
Is the road to Picket Pin Mountain in Montana unpaved?
Usa, north-america
28.64 km
2,757 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Picket Pin Mountain in Montana! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on unpaved climb on U.S. Forest Service Road 140 (aka Picket Pin-Iron Mountain Road). You'll NEED a 4x4, trust me. This area is riddled with ATV trails and relics from old mining days, so keep your eyes peeled.
Nestled way up in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Picket Pin is a high-altitude experience, topping out at 9,046 feet! That means stunning views, but also a short window to enjoy them. The road's usually snowed in from October through June, weather depending, of course.
The fun starts at County Road 420 (Stillwater Road) near Nye, and from there it's about 17.8 miles to the top. Don't let the distance fool you β you'll be climbing 4,524 feet along the way, with some seriously steep sections. That's an average gradient of 4.81%, so get ready for some low-gear action!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.64 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,757 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving Through the Defiant Highway del Sol
π²π½ Mexico
Ready for an epic road trip? The Autopista del Sol, or Highway of the Sun (Mexico 95D), is a modern, four-lane toll road that whisks you from the bustling heart of Mexico City to the sun-kissed beaches of Acapulco. Opened in 1994, this fully paved road cuts through the wild Sierra Madre del Sur mountains with a mind-blowing series of tunnels and bridges. Back in the day, the Quetzalapa, El Papagayo, and El Zapote bridges were architectural marvels, some of the tallest in the country! Now, a heads-up: this road can be a bit wild. Watch out for speed demons, the odd tight curve, and potential mudslides during the rainy season β those mountain cuts can be unpredictable! Once you arrive in Acapulco, you'll cruise through the Maxi tunnel, the longest in the nation. One last thing: be aware that protests sometimes happen around Chilpancingo, causing delays. But, hey, even with the occasional hiccup, the Autopista del Sol is an unforgettable drive.
extremeHow long is the Shafer Trail?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: Shafer Trail Road, also known as Potash Road. Itβs a classic Utah drive, right on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. We're talking about 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved road connecting Island in the Sky Road with UT-279. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This trail was built by uranium miners back in the day. Think steep sections (up to 16%!), super tight curves, and a road so narrow in spots that only one car can squeeze through. You're gonna need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this one. Watch out for low rocks and sharp rocks, tire damage is a real possibility. Also, extra fuel is a must. Is it open? Well, that depends. When it's wet or icy, forget about it. This trail gets super slippery, and closures are frequent, especially in winter. Even if it's open, drive slow! But get this: the views are absolutely insane. We're talking about Indian petroglyphs, natural stone arches, and access to the White Rim Trail. Don't miss the Schafer Switchbacks β a killer climb with panoramic views. Oh, and did I mention this is where they filmed that famous scene from "Thelma & Louise"? Yep, you can stand right where they drove off that cliff (although, spoiler alert, it's *not* the Grand Canyon!). The view? A 2,000-foot drop overlooking the Colorado River, with the sculpted pinnacles and buttes of Canyonlands stretching out before you. Seriously unforgettable.
extremeTrout Mountain
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're itching for a serious off-road challenge in Colorado, Trout Mountain is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting 11,781 feet above sea level in Mineral County. This isn't your Sunday drive. The road to the top is a gravel track, strictly 4x4 territory. And seriously, check the weather before you go β this area can get hit hard with snow, avalanches, and landslides. You might find ice patches, too, so be prepared. Expect a rocky and muddy ride β it's all part of the fun (if you're into that sort of thing!). The payoff? Epic views and a serious sense of accomplishment!
moderateHow important is Highway Mexico 57D?
π²π½ Mexico
Okay, so you're heading from Mexico City to Queretaro? Buckle up for a wild ride on Mexico 57D, supposedly the *busiest* highway in the whole country. Think of it as the vein pumping goods and commerce from the US and northern Mexico straight into the heart of Mexico City. This isn't some sleepy backroad; it's a major artery! The area around it has exploded with factories, warehouses, and all sorts of development. The good news? It's paved, and we're talking 6-8 lanes in places. The not-so-good news? Don't get *too* comfy. This road throws a few curveballs. You'll be climbing up, up, up to a mountain pass near Calpulalpan, topping out at a lung-busting 2,690m (8,825ft)! And a word of caution: with all that traffic, things can get a little dicey. It's a 200km stretch between the cities and supposedly sees an average of three accidents *every* day! All that smooth road can tempt drivers to put the pedal to the metal, sometimes hitting crazy speeds of 220 km/h (140 mph). So, keep your eyes peeled, and maybe save the speed demon act for another day!