Is the road to Elk Summit in Idaho unpaved?
Usa, north-america
14.96 km
1,949 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Elk Summit in Idaho County, Idaho? Prepare for an off-the-grid adventure! This peak sits at a cool 6,394 feet above sea level in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, just northwest of Elk City.
Forget smooth pavement, the road to the summit (FS-471) is all dirt. And let's be real, it's not exactly kept in tip-top shape. You'll definitely want a vehicle with some ground clearance to handle the bumps.
Why make the trek? Well, besides bragging rights, the summit's been home to a lookout tower since way back in 1911. They even plopped a 100-foot tower up there in 1934, and it's still sometimes used!
The road itself is about 9.3 miles from Elk City, climbing a hefty 2,555 feet along the way. That’s an average grade of 5.2%, so expect a steady climb with some incredible views. Get ready for an unforgettable, rugged Idaho experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 14.96 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,949 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateTravel guide to the top of Mount Defiance in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Mount Defiance in Oregon! Perched way up in Mount Hood National Forest, this peak clocks in at a cool 4,967 feet. The route to the top? Think unpaved adventure! It's technically called NF-2821, but I call it a rollicking good time. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed-in from October to June, so plan accordingly. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. You'll find some buildings and antenna towers when you finally reach the top. Trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride. You'll be snapping pics like crazy – the 360º panorama from the summit is unreal! Gaze south at majestic Mt. Hood, east towards the Hood River Valley, west to Mt. St. Helens in Washington, and north to the Columbia River and Mt. Adams. Fun fact: the summit is the highest point in the whole Columbia River Gorge! Get ready for some serious views.
hardWhere is Hunter Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hunter Lake – a shimmering jewel nestled high in the Nevada mountains, sitting pretty at a sky-high elevation. This ain't your Sunday drive kind of spot. You'll find it just southwest of Reno, hanging out in the western part of Nevada, right in the heart of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Now, let’s talk about the road. Hunter Lake Road (#41392) is a proper dirt track – rocky, rugged, and totally unpaved. We’re talking steep climbs that'll test your nerve (and your vehicle!). Think narrow – full-size trucks can squeeze by, but an SUV with decent tires is your best bet here. The road stretches about 3 miles, climbing from its start. Expect a serious workout for your engine, with some ramps hitting a maximum gradient. But trust me, it's worth it! The views are absolutely insane. As you climb, Reno spreads out below, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. If you're into remote camping or fishing, this is your paradise. Get ready for a drive to remember.
moderateIs the road to Aquarius Plateau in UT paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in south-central Utah, craving a real off-the-grid experience. Head to the Aquarius Plateau! This high-altitude beauty tops out at nearly 9,900 feet. The road? Oh, it's an adventure – FR-154, a completely unpaved path that'll have your 4x4 working for its keep, especially on those steeper climbs. Leave the RV at home, though; anything over 30 feet might be pushing it. This epic dirt road stretches for about 37 miles between Loa (charming county seat) and Posey Lake. Budget around 1.5 to 2 hours for the drive, and keep your eyes peeled – you're in black bear country! Heads up: this route is only accessible from roughly May to September, as the weather dictates. But trust me, the views are worth the wait. The Aquarius Plateau isn't just high; it's the highest timbered plateau on the continent!
easyWhere is Yellowjacket Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Yellowjacket Pass, hanging out way up high in southwestern Colorado, smack-dab in the San Juan National Forest. We're talking 7,785 feet above sea level, people! The road itself? Totally paved – it's actually U.S. Route 160 – so no need to worry about your tires. You can usually hit this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter, because things can get dicey and they might shut it down for a bit. This beauty stretches for about 40 awesome miles, connecting Bayfield on the west to Pagosa Springs on the east. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, there's a little gravel side trip just west of the pass that takes you even higher, up to a relay station at 8,412 feet! Seriously, the views are killer.