Is Antelope Creek Road unpaved?
Usa, north-america
20.11 km
1,339 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around central Arizona and want a taste of the wild west, Antelope Creek Road is calling your name. This isn't your average highway – we're talking a 12.5-mile dirt track (aka County Road 74) that'll take you on a ride from Mayer down to County Road 59. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, so no need for a monster truck!
This route was a lifeline back in the day for ranchers and miners, so you're basically traveling through history as you follow Antelope Creek towards the old ghost town of Cordes Station.
The road climbs up to about 4,394 feet, and the views of the Bradshaw Mountains? Seriously stunning. The best part? It's usually open year-round, so you can get your adventure fix whenever the mood strikes. Get ready for some dusty fun!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.11 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,339 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateConfederation Bridge is the world's largest bridge over icy waters
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising across the Confederation Bridge in Canada, an eight-mile-long ribbon of road that defies the icy waters below. Seriously, this bridge is a marvel! Connecting Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick, it's not just a way to get from A to B; it's an experience. This curved beauty is the world's longest bridge stretching over ice-covered water, making it a true Canadian icon. You're driving on the Trans-Canada Highway, suspended high enough for cruise ships to glide underneath, which is pretty awesome. Now, get this: those icy straits are frozen for nearly half the year! But don't worry; engineers designed special ice shields on the bridge piers to break up the ice. It's like watching nature's own demolition show! Just a heads-up, though: high winds can sometimes restrict certain vehicles from crossing, so keep an eye on the weather. Get ready for some amazing views and a serious dose of Canadian engineering brilliance!
hardGallinas Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road thrill in New Mexico, Gallinas Peak is calling your name. Nestled in Lincoln County, within the Cibola National Forest, this beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 8,645 feet. The road to the summit, Forest Road 99, is a wild ride – think gravel, rocks, and sections that will test your driving skills (and your vehicle's suspension). A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. Keep a close eye on the weather because things can turn south in a heartbeat. But here's the payoff: at the top, you'll find a historic lookout tower, built in 1933, offering killer panoramic views. Just make sure to tackle this road when it's dry; otherwise, you might be in for a world of trouble. Gallinas Peak isn't for the faint of heart, but the views are 100% worth the challenge.
hardWhere is Thurston Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Utah road trip, anyone? Let's talk about Thurston Peak, perched right on the border between Morgan and Davis counties. Now, there's a gravel road snaking its way up the north side of this beauty, climbing to a whopping 9,809 feet! Think serious altitude. Heads up, though: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved route – a chairlift access road, no less, for the fancy Wasatch Peaks Ranch Ski Resort. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Expect steep inclines and a seriously bumpy ride. And forget about it in the winter; it's totally impassable. This climb is a challenge, so private vehicles are not allowed. But if you get the chance, the views from up top have got to be insane!
moderateWhen was McCarthy Road built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the McCarthy Road is about to become your new obsession. Tucked away in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, deep in the Alaskan wilderness, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Originally a mining railway from way back in 1909, it got a gravel makeover in 1971 after the mining boom went bust. We're talking 59 miles of unpaved adventure cutting right through the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, tracing the old Copper River and Northwestern Railroad line. Don't expect a smooth ride, though conditions have improved over the years. Mother Nature still throws curveballs. Think potholes, the occasional rogue railroad tie or spike, and slick mud after a good rain. Keep an eye out for narrow bridges too. Most cars can handle it in summer with a spare tire (or two!) and a decent jack. The road's usually open from mid-May to mid-September. Keep your speed around 35mph and be mindful of other drivers, especially on the tighter sections. Budget about 2 to 2 ½ hours for the drive. This road's more than just a way to get from A to B, it’s a portal to stunning scenery, epic hiking, prime fishing, and the historic charm of McCarthy and Kennecott. Just remember: this area is REMOTE. Limited cell service, no gas in Chitina, and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. And get this: the Kuskulana River Bridge. At 238 feet above the gorge floor, this historic steel truss bridge is a nail-biter. Built in 1910 as a railway bridge, it's 775 ft long. Adrenaline junkies, this one's for you! So, if you're craving a real Alaskan adventure, the McCarthy Road is calling your name!