London Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,695 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Check out London Mountain! This beast tops out at 12,122 feet in the Mosquito Range, making it one of the highest drives in the state.
County Road 696 will get you there, but be warned: it's a rocky, bumpy, gravel road that'll test your driving skills. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here—you'll need high clearance and tough tires. This old mining road is generally closed from October to June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. When it's open, you'll pass some cool historic mining relics.
The trail is steep, and the weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler craving breathtaking views and a challenging drive, London Mountain is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,695 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving to the Lookout at Mount Buchanan in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia, about an hour and a half from Nelson, you'll find the legendary Mount Buchanan. At a whopping 1,910 meters (6,266 feet), this peak isn't just high – it's got history! Back in the day, Buchanan Lookout was a crucial fire watch spot. You can still check out the lookout tower, climb the stairs, and stroll the catwalk for killer views, but the tower itself is closed. Getting there? Buckle up, because the 10.9 km (6.77 miles) road is a wild ride! It's completely unpaved, seriously rough, super narrow, and brutally steep, gaining 1,167m with an average gradient of 10.7%. Think switchbacks galore, and be prepared to share the road – pull-outs are scarce. High-clearance 2WD vehicles are your best bet. And pro tip: give those brakes a break on the way down! Trust me, though, the views are worth the white knuckles. From the summit, you'll be treated to mind-blowing vistas of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park, and the majestic Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.
hardBlue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because the Blue Ridge Parkway is calling your name! This beauty stretches a whopping 469 miles through the stunning landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina, from Shenandoah National Park all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains. Think endless views of classic American scenery – this is one drive you won't forget. This paved road is generally open year-round, although winter weather can sometimes throw a wrench in the plans with temporary closures due to snow and ice. Heads up, though, this isn't a flatland cruise! The Parkway climbs to a lung-busting 6,053 feet at Richland Balsam, so expect some steep sections and hairpin curves. Speaking of which, this route is more suited for cars and motorcycles, so leave the big rigs at home. While it’s not overly challenging, those twisty roads demand your attention, especially if you're on two wheels. Trust me, the views are worth it! "America's Favorite Drive" is packed with overlooks where you can pull over, catch your breath, and soak in those incredible Appalachian vistas. You *could* technically drive the whole thing in 10-12 hours, but why rush? Seriously, plan for at least 2-3 days to really experience it all. And the scenery is out of this world. Every year, over a million visitors flock to this road, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. And those waterfalls, folks! There are 12 waterfalls accessible off of the road. Plus, keep an eye out for the New River (ironically, North America’s oldest), which flows alongside a section of the Parkway. The land around the parkway is teeming with wildlife. Deer, elk, wild turkeys, beavers, and even the occasional black bear (eek!) call this area home. Plant lovers, get excited: over 1,400 species of plants flourish here. Trust me, you need to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway at least once. Especially in the fall, when the foliage explodes into a fiery spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's pure magic!
extremeSlide Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Slide Mountain in Nevada is seriously epic! We're talking about a summit sitting at a whopping 9,606 feet! As the name suggests, expect some rocky terrain – it's known for its, well, rock slides. You'll find this adventure in the Carson Range, and the road to the top is all gravel and rocks – think ski-station service road meets chairlift access trail. Be warned, it's STEEP, with grades hitting up to 30% in places. Loose stones underfoot make for a challenging climb, especially higher up. Timing is everything! Your window of opportunity is super narrow – aim for late August. The summit is a hub for communication towers (TV, radio, emergency services, you name it!). And hold on to your hat – the wind is relentless up there. Even in summer, you might get snow! Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. But the views! Oh man, the views! Lake Tahoe shimmering to the west, the Virginia Range sprawling to the east, Mount Rose and the Carson Range to the north, and the Sierras stretching south... it's a vista that'll blow your mind.
easyIs Nicola Highway paved?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Nicola Highway – Highway 8 in disguise – a total hidden gem in British Columbia's Southern Interior! Picture this: you're cruising alongside the Nicola River for about 65 km (or 40-ish miles), starting near Merritt (where you hop off Highway 97C) and ending up in Spences Bridge, where you can pick up Highway 1. This valley stunner, built way back in '53, has been spruced up recently, but still keeps that off-the-beaten-path vibe. The road is fully paved and stays open year-round. Since you're up in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, winter tires are your friend when the snow flies. And the best part? You'll practically have the whole road to yourself. Maybe you'll spot a few fellow road-trippers or some motorcyclists chasing thrills, but traffic is seriously light. Get ready for some incredible scenery.