Lion's Back in Utah: the consequences for mistakes here are severe
Usa, north-america
N/A
107 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Moab, Utah. Red rocks as far as the eye can see. And smack dab in the middle of it all, there *used* to be Lion's Back. This sandstone ridge was legendary. I'm talking heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, make-you-question-your-sanity legendary.
We're talking a climb of several hundred feet (around 350!), with slopes that ramped up to a crazy 65-degree gradient. Imagine inching your way up that, then having to pull off the world's most precarious multi-point turn at the summit before gingerly descending! It was an iconic off-road challenge.
Of course, this kind of terrain wasn't without its dangers. There were those precipitous drop-offs on either side, and the occasional "uh oh" moment, like that infamous video of a Blazer losing its brakes and tumbling down. Yikes!
But let's be real, it was the *views* that made it special. Just incredible.
Sadly, the fun came to an end. Lion's Back is now private property and closed to off-roaders. Environmental concerns and safety issues led to its closure, and now it’s just a memory. It still stands as a testament to Moab's wild spirit, though!
Where is it?
Lion's Back in Utah: the consequences for mistakes here are severe is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.3163, -97.9609
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 107 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.3163, -97.9609
Related Roads in north-america
extremeThe road to Urique is not recommended due to security concerns
🇲🇽 Mexico
Urique, nestled deep in the Copper Canyon (Chihuahua, Mexico), is a town that's worth the effort to reach! But let me tell you, getting there is an adventure in itself. The road? Oh, it's an experience! Think over 100 turns winding down into the canyon. We're talking a gravel track that plummets around 2,000 meters in just 14 kilometers of seriously tight switchbacks. Not one for nervous drivers, and definitely a no-go in the rainy season, or if the police advise against it due to safety. Locals say it's pretty rough. Check conditions before you commit! The full gravel stretch clocks in at 54 kilometers. The first 40ish are standard Mexican gravel road fare, but those final 14? Hold on tight! We're talking narrow, seriously exposed cliff edges, barely enough room for two cars to pass, zero guardrails, and hairpin turns that limit visibility. This road, built in 1975, is a true test of skill. Vertigo sufferers, beware! Landslide fears? Maybe skip this one. Concentrate, because the drop-offs are intense. But the biggest challenge is oncoming traffic —blind curves and minimal passing spots make it a real nail-biter. Basically, it's a road for the exceptionally brave (or those getting paid!). Still, the views are *epic.*
moderateQuartz Mountain Pass is a drive worth taking in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Oregon Route 140 through Quartz Mountain Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Lake County, this beauty tops out at 5,508 feet. The entire route is paved, so no need to worry about those pesky gravel roads. Just a smooth ride as you climb through the Fremont-Winema National Forest. This pass, named for a quartz ledge, is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow can cause temporary closures, so check conditions before you go. Clocking in at about 42 miles, the road connects Bly to Lakeview and it’s the highest point on Route 140. Expect stunning views and keep an eye out for wildlife. Get ready to cross this one off your bucket list.
hardRampart Range Road in Colorado is a hidden gem closed in winters
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out Rampart Range Road in Colorado. Nestled right on the edge of Douglas, Teller, and El Paso counties, inside Pike National Forest, this beauty winds along the forested crest of the Rampart Range. This isn't a paved paradise, folks. It's all unpaved goodness, but don't worry, you don't *need* a 4x4. Any car can handle it. BUT if you've got an off-roader or dirt bike, prepare for a playground! Seriously, the trails are calling your name. Keep your eyes peeled, though! Things can change quickly, there are natural hazards, and you'll definitely encounter other vehicles. It gets a little steep in spots, with grades hitting up to 11%. Officially known as Forest Service Road 300, this north-south route runs for about 38.4 miles (61.79 km) from Highway 67 (between Sedalia and Deckers) all the way up to Woodland Park. You'll climb to a cool 9,436 feet (2,876m) above sea level. Heads up: it's usually closed from December 1 to April 1 for the winter, so plan accordingly. Built way back in the 30s, there are NO services along the way, so pack your snacks and fill your tank. What you *will* find are incredible views of Pikes Peak, the plains, and the Front Range and Tarryall Mountains. Think quiet camping, awesome mountain biking, and even one of the last fire lookouts at Devils Head. This is a Colorado gem!
extremeSiskiyou Summit in Oregon is one of the more perilous sections of Interstate 5
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk about Siskiyou Summit, a seriously epic mountain pass hanging out in Jackson County, Oregon. We're talking 4,310 feet above sea level, so get ready for some views! Just a hop, skip, and a jump (well, about 4 miles) from the California border, you'll find this beauty nestled in the Siskiyou Mountains. You'll be cruising on Interstate 5 (aka the Pacific Highway), and this pass is the king of the hill when it comes to elevation on that route. This north-south stretch of road is right in the heart of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. You'll be rolling from Medford, Oregon, down to Yreka, California – a 51.1-mile journey. Now, heads up – things get a little spicy here. Depending on which way you're going, you'll either be gaining or losing a whopping 2,300 feet in just 6 miles thanks to some pretty steep 6% grades. That northbound section from Milepost 18? Yeah, that's a 6% downhill grade, dropping 2,000 feet in under 10 km. The descent can be especially tricky, particularly when fog rolls in and visibility drops to near zero. And get this – despite the challenges, around 13,000 trucks use this route *every single day*. Keep in mind: you're in the mountains! Altitude and crazy weather are always in play. Its location near the Pacific combined with its elevation and winding curves can bring heavy snowfall and freezing rain, sometimes forcing road closures during the winter. Snow is common from November to April, and the road can be shut down for days during severe weather, and sometimes even when the weather seems fine. During winter, expect snow and ice on the road. Definitely avoid driving at night or early morning during these months, and keep an ear on the radio for weather and road condition updates. It’s a road trip to remember (if you plan ahead)!