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
hardTreasure Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? Forget the usual tourist traps and check out Treasure Mountain! This peak sits way up high in the San Juan Mountains, clocking in at a cool 11,089 feet. You'll be cruising up County Road 39 (aka Fall Creek Road) to get there. Heads up, this is a dirt road, but don't worry, it's usually in great shape until you're almost at the top. A 4x4 is your best bet for tackling it. Keep an eye out for other adventurers because the road gets pretty narrow and steep. Sometimes there's barely any room to pull over if someone's coming the other way, which can get a little wild. The road's usually snowed in from October or November, so plan accordingly! Expect some killer views, but be prepared for a potentially white-knuckle ride.
moderateEldorado Mountain, a private road to the summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Eldorado Mountain in Colorado – right on the edge of Boulder, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties. We're talking serious altitude here, a peak sitting pretty at 8,316 feet! Now, the road to the top isn't your typical paved paradise. It's a rugged, private dirt track that winds its way up to a summit dotted with antennas and a couple of buildings. Think of it as a climb with a technological twist! The adventure kicks off from Coal Creek Canyon Road, and from there, it's about 5.9 miles of upward journey. Get ready for a climb of 1,824 vertical feet, so your vehicle will be earning its keep. The average slope is around 5.85%, so nothing too crazy, but definitely engaging. And the reward for your efforts? Oh man, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, pack a camera because you're gonna want to capture this one!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Peerless Mountain in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Peerless Mountain! This beast sits right on the Park and Lake county line in Colorado, topping out at a staggering 13,195 feet. It's one of Colorado's highest roads, and trust me, you'll feel it! The road, known as County Road 18 (or 4 Mile Creek Road), is a completely unpaved, bumpy adventure. Think historic mining sites galore – seriously cool remnants of Colorado's past. Just be warned, there's often a massive snowdrift blocking the main road until late summer! Get ready for some serious steepness – we're talking gradients up to 16%! The climb starts near Fairplay and stretches for about 13 miles, gaining over 3,300 feet in elevation. It averages around a 5% grade, but those ramps are killer! The trail is narrow with limited passing spots, so heads up! Keep an eye on the sky, thunderstorms can roll in fast. While you're near the summit, check out the remains of those old mining operations! This is doable in many stock SUVs with 4x4 and decent clearance, but be prepared for rocky terrain that will test your vehicle. This trail is a total package deal: challenging rocks, jaw-dropping scenery, a dose of Colorado history, and awesome hiking and fishing opportunities. Get ready for an epic adventure!
extremeWhere is the Owl Hole Spring Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Owl Hole Spring Road in Death Valley National Park, California, is calling your name. Seriously, this is one of the most remote spots *ever*. We're talking deep in the southern part of the park, winding through pure, unadulterated desert. The road, also called Owl Springs Road, is all dirt and sand, and trust me, it changes constantly thanks to flash floods. So, keep an eye on the weather! A stock SUV or truck can probably handle it, but honestly, you'll want 4WD for peace of mind. And HUGE DISCLAIMER: steer clear of those military base perimeters. Seriously, not worth it. But is it worth the drive? HECK YES! The views are insane. Plus, this road is your only ticket into the wild and rugged Owlshead Mountains. It's about 30 miles (47.79 km) of climbing, and I mean *climbing*. You'll gain almost 4,000 feet in elevation, topping out near an old military radio tower at almost 4,000 feet (1,218m). That final stretch is a beast, super steep and sometimes washed out. But the bragging rights? Totally worth it. Go get dusty!