass, but the whole thing can get a little hairy. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You're in the White River National Forest, and the views from the top are insane: Gore, Tenmile, and Front Ranges stretching out as far as the eye can see. Just a heads up: winter hangs around this high, so your best bet is a mid-summer trip. Trust me, the views are a reward that's worth every bump and turn!
hardVia Beaver Basin
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in Utah? Head to Mount Waas, nestled in the Northern La Sal Mountains in Grand County. You've got two ways to get near the summit, both unpaved and requiring a 4WD high-clearance beast. First up is the east side route – an old mining road that's seen better days. It's narrow, eroded, and might make you clench the steering wheel a bit. This bad boy tops out near the summit at a cool 10,767 feet, making it one of the highest drives in Utah! Or, take the west side route: the oh-so-charming Miner's Basin Road. This 3-mile bumpy, rocky, loose-soil track also demands a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Pray you don't meet anyone coming the other way! You’ll find a pond, parking, and even an outhouse in Miner's Basin. This route takes you to 9,960 feet. Remember, these routes are best tackled in the summer. And keep an eye out for bears – they love this area as much as we do! Happy trails!
extremeThe scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California is worth the drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, the Angeles Crest Highway is a total stunner of a drive. This beauty, part of California State Route 2, is paved all the way and offers a lane in each direction. Clocking in at 64 miles, it carves through the San Gabriel Mountains, connecting La Cañada Flintridge to State Highway 138 near Wrightwood. Taking about 2 hours without stops, this is Southern California's alpine escape. Think breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and a dose of nature. You'll be cruising through the Angeles National Forest, surrounded by chaparral and montane forests along the San Gabriel's majestic ridges. Now, while those views are epic, keep your eyes on the road! It's a twisty, turny adventure with switchbacks climbing to around 7000 ft. The road's in great shape, but watch out for local critters like chipmunks and squirrels darting across. Reaching a peak of 7,923ft at Dawson Saddle, it's one of SoCal's highest drives. Heads up: the highway is usually closed in winter from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanches.
moderateWhere are Virginia Lakes?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: You're cruising through the Eastern Sierra in California, heading toward the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Suddenly, you veer off onto a magical road that winds its way up to the Virginia Lakes – a cluster of eight shimmering alpine jewels. The road itself is only 5.8 miles long, mostly paved with just a little gravel near the end, making it a pretty mellow ride. But don't let that fool you, it's a climb! Starting from Highway 395, you'll gain over 1,600 feet, making for an average grade of 5.3% with some steeper pitches along the way. But the payoff is huge – not only are the lakes stunningly clear and icy cold, but you're also way up high, over 9,800 feet above sea level! Because it is a bit off the beaten path, it has a quiet vibe, which helps keep the crowds away.