
How long is U-153?
Usa, north-america
65.17 km
3,122 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for a seriously scenic drive on Utah's State Route 153, connecting Beaver and Piute counties! Nestled way up high in the Fishlake National Forest, this 40.5-mile gem of a road peaks at a cool 10,242 feet above sea level.
The first 21 miles, known as Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway, are paved and smooth sailing, perfect for all vehicles as you climb east from Beaver towards the Tushar Mountain Range, topping out around 9,200 feet near Puffer's Lake. You'll find awesome camping, hiking, and some of the best hunting in Utah along the way.
Keep in mind, though, from November to March, snow tires or chains are a must due to the heavy snow. And after the Puffer's Lake turn-off, the adventure really begins! The next 15 miles wind across the Tushar Mountains to Junction. This stretch is unpaved and only open in dry weather β so check conditions in Beaver before you go. It's not recommended for trailers and can get impassable when wet. Finally, the last 5 miles into Junction are paved again.
Allow around 1.2 to 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stops. This byway is a relatively undiscovered gem, without tons of traffic.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 65.17 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,122 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Thunder Mountain in San Bernardino County
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Thunder Mountain, a sweet peak sitting at 8,572 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about a 1.3-mile, completely unpaved dirt track called Thunder Mountain Road that climbs to the top of some chairlifts. Think wide road... with a generous helping of rocks. Basically, it doubles as a ski run when the snow flies! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, no question. Hidden away in the Angeles National Forest, near the edge of Los Angeles County, be warned: this road is typically snowed in from late October until nearly July β Mother Nature decides when it's passable. But oh, the views! You'll be treated to stunning vistas of Mt. Baldy to the north and the Lytle Creek area to the east. Just remember, this climb is STEEP, with gradients hitting a whopping 22% in places! Starting from Mount Baldy Road, you'll gain 750 feet in just over a mile, averaging an 11% grade. Get ready for a workout β for both you and your rig!
easyWhere is Ghost Road Scenic Drive?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for a spooky adventure on Bragg Road (aka Ghost Road Scenic Drive) in Hardin County, Texas! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a dive into local legend, deep in the Big Thicket, about 75 miles northeast of Pasadena. Forget the GPS for a second and listen up: this stretch of road is supposedly THE most haunted in Texas. The whispers center around the "Light of Saratoga," a ghostly glow that pops up randomly at night. Some say it's the lantern of a railroad worker who lost his head in a wreck and is still searching for it! Spooky, right? This super-straight road used to be part of the Santa Fe railroad line, built way back in 1901. The trains stopped running in 1934, but the old track became a road. Now, heads up: it's unpaved β think dry and dusty, but potentially muddy after a good rain. It's a long, isolated 7.8-mile (12.55km) stretch running from Farm-to-Market Road 1293 (near the ghost town of Bragg) to Farm-to-Market Road 787, near Saratoga. Keep an eye out for other vehicles, especially at night!
moderateKaiser Pass is a classic road trip in Sierra National Forest
πΊπΈ Usa
Kaiser Pass is a super high mountain pass nestled in Fresno County, California, clocking in at a whopping 9,196 feet! It's definitely one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State. The road itself, aptly named Kaiser Pass Road, is a fully paved adventure that winds for about 22.4 miles from CA-168 (near Huntington Lake) all the way to Florence Lake. Now, a word of caution: if you're not a fan of narrow mountain roads where backing up for oncoming traffic is the norm, this might not be your cup of tea. It's a winding, sometimes one-lane (ish) road, so take it slow and easy. There are pull-over spots, but be prepared to do a little maneuvering. Big rigs and trailers? Probably best to skip this one. The road gets steep, with grades hitting 12% in some spots. For a good chunk of the drive, it feels like you're on a goat path: narrow, steep, twisty, exposed, and riddled with potholes. The first five miles are smooth sailing on a two-lane highway, but the last 12 miles get pretty narrow and curvy. You'll be cruising at around 20 MPH, tops. There are only 3 areas that are cliffy. Perched high in the Sierras, the road is usually closed during the winter months, typically open from late May to mid-November. If you're heading up during shoulder seasons, be prepared for anything β winter driving conditions might call for chains or cables, and the weather can change on a dime. Located in the Sierra National Forest, the views are incredible. Set aside about 1.5 hours to drive it without stopping. Also, keep in mind this is bear country, so store your food properly and definitely don't feed the wildlife. And don't forget your mosquito repellent!
extreme1. Winter Operational Readiness: Managing Sub-Zero Roads
π¨π¦ Canada
Alright, road trippers, buckle up for a wild ride on the Duffey Lake Road in British Columbia! This bad boy stretches for about 214 km (133 miles) and climbs to a max elevation of around 1,275 meters (4,183 feet). Heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect narrow lanes, steep drops, and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Weather can be a real mood-killer here, so check conditions before you goβsnow and ice can make it seriously treacherous. But hold on, it's not all white-knuckle driving! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Think turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and lush forests. Keep your camera ready because you'll want to capture every moment. It's a journey that's as challenging as it is rewarding. Just remember to take it slow, stay focused, and enjoy the epic views!