How long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?
Usa, north-america
77 km
2,652 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, right on the edge of the Dark Canyon Wilderness, just south of Canyonlands National Park. You're on the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway, a 48-mile mix of dirt and gravel that’ll test your ride (and maybe your nerves a little!).
Starting about 25 miles west of Blanding, near the junction of Utah Highways 95 and 275, this route climbs through the iconic "Bears Ears," topping out at a cool 8,700 feet on Elk Ridge. The views? Epic! We're talking Canyonlands National Park, Dark Canyon Wilderness Area, Monument Valley, and Bears Ears National Monument all in one glorious panorama, ending at Utah Highway 211 (SR-211).
Keep in mind, this beauty is best tackled between June and October. High-clearance vehicles are your friend here, and AWD or 4WD might be a lifesaver. Rain or winter weather? This road becomes a no-go. There are also narrow sections where you might have to play nice and let another vehicle pass.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Henry and La Sal Mountains, plus all those canyons, are postcard-perfect. Just be prepared for a 4-hour (ish) drive, depending on the road’s mood. After a rainstorm, creek crossings can get intense, and mud can get slick, possibly leading to closures. And remember, there aren’t any facilities out there, so pack accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 77 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,652 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhen was the Klondike Highway built?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Klondike Highway is calling all adventurers! This epic route links the charming Alaskan town of Skagway with Dawson City, Yukon – the very heart of Klondike gold rush history. Think about retracing the steps of those 1898 gold prospectors, but on a smooth, paved road that opened in 1979. Clocking in at 708km (440 miles), this north-south adventure starts in Skagway, Alaska (following Alaska Route 98) and ends in Dawson City, Yukon (via Yukon Highway 2). You'll split your journey into the South Klondike Highway (Skagway to Whitehorse) and the North Klondike Highway (Whitehorse to Dawson City). It's *the* main artery connecting Southeast Alaska to Canada, so expect to share the road with some big rigs hauling goods. The Klondike Highway throws a few challenges your way – it's remote, the weather can be unpredictable, and those 11% gradients can be pretty steep in sections. You'll reach a peak elevation of 1.010m (3,313ft) near the Alaska/Canada border. And guess what? It's generally open year-round! Set aside 8.5 to 10 hours for the drive, and that's *without* stopping to soak it all in! Prepare for stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and even remnants of old mining operations. There are sections of the drive where you might feel like you're the last person on earth, surrounded by raw, untouched wilderness. It's an unforgettable experience.
moderateWhere is Juniper Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Sierra Nevada in northeastern California, headed to the hidden gem that is Juniper Lake. This beauty straddles Plumas and Lassen counties, nestled in the southeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The adventure starts just north of Chester (off Highway 36). The first six miles are smooth sailing on pavement. But then things get interesting! The next seven miles transform into a narrow, sometimes rough, and definitely dusty dirt road that hugs the northern shore of the lake. Don't worry, you usually won't need 4WD or high clearance in good weather, but be prepared for some tight squeezes — sections are barely wide enough for a single car. Just a heads-up: this isn't RV or trailer territory, and low-clearance vehicles might want to think twice. Keep in mind, because we are in the Sierra Nevada, this road is typically closed from November to May due to snow. But when it's open, the views of those beautiful mountains and lakes are totally worth it!
hardIs the road to Pacific Grade Summit paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Alpine County, California? You NEED to experience Pacific Grade Summit! This high-altitude pass, topping out at 8,080 feet, is part of the legendary Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway (aka Highway 4). Word to the wise: winter hits HARD up here. We're talking potential closures from early November until as late as Memorial Day (sometimes even July!), depending on snowfall. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you. This ain't a leisurely cruise for big rigs, buses, or RVs. After the turnoff for Bear Valley Ski area, things get seriously steep and narrow, with hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. We're talking grades up to 24% and blind corners that demand first gear. But trust me, the challenge is worth it! The scenery is mind-blowing. The road snakes through mountains, offering incredible views and shifting landscapes as you gain elevation. Just be prepared for more company on weekends and holidays – everyone wants a piece of this scenic pie!
hardMazuorka Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Mazuorka Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.870m (9,416ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest mountain roads of California. The road to the summit is gravel and rocky. It’s called Mazourka Canyon Road. It’s impassable in winters. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4WD mandatory due to steepness and loose dirt. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. At the summit there are several radio facilities. The road passes many mines and a large wooden loading hopper can be seen at the entrance to the canyon. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.