How long is the road to Top of the World in Moab?
Usa, north-america
15.28 km
2,149 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Moab, Utah, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about "Top of the World." Dude, trust me, you HAVE to check it out.
This viewpoint sits way up high at 7,050 feet, giving you a killer panorama from a 3,000-foot cliff. It's not just a view; it's THE view.
But fair warning, getting there is half the fun – and half the challenge! We're talking a 9.5-mile unpaved trail starting off UT-128. It's a wild ride with broken layered rock, ledges, and a mix of loose rock, bedrock, sand, and a little slickrock thrown in.
Those last few miles? Seriously hardcore. You're gonna want 35" tires, a 3" lift minimum, and lockers. It's bumpy with some real obstacles, and a lead foot could lead to a broken axle, so take it easy. This ain't a trip for stock SUVs anymore. Bring tools and gear – help is a long walk away!
Oh, and the wind can be insane up there, rushing up from the valley. The trail is steep too, hitting 15% grades in spots. Rainy day? Unless you're a pro with a winch, save it for another time. Snow in winter? Extra tricky!
Give yourself 2.5 to 3.5 hours to enjoy the drive – and tons of time for photos. Trust me, you'll want them. At the top, the lookout has insane views of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains.
Just a heads-up: no handrails at the cliff edge. Keep your distance and skip this one if you've got little kids in tow. But if you're up for an epic Moab experience with a 360° view that's totally worth the tough drive, Top of the World is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 15.28 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,149 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardAlamo Road in Nevada: if you get stuck during summer, you die
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Alamo Road, a wild, 70-mile dirt track in the heart of Nevada's Desert National Wildlife Refuge. We're talking serious off-the-beaten-path stuff, north of Las Vegas and hugging the Sheep Range all the way up to Alamo. This isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan. We're talking high-clearance recommended – though some say a 2WD can manage with a little common sense. Expect sand, potential water crossings, and maybe even some mud, especially during the wet season when one section gets seriously gnarly. Flash floods are a real risk, so definitely skip this one if the weather looks iffy. The whole trek, from Corn Creek Field Station to Alamo, should take around two hours, give or take. You'll climb to Sheep Pass, topping out at 5,039 feet. Close to Corn Creek, it's occasionally graded, but further north watch out for rocky patches and washouts – those axle-breakers can appear out of nowhere. Stick to 25 mph, trust me. But here's the deal: you're heading into remote, untamed territory. Zero services, zero fuel, almost zero cell service past the south end. Seriously, you could be stranded for days with no one passing by. So pack like you mean it: water, food, spare tire, shovel, tools, tow rope, the works. Think survival mode. This old pioneer route from the 20th century is gorgeous, but it's no joke. Word is the Dry Lake portion is often impassable, but there are still worthwhile stops along the way. Heed the warnings, prep smart, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
easyCanada’s Open Roads: The Ultimate Guide to Thrilling Road Trips
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Highway 375 in Nevada, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway. It stretches for about 157 km (98 miles) through seriously otherworldly desert landscapes. The elevation isn't crazy, peaking around 1,524 m (5,000 feet), but the real hazard is… well, the monotony! Seriously, bring a good playlist. But trust me, the lack of traffic and wide-open views of the Nevada desert make it feel like you're on another planet. Keep an eye out for alleged UFO sightings – you never know! The scenery is stark but beautiful, like something out of a sci-fi movie.
moderateHow to Survive and Journey through the Nanisivik Highway
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! I just got back from a wild ride on the Nanisivik Highway, way up in the Canadian territory of Nunavut! Seriously, this place is as far north as you can get – we're talking almost 700km north of the Arctic Circle! Picture this: you're cruising (and I use that term loosely, given the bumps!) across the northern reaches of the Borden Peninsula, smack-dab on Baffin Island. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This 36km stretch of pure, unadulterated unpaved road connects the Inuit hamlet of Arctic Bay with the ghost town of Nanisivik and its airport. And get this: it's the longest highway in Nunavut and the ONLY one on Baffin Island! The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The road climbs to a staggering 527m above sea level, giving you panoramic vistas you won't find anywhere else. Keep in mind this road is only open in the summer months. Expect some gusty winds and the occasional visibility challenge – it’s all part of the experience! All said and done, allow about 40-60 minutes to drive the road in full. Trust me, this off-the-beaten-path gem is one for the bucket list.
extremeWhy is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Cumbres de Maltrata is part of the México 150D, the main highway linking Mexico City to the Gulf. It’s said to be the most dangerous highway in Mexico (with 4 accidents per day), according to CAPUFE. Why is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous? This section of the highway is extremely dangerous due to its pronounced curves, steep grades, and high traffic volume. It has many braking ramps that are often used by trucks, three tunnels, and some bridges. How Lethal is Cumbres de Maltrata? Bad weather conditions with frequent fog, rain, and sometimes snow in winter, reckless driving or speeding, constant brake failures mostly from heavy trucks, and people who simply don't know how to take a curve or do engine braking, make this road Mexico's deadliest highway. The worst accident was in 2006 when a bus fell into the canyon, killing 57 people. The accident was mainly caused by speeding and the lack of road surface signals. It’s believed the bus driver mistook the braking ramp for the continuation of the road. At that moment, the ramp was under repair and lacked surface warning signals. The bus took the braking ramp without any gravel to stop and fell directly into the canyon. Is the Road through Cumbres de Maltrata Worth the Drive? The highway offers incredible views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and Pico de Orizaba mountains. The highest pass of this highway is at 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level, and it descends near Orizaba to 1,300m (4,265ft) asl. Road suggested by: Eblem Torres Travelling the busy Road Mexico 45 Ruta Tepehuana is a windy and narrow road with incredible views 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.