Is the road to Picket Pin Mountain in Montana unpaved?

Is the road to Picket Pin Mountain in Montana unpaved?

Usa, north-america

Length

28.64 km

Elevation

2,757 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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 – 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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
28.64 km
Max Elevation
2,757 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Whitemans Gaphard

Whitemans Gap

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're headed to Whitemans Gap, a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,626 feet in Alberta's Banff National Park. You'll find it marked as AB-742, also known as Three Sisters Parkway. Now, this isn't your average highway cruise. Expect a narrow, winding gravel road that climbs steeply. Think hairpin turns and some heart-stopping drop-offs – so keep your eyes on the road! The good news? You don't need a monster truck; a regular car can handle it. The route itself is gorgeous, hugging several mountain lakes (though fair warning, guardrails are optional!). Keep an eye out for the local residents; moose, coyotes, and even the occasional bear love to hang out here. Just be smart and avoid this road if the weather turns nasty. Trust me, if you're a driving enthusiast, the road to the nearby Smith-Dorrien Pass, accessible from here, is going to be your jam!

Bonanza Kinghard

Bonanza King

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Bonanza King in northern California's Trinity County is calling your name! We're talking a serious summit here at 6,955 feet, so buckle up for a climb. The road? Let's just say it's not for your grandma's sedan. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpy action. You'll DEFINITELY want a 4WD vehicle for this trek. The good news? You're headed to a fire lookout tower at the top (usually staffed during fire season). Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is off-limits from October 30th to May 1st. The trail can get steep, and Mother Nature can throw a wrench in your plans with sudden thunderstorms that turn the road into a 4x4-only zone (or even impassable!). The peak's name comes from all the gold mining in the area, which is still happening, by the way. Play it safe and peep that weather forecast before you go. And seriously, stay away from the lookout during a thunderstorm! But the views? Oh man, the VIEWS! From the top, you'll score epic panoramas of Mt. Shasta and Castle Crags to the east, the Trinity Alps to the west, and Trinity Lake shimmering to the south. Trust me, this is one you won't want to miss.

Cinnamon Pass is a 4x4 road in the San Juan Mountains of Coloradoextreme

Cinnamon Pass is a 4x4 road in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cinnamon Pass! Nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, straddling the Hinsdale and San Juan county line, this beauty tops out at a breathtaking 12,640 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, folks! This unpaved road, known as Cinnamon Pass Road, is a 19.5-mile stretch of pure, off-road joy, part of the legendary Alpine Loop. Picture this: you, your trusty 4WD, high-clearance vehicle, and some of the most stunning scenery Colorado has to offer. The road itself? It's moderately challenging, with steep, rocky sections that get extra dicey when wet. Watch out for those narrow shelf roads—passing other vehicles can be a bit of a squeeze! The western ascent is particularly rugged, while the eastern side is a bit more forgiving, but still requires that off-road capability. Open usually from late May to October (weather permitting, of course!), Cinnamon Pass is not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not a fan of drop-offs. But trust me, the views from the top, easily accessed thanks to a convenient parking lot, are SO worth it. Just be prepared for some company on this popular trail, especially during the summer months! This route, built way back in the late 1800s during the Colorado Gold Rush, promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the San Juan National Forest.

Gunsight Passmoderate

Gunsight Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Gunsight Pass! Tucked away in southeastern Oregon's Malheur County, this beauty sits at a cool 6,332 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along Mahogany Road to get there. Now, heads up: it's a gravel road. When it’s dry, you'll likely have a good time, but those unpaved sections can get seriously gnarly when wet. Seriously, if there’s a hint of rain in the air, maybe save this trip for another day. This route stretches for about 14.4 miles, so you will feel like you're really out there. With the elevation you will have some gorgeous views along the way!