Is South Draw Road in Capitol Reef NP challenging?
Usa, north-america
13.03 km
2,111 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for South Draw Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's an 8.1-mile rollercoaster through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah. Think unpaved, think rocky, think serious 4x4 required!
This route is all about navigating the South Draw creek bed itself, splitting into multiple paths as you go. Expect a super bumpy ride and several creek crossings to keep things interesting.
Set aside around 2.5 hours to conquer this beast (without stops!). The highest point hits 6,925 feet, so maybe skip this one in winter or spring unless you're a fan of deep snow. Trust me, even 4x4s can get totally stuck when the weather turns nasty. But hey, if you're after incredible scenery and a real off-road challenge, South Draw Road is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 13.03 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,111 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is North La Veta Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because North La Veta Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Perched way up high at 9,413 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this beauty straddles Costilla and Huerfano counties in south-central Colorado. Forget white-knuckle gravel roads, this pass, also known as New La Veta Pass, is smooth sailing on good ol' U.S. Highway 160. Think of it as the chill alternative to the older, more challenging pass to the south. This is THE way to cruise through this part of the mountain range now. While the road is well-maintained and lacks crazy hairpin turns, remember you're carving through serious mountain territory! The views are stunning, but if you're not a fan of heights, maybe tackle this 48-mile stretch from Fort Garland to Walsenburg during the day. Those steep drop-offs can be a little intense!
moderateThe wild road to Arenal Volcano National Park
🌍 Costa Rica
Okay, picture this: you're in Costa Rica, Alajuela Province to be exact, heading towards the legendary Arenal Volcano National Park Visitor Center. The road? Pure magic. Starting from Ruta Nacional Secundaria 142, you're in for a smooth, paved ride. Forget bumpy dirt tracks! This is a breezy 3.4 km (just over 2 miles) that climbs up to 634m (around 2,080ft). And trust me, the views are worth every meter. As you wind your way up, keep your eyes peeled – you're smack-dab in Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal. That means insane vistas of the Arenal Volcano itself. Seriously, this thing is iconic. Towering 1633 meters above sea level, this perfectly cone-shaped stratovolcano dominates the landscape. Get your camera ready, because you'll be snapping pics the whole way!
hardWhere is County Highway 730?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you find yourself in north-central Colorado, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, then County Highway 730 needs to be on your radar. Nestled within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Clocking in at around 8 miles, this unpaved beauty isn't for the faint of heart – you're gonna need a 4x4! We're talking a serious climb, topping out at a breathtaking 11,965 feet above sea level. Expect some steep sections, hitting gradients of up to 13.6%, and get ready to navigate over a dozen hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in until late June, and you might even find some lingering drifts into July. But if you time it right – usually between late summer and mid-fall – you'll be rewarded with some seriously epic mountain scenery. Just picture yourself cruising along, surrounded by stunning views. Trust me, the views are totally worth it!
hardKingston Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Kingston Summit in Nevada's Lander County is calling your name. We're talking about a wild ride up to 8,684 feet! Situated in the heart of the Toiyabe Range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. NF-012, or Kingston Canyon Road, is a gravelly, rocky, and at times downright bumpy path that demands respect. Think 4x4 or bust. Winter? Forget about it! This road is usually snowed in. Aim for late June to late September for your best shot. Be warned: it's steep! Not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not a fan of heights. Muddy conditions after rain can make things extra challenging. But, oh, the solitude and stark desert beauty you'll find are worth it! It's a trail for experienced off-roaders who crave a little peace and a whole lot of amazing scenery.