Lewis Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,837 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Lewis Peak Road in northern Utah is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously steep and rugged gravel track reaching a lofty 9,307 feet! You'll find it straddling the border between Morgan and Summit counties.
Word to the wise: Mother Nature can be a drama queen up here. Weather flips on a dime, and road closures are common. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this beast. But trust me, the miles of incredible views are worth the bumpy ride. Just be warned, things can get seriously muddy and slick after a rain shower.
Seriously, do your homework before you head out! This road is a toughie, and tackling it in the wet or dark is a recipe for disaster. And if you've got respiratory or heart issues, this one's best admired from afar. Oh, and don't be surprised by the communication towers at the top. They're just part of the scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,837 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeApache Trail is one of the most beautiful drives of Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
# Apache Trail: Arizona's Thrilling Desert Drive If you're looking for one of Arizona's most stunning scenic drives, Apache Trail is it. Located in the south-central part of the state and stretching 62 km (39 miles) from Apache Junction near Phoenix to Theodore Roosevelt Lake, this route winds through the heart of the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest—and it's absolutely worth the adventure. Built back in 1904 to support construction of the Roosevelt Dam, this historic road has come a long way. It's so legendary that even GM's test drivers used it to push their vehicles to the limit. Today, most of it remains unpaved (with a few asphalt sections), and you'll navigate it at a leisurely 15 mph pace, twisting through canyons and past stunning desert landscapes dotted with saguaro and ferocactus cacti. **Here's the real talk:** This isn't your typical leisurely cruise. The road is narrow and steep with some areas dropping over 1,000 feet—and yeah, there aren't exactly safety railings to catch you. The uphill drive is manageable, but heading back down? That's where things get intense. Keep your eyes on the road, not the jaw-dropping scenery (easier said than done). The drive takes most people 1.5 to 2 hours without stops, and definitely skip it if you're nervous behind the wheel or driving an RV—many rental companies actually prohibit it. **Fair warning:** Since 2019, landslides, fires, and floods have closed sections intermittently. Some stretches between Fish Point and Apache Lake Marina are completely off-limits, while others are foot traffic only. Spring is magical here when wildflowers bloom, though summer heat (and lake traffic) can be brutal. This road isn't for everyone—but if you love an exhilarating drive through breathtaking desert country, Apache Trail delivers.
extremeTrans-Labrador Highway: Driving the world’s most remote paved wilderness
🇨🇦 Canada
# The Trans-Labrador Highway: Canada's Ultimate Remote Road Trip Want to experience one of the world's most epic and isolated drives? The Trans-Labrador Highway delivers exactly that. This legendary route stretches 1,149 km (714 miles) across the rugged, untamed wilderness of Newfoundland and Labrador, connecting the Québec border near Labrador City all the way to the Atlantic coast at the Strait of Belle Isle. ## From Gravel Nightmare to Paved Reality For decades, this highway had a fearsome reputation—think dust clouds, cracked windshields, and shredded tires. But here's the good news: as of July 2022, the entire route is finally fully paved. That said, don't let the fresh asphalt fool you. This is still one of the loneliest roads on the planet, where you can drive for hours without spotting another vehicle or person. ## What Makes It Special (and Challenging) The paving has made driving smoother, but it's also changed the hazards. The real danger now? Moose collisions and the sheer remoteness of it all. You'll drive through pristine forests, past stunning glacial lakes, and into remote villages that were isolated from the outside world until just a few decades ago. It's genuine frontier territory. ## When to Go **Summer (mid-June to mid-September)** is your sweet spot. Around the summer solstice, you get incredibly long days—perfect for covering serious distances in daylight. The trade-off? June brings swarms of black flies and mosquitoes. Come early September, the days shrink fast and snow can appear anytime. Winter travel is possible but requires serious preparation. Between September and May, services are sparse, and severe storms can close sections for a week or more. If you venture out then, pack survival gear, extra food, blankets, and a shovel. ## What You Need to Know The asphalt is real, but those gravel shoulders aren't forgiving. Drifting off the pavement onto sharp stones can mean losing control or puncturing a tire instantly. Bring spare tires, extra food, blankets, and full winter survival gear if traveling outside summer. This isn't a casual cruise—it's an adventure that demands respect for the wilderness you're crossing.
extremeDriving the legendary Alaska Highway is a lifetime experience
🇨🇦 Canada
Ready for the ultimate road trip? The Great Alaska Highway is your ticket to connecting with the wild beauty of Alaska, straight from the lower 48. Built during World War II, it's still one of the main ways to reach the Last Frontier without flying or sailing. But don't be fooled, this isn't your average Sunday drive! This epic route, also called the Alaska-Canadian Highway or ALCAN, stretches for 1,523 miles (2,174 km) from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. Dust is your constant companion, thanks to ongoing construction and repaving that kicks up loose gravel. Expect potential delays and even windshield damage, especially in Canada, where road projects can last for ages. The ALCAN isn't just about getting from A to B; it's about the experience. You could power through in about four days, but why rush? Embrace the slow pace, enjoy the traffic jams (you'll probably be stuck behind a camper!), and soak in the solitude. This is your chance to escape civilization and reconnect with nature. Plus, the Yukon is brimming with hot springs – the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and relax. One thing you *won't* find much of? Cell service. Most of the drive is a dead zone, so plan accordingly. While gas stations are fairly frequent, don't risk skipping one! They might not be open 24/7. Most of the ALCAN is paved, or at least packed gravel with a tar layer, but expect construction delays. Sections can feel like a warped roller coaster, and winter conditions can be treacherous. The road has been improved over the years and most of the two-lane highway is surfaced with asphalt. In Canada, Alaska Highway is paved or packed gravel with a tar base. In Alaska, the road is entirely paved. Summer is the prime time for repairs, so be prepared for delays and detours. Also, remember rescue services can be far away. Come prepared with basic tools and the know-how for simple fixes like changing a tire. Packing a few days' worth of food is also a good idea, just in case weather throws a wrench in your plans.
extremeWhy is Ortega Highway so dangerous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Riverside and Orange Counties in sunny California? Buckle up for the Ortega Highway, also known as State Route 74, a wild two-lane ride that’s about 28 miles of twists, turns, and stunning views. This road is famous for a reason, and it’s not just the scenery. Let's be real: Ortega Highway has a reputation. Some stretches are even nicknamed "Dead Man's Curve" and "Ricochet Alley." It's a favorite spot for motorcyclists seeking an adrenaline rush, thanks to the hairpin turns and open stretches, but you have to be careful. Running from San Juan Capistrano near the coast to Lake Elsinore, you’ll wind through mountains, pine forests, and pastoral valleys. The road itself is mostly two lanes, paved, and was built in the 20s and 30s. Its name comes from Sgt. José Francisco Ortega, a Spanish explorer. Oh, and did I mention the rumors? Some say it's haunted, tucked away in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, weaving along an old Indian trail. Creepy stories abound, from ghostly figures to serial killer connections. But hey, maybe that just adds to the adventure!