Is the road to Shoshone Lake unpaved?

Is the road to Shoshone Lake unpaved?

Usa, north-america

Length

27.68 km

Elevation

2,901 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, listen up, adventurers! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in Wyoming's Fremont County, Shoshone Lake Road is calling your name! Starting near Lander, this 17.2-mile unpaved gem winds its way up to a breathtaking alpine lake sitting at 9,517 feet. Think postcard-worthy views of Red Butte and the surrounding landscape.

Now, don't get any ideas about bringing your Prius. This route is seriously rugged, with rocky sections and some pretty intense climbs. We're talking gradients up to 17%! A 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must.

Keep in mind, this high-elevation beauty in the Shoshone National Forest is only accessible during the warmer months. Expect it to be open roughly from late June to mid-October, as it's unplowed and snowed in during the winter. The road peaks at a lofty 10,538 feet, so be prepared for some seriously stunning vistas!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
27.68 km
Max Elevation
2,901 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Red Mountain Number 3?moderate

Where is Red Mountain Number 3?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Red Mountain Number 3 in Colorado's San Juan County is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 12,900 feet, and the views? Forget about it! You're looking at a jaw-dropping panorama of endless, jagged peaks stretching in every direction. You'll find the turnoff just east of the legendary Million Dollar Highway, nestled deep within the San Juan National Forest. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The 2.7-mile road to the top is a rugged, unpaved old mining route that demands a 4x4. Get ready for some serious climbing, with an average grade of almost 13% and some spots hitting over 20%! We're talking a 1,824-foot elevation gain in just a few miles. Keep in mind, this high-altitude haven is really only accessible during the summer months. Expect the snow to stick around until late June or even July. But trust me, once you conquer this climb and soak in those views, you'll know it was worth every bump and grind! There is also a small communication structure.

Hancock Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highwaymoderate

Hancock Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highway

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375)! This isn't your average desert cruise. We're talking a 159km (98.9 miles) stretch of pavement that slices through the heart of Nevada, from the ghost town of Crystal Springs all the way to Warm Springs. This baby winds through Lincoln County, hitting a peak of 1,711m (5,613ft) in the Pahranagat Range at Hancock Summit. The views? Epic. Vast desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. The drive? Mostly smooth sailing on pavement, though there are some steep climbs to keep things interesting. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. And, of course, this is the Extraterrestrial Highway, so don't be surprised if you spot something... unusual. UFO sightings are practically a local pastime around here. Get ready for a truly out-of-this-world adventure!

Williams Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers onlyhard

Williams Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Williams Pass in central Colorado is a hidden gem sitting way up high at 11,788 feet. Seriously, this place is only accessible for a few weeks each year, so timing is everything! You'll find it nestled near the old ghost town of Hancock, right on the edge of San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests, marking the boundary between Chaffee and Gunnison counties. Picture this: a totally unpaved, rugged jeep trail (NFST #298) winding through a gorgeous alpine meadow. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a narrow, rocky path, following an old 1880s toll road, with mud bogs adding to the challenge. Expect a bumpy, rocky ride that's tight in spots with trees and shrubs. The Williams Pass Jeep Trail is about 5 miles long, connecting the Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) to the Continental Divide on NFSR #295. It's a steep climb in places, reaching a maximum gradient of 8%. Definitely bring your high-clearance 4x4 for this one! And be warned, after it rains, this trail can get seriously muddy and unsafe. This pass was closed for a long time and only reopened in 1997, and even then, it's usually only open during August, if the weather cooperates. Bottom line? Check conditions before you go to avoid disappointment.

Tolantongo-Metztitlán Roadhard

Tolantongo-Metztitlán Road

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, thrill-seekers, ditch the pavement and prepare for an off-road adventure through the rugged, desert mountains of Mexico on the Tolantongo-Metztitlán road! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a narrow, dirt track that winds its way to the breathtaking Metztitlán canyon. This route plunges deep into remote areas, so come prepared – think extra water, a fully charged phone, and maybe a good luck charm. Leave your fancy sports car at home; this road demands a vehicle with some serious clearance and a driver with nerves of steel. Expect a dusty, bumpy ride that will test your skills, but the views? Totally worth it. Just make sure you're comfortable with off-road driving before tackling this one!