How long is the road to Elbow Lake in UT?
Usa, north-america
34.76 km
3,396 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Elbow Lake in Utah is calling, perched high in the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, specifically on the Aquarius Plateau (aka Boulder Mountain). This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Utah, topping out at a whopping 11,141 feet above sea level.
Getting there? Tricky! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for Forest Road 178. Forget pavement – this is a 21.6-mile (34.76 km) stretch of pure, unadulterated, rocky challenge. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure trail that's open roughly from mid-June to the end of October. The reward? Jaw-dropping scenery, killer hiking, and the chance to cast a line in some epic fishing spots.
But a word of warning: this area is known for some intense summer thunderstorms, so if you see one brewing, get yourself to cover, pronto! And even though it’s summer, always be prepared for winter weather, because at this elevation, Mother Nature plays by her own rules. Trust me, the views are worth it, but respect the mountain!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.76 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,396 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderatePeru Creek Trail is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a scenic mountain escape on the Peru Creek Trail in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of the highest roads in the state! Forest Service Road 260, aka Peru Creek Trail, is a 6.3-mile unpaved adventure. Starting from Montezuma Road at a cool 10,022 feet, it climbs to Horseshoe Basin at a breathtaking 12,335 feet. That's over 2,300 feet of elevation gain! You'll be heading towards Ruby Mountain and Mount Edwards, so keep your eyes peeled for some incredible views. The first 4.7 miles are manageable in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle. It's a pretty smooth ride with plenty of room to pass, so you might even spot some passenger cars. But, I'd recommend an SUV with good clearance for peace of mind. Beyond the Shoe Basin Mine, it transforms into an old 4x4 road – drivable, but closed to motorized vehicles. Nestled in the White River National Forest, Peru Creek Trail is usually open from March to November. Expect snow lingering in Horseshoe Basin well into July, while the lower sections open up earlier in the season. Parallel to the notorious Argentine Pass, this trail delivers an amazing SUV adventure. It's not too challenging and has awe-inspiring scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and connections to other cool routes. The mining history is rich, with tons of well-preserved structures. Plus, you can explore Warden Gulch, Chihuahua Gulch, and Cinnamon Gulch – bonus! The views are truly something special. You'll pass mining relics as you climb through a lush alpine basin with a unique chalk-white stream. Pro-tip: that stream gets its color from calcium and heavy metals, so don't drink it, and keep your pets away!
easyRoad trip guide: Conquering the Haines Highway
🇨🇦 Canada
Dude, you HAVE to check out the Haines Highway. Seriously, this drive from Alaska to the Yukon is mind-blowing, especially in the fall! It's also known as Haines Cut-Off or just Haines Road. The whole thing is paved, so no need to worry about gravel. Clocking in at 152 miles (245 km), it links Haines, Alaska, with Haines Junction in the Yukon, and it follows the old trails used by the Chilkat/Tinglit First Nations. Pretty cool, huh? The highway is open all year and usually clear of snow by May. It's a good, two-lane road. If you're thinking of driving between September 15th and June 1st, peep the weather forecast first. Built way back in 1943 by the U.S. Army, this road hugs the Chilkat River for over 20 miles north of Haines. It climbs to a max elevation of 3,320 feet (1.012m). The views? Epic! Think crazy mountains with glaciers. You’ll cruise past high peaks, glaciers, rivers, and lakes the whole way. You’ll go from coastal forests to alpine tundra, climb up to the summit, cruise through an alpine valley, and then gently descend to Haines Junction. Word of warning: there aren't any services along the way, so fuel up and stock up on supplies before you hit the road!
moderateTripoli Road in New Hampshire: A Scenic Drive Through White Mountain National Forest
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Tripoli Road (aka Forest Road 30) in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. This hidden gem, carved out back in '34, stretches for just over 11 glorious miles, connecting Woodstock to Waterville Valley. Get ready for some twists and turns! This winding road is mostly unpaved, adding to the adventure. There are a few spots where you'll feel like you're climbing straight up, with grades hitting almost 10%! But don't worry, the road's generally in good shape. Fall foliage is absolutely unreal here, but be warned – it gets CROWDED on weekends and holidays. You'll need to snag an entrance pass to get in, but trust me, it's worth it. You'll climb to almost 2,400 feet at Thornton Gap, soaking in those White Mountain views. Just a heads up: this road's closed during the snowy months (usually open from mid-May to October), so plan accordingly!
hardA paved road to Targhee Pass in the Henrys Lake Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising along the Targhee Pass Highway (that's U.S. Highway 20 to you map lovers!) is an experience, folks. Straddling the Idaho-Montana border at a cool 7,089 feet, this pass runs right along the Continental Divide. Named after a Bannack Indian chief, it's steeped in history and natural beauty. The whole 28-mile stretch, linking West Yellowstone, Montana, with Island Park, Idaho, is paved, so no need for a Jeep unless you want one! Most of the road is pretty mellow, but keep an eye out for a few ramps that hit an 8% grade to keep things interesting. Oh, and speaking of eyes, scan the roadside for small, white markers—somber reminders. Nestled in the Henrys Lake Mountains, within the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, the scenery is stunning. This pass is open year-round, even in winter, with regular plowing and sanding. Only a full-blown blizzard could shut this route down. Factor in about 30 minutes to drive it straight through, but let's be real, you'll want to stop! This area's a major wildlife corridor – elk, deer, moose, and even bears love to roam here. Plus, it's the quickest way to get to Yellowstone Park from southern Idaho. So, take your time, enjoy the views, and keep those cameras ready!