Lake Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,827 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Lake Mountain in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains! This peak soars to a staggering 9,274 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state.
You'll find it deep within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Forest Road 389 is your path to the top, but be warned: it's a rugged mix of gravel and rocks. Expect a bumpy, tippy ride that's definitely not for the faint of heart! Winter makes it impassable, so plan accordingly.
Experienced off-roaders will find this trail a blast. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must. It's steep, and wet weather turns the road into a muddy mess. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights... yeah, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're up for an adventure, the views from the top are absolutely worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,827 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Twin Peaks South?
🇺🇸 Usa
Twin Peaks South, nestled in the heart of Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest, is a real gem for adventure seekers. Perched on the border of Custer and Lemhi counties, this peak hits an elevation of 3,154m (10,347ft), making it one of Idaho's highest roads. The journey? It’s all unpaved, baby! Forest Road 090, as it's called, is a rough and ready track to the summit. Think super narrow with about 17 hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel. The drop-offs? Let's just say there's not much room for error! 4WD isn't essential, but you'll definitely want high clearance to tackle this one. From Forest Road 086, it's a 3.54km (2.2 miles) climb with a steep average gradient of nearly 12% and an elevation gain of 423 meters. Expect this road to be snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Plus, the area's prone to flash floods, so stay aware of the weather! But trust me, the views from the top are more than worth it. You get this insane panorama of the whole region. Plus, the summit is home to the Twin Peaks Fire Lookout, the highest active fire lookout in the Pacific Northwest! The original was built way back in 1913, but the current structure dates to 1964. It's an iconic spot!
easyA remote paved road to Gore Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Gore Pass in Colorado! Just a quick hop 20 minutes west of Kremmling, this beauty sits at a cool 9,543 feet. Fun fact: It's named after some Irish dude, Sir St. George Gore. You'll be cruising on State Highway 134, which, by the way, is totally paved and smooth as butter. Just keep an eye out for other drivers. This hidden gem stretches for almost 27 miles, connecting Highway 131 near Toponas to US-40. The west side is a pretty chill climb, mostly 3-5.5% with a tiny burst of 7% right at the top. The east side is a bit steeper at 5.4%, and the max grade is around 9.2%, so not too crazy. Nestled in Routt National Forest, prepare for peace and quiet! Seriously, you might not see another soul for miles. Pack snacks and water because it is remote. Gore Pass is a great alternative to the busy Rabbit Ears Pass, but remember that being off the beaten path means you're on your own if anything goes wrong. Think epic views and solitude, but also be prepared for anything. This stretch of road winds through some truly breathtaking high country!
extremeMunkres Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip idea for you: Munkres Pass in Wyoming's Johnson County. We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at a whopping 9,452 feet! It's all gravel, but generally well-maintained, so no need for a monster truck. That being said, Mother Nature can be a real wild card up here. Keep a close eye on the weather, because avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all real possibilities, especially with those sneaky ice patches. But hey, if you're lucky enough to catch it on a good day? The views are totally worth the white knuckles! Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.
hardWhere is Black Mesa in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! There's this insane road in southwestern Colorado, up in Dolores County, that you absolutely HAVE to check out. We're talking Black Mesa, sitting pretty at a whopping 11,243 feet! Just a heads up, though – it's not the same Black Mesa you might've heard about in Oklahoma. This road is a total beast thanks to its steep climb. Think dramatic, mesa-style scenery with those rugged, worn-away rock layers that make for some epic photos. Heads up: leave your low-riders at home, because we're talking unpaved the whole way. Forest Service Road 452 (FR 452) is the name of the game here. It's only about 2 miles from Road 52 to the top, but it’ll feel like way longer. Important note: this beauty is seasonal. Usually, you can only access it from late spring to late fall. Winter? Forget about it. Deep snow makes it a no-go from around late October to early May.