
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
moderateIs Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic off-road experience, you HAVE to check out the Lolo Motorway in central Idaho. Forest Road 500, as it's officially known, is a 93-mile, mostly unpaved, single-lane dirt track that winds its way through the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive! We're talking rough terrain, super narrow sections, and a whole lot of remoteness. Think stunning views meet serious self-sufficiency. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle (leave the RV and trailers at home!), and be prepared for zero cell service in spots. There are no services out there – no gas, no stores, nada. It's just you, your trusty vehicle, and the breathtaking scenery. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this road follows the path of the Nez Perce and other tribes, and even Lewis and Clark! Plan for at least 6-8 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to linger and soak it all in. The Lolo Motorway tops out at over 7,000 feet near Indian Postoffice in the Bitterroot Mountains, so keep an eye on the weather. This high-altitude route is usually snow-free from July to September, but conditions can change fast. Basically, if you're looking for a wild, unforgettable road trip through history and nature, the Lolo Motorway is calling your name!
Route 66 Historic Highway
🇺🇸 United States
# Route 66: America's Most Iconic Road Trip The legendary "Mother Road" once stretched an impressive 3,940 kilometers from Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, cutting right through eight states and three time zones. Sure, it got officially retired back in 1985 when the Interstate Highway System took over, but here's the cool part—huge chunks of the original route are still out there, weaving through state highways, county roads, and forgotten stretches waiting to be rediscovered. Cruising the surviving sections is like stepping into a time capsule of American pop culture and roadside nostalgia. You'll roll through dramatically different landscapes—endless flat farmlands rolling across Illinois and Oklahoma, then suddenly you're surrounded by those stunning red mesas in the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico, before finally hitting the wide-open Mojave Desert as you approach California. The real magic? The stops along the way. Picture yourself pulling up to vintage neon-signed motels, sliding into classic diners, and discovering those wonderfully weird roadside attractions that somehow still exist. Ghost towns dot the landscape like time forgot about them, and towns like Amarillo, Tucumcari, Gallup, and Kingman have basically become living museums of mid-century Americana. These places have held onto their Route 66 identity like it's gold, and honestly, experiencing that authentic Americana feels pretty special.
hardWhere is Hermit Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're near Westcliffe, Colorado, and itching for an adventure? Let me tell you about Hermit Pass! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a 14.4-mile unpaved climb up County Road 160 into the San Isabel National Forest, topping out at a staggering 13,077 feet! You'll need a solid 4x4 with good clearance, or at least a capable SUV with low-range gearing. Trust me, the higher you go, the rockier it gets. Expect plenty of switchbacks, some tight turns, and maybe even a stream crossing or two. It starts off mellow, but don't get lulled into a false sense of security - this road gets steep and winding fast. When you hit those spurs, remember to veer right and keep climbing! The views? Oh man, the views are absolutely worth it! Think panoramic vistas of epic mountain peaks and shimmering alpine lakes. Just be prepared for a good 2-hour drive without stops. Hermit Pass is super popular in the summer, especially up to Hermit Lake, so try to go during the week if you want to dodge the crowds. Oh, and a heads up: this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Even in summer, you might still spot some snow patches!
moderateWhere is Warren Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let’s talk Warren Lake! Nestled way up high in central Colorado, inside the White River National Forest, lies this gem at a whopping 10,885 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along Smuggler Mountain Road, also known as FSR #131, a mostly well-maintained dirt road. Don't get too comfy though, because it's about 6 miles long with some serious steep sections! Keep in mind that you might need a snowmobile instead of your car from November to June, depending on the year. Otherwise, if you're lucky enough to make it up there, get ready for some stunning views!