Is Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?
Usa, north-america
149.5 km
2,138 m
moderate
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 149.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,138 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the Red River Bridge on the Oklahoma and Texas border
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: You're cruising along the Oklahoma/Texas border, right? And you stumble upon this seriously cool, old-school wooden bridge – the Red River Bridge. It's not super long, only about 0.3 miles, but it's definitely a sight to see. Now, to get to it, you'll be on Hollis Road, a north-south stretch running from Hollis, Oklahoma down to Williams, Texas for about 18.5 miles. Just a heads up: this sweet old one-lane bridge has a weight limit of 3 tons so maybe not the best choice for a big rig. Definitely more of a scenic route than a speedy shortcut!
moderateWhere is Devil Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Devil Peak, or Signal Peak as some call it, is a real hidden gem nestled in southern Mariposa County, California, practically chilling in Yosemite's backyard. The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of situation. We're talking a super rocky path, but hey, at least it's wide! You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle to make it. From Tenmile Grade Road, it's about a * miles climb, gaining a serious * feet in elevation – that's an average grade of *%. And the views? Totally worth it! Plus, at the very top, you'll find the Signal Peak Lookout, one of the few fire lookout towers still in operation. It started way back in 1900, and the current version dates back to 1951. Pretty cool, right? Word of caution, though: Sierra National Forest access means this road is generally a no-go in the winter months. So plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is Convict Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a dose of California magic? Head to Convict Lake, a stunning alpine jewel tucked away in Mono County. This beauty sits pretty at 7,637 feet, surrounded by the rugged Sierra Nevada. The name? It’s got a Wild West backstory involving escaped convicts and a dramatic showdown back in 1871. Getting there is a breeze – Convict Lake Road is a smooth 2.3-mile shot off US-395. Expect a steady climb, gaining about 520 feet in elevation, with an average grade of around 4%. You'll hit a steeper bit of about 9% on some ramps, but nothing your trusty steed can't handle. Generally, you can cruise this road year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow can sometimes shut things down temporarily. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Convict Lake is a nature lover's paradise. Think crystal-clear water reflecting towering peaks, plus fantastic fishing and hiking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer! If you're feeling ambitious, a 3-mile loop hugs the lake, and another trail connects it to the John Muir Wilderness. You may even recognize it from a few movies!
extremeCameron Mountain Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Chaffee County, Colorado and craving a serious off-road thrill, you HAVE to check out Cameron Mountain Pass. We're talking a lung-busting 9,940 feet above sea level! County Road 175 is your ticket to the top, but fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a 4WD-only gravel track that gets rocky and muddy in spots. And listen, Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Don't even THINK about it if the weather looks sketchy. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and those icy patches? No joke. But if you're prepared and the conditions are right, the views are absolutely epic. Get ready for some serious mountain scenery!