
How long is the Kolob Canyons Road?
Usa, north-america
8.69 km
1,903 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a quick but stunning detour through Utah's Zion National Park! We're talking about Kolob Canyons Road, a paved 5.4-mile ribbon of asphalt that climbs from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (off Old Highway 91) up to the Kolob Canyons Overlook. It's a short and sweet drive โ only about 11 minutes without stops โ but trust me, you'll want to budget at least 30 minutes to soak it all in. This little gem packs a punch, gaining a hefty 1,100 feet as it climbs, so expect a pretty consistent uphill grade. The views are absolutely worth it, though. Think vibrant red canyons, crazy cool rock formations, and photo ops galore. Keep an eye out for wildlife and definitely take advantage of the turnouts to stretch your legs and snag some pics. Heads up: being high in Zion, this road can close in winter due to snow and ice, so check conditions before you go. You'll top out at 6,243 feet, so breathe in that crisp mountain air and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.69 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,903 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHaystack Gate
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Haystack Gate in Pitkin County, Colorado, is calling your name! We're talking a serious altitude adjustment here, topping out at a whopping 9,721 feet above sea level. Nestled within the White River National Forest, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Forest Service Road 812 is a rugged gravel track that demands a 4x4 and a healthy dose of respect. Speaking of respect: keep a hawk eye on the weather! This area is notorious for avalanches, mega snow dumps, and landslides โ oh my! Icy patches are common, so proceed with caution. Expect some rocky and muddy sections to keep things interesting. But hey, all that adds to the thrill, right? Get ready for some killer views!
moderateWhere is Lily Lake?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, so you're heading to central Colorado, north of Leadville, right? Wanna find a hidden gem? Check out Lily Lake! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 10,606 feet in the San Isabel National Forest. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. Forest Road 131 is the name, and unpaved is the game! Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. From U.S. Route 24, it's only about 2.8 miles to the lake, but you'll climb almost 500 feet. The road is steep in sections, gaining some 149 meters in altitude at an average 3.31% gradient! Think rocky, bumpy, and totally worth it. FYI, this road is usually only open from July to October, depending on the snow. But picture this: crystal-clear water, towering peaks, and the kind of solitude you can only find off the beaten path. Trust me, the views are insane!
hardWhere is Sundance Mountain?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, so youโre heading to northern Idaho? Sundance Mountain is calling your name! This peak, nestled in Bonner County near the Washington border within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, tops out at 6,279 feet. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is about 7.9 miles long, and boy, does it climb! You're looking at an average gradient of nearly 9%, gaining over 3,700 feet in elevation. Translation? Steep! The road is unpaved and gnarly. We're talking fallen trees, overgrown brush, and enough rocks to make you question your life choices. High clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable unless you fancy walking. And forget about it in winter โ snow makes it impassable. Why go through all this trouble? The views, people, the views! Think sweeping panoramas of Priest Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. It's seriously Insta-worthy. Plus, thereโs a fire lookout tower built back in '35 waiting for you at the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too โ you might just spot a deer or even a moose along the way. Just remember, this mountain has a history. A massive wildfire swept through here in '67, so expect to see a landscape still recovering, with ghostly, fire-scorched trees dotting the slopes.
moderateBrown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views. Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip. The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you โ you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.