
Lulu Pass in Montana is worth the white-knuckle drive
Usa, north-america
8.36 km
3,009 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventure seekers! Wanna tackle one of Montana's highest roads? Head to Park County and take on Lulu Pass, topping out at a cool 9,872 feet! You'll find it north of Cooke City, nestled in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the southwestern part of the state.
Fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive. It's a 5.2-mile unpaved climb up an old mining road from Beartooth Highway (US-212). Think rough terrain and pretty steep inclines. You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one.
Keep in mind, Lulu Pass is typically snowed in from November to May. Even during the open season, the weather up here can be super unpredictable – think sudden chills and surprise storms. Be prepared!
Up top, you’ll find some cool historic ruins from the old New World Mining District. But the real reward? The mind-blowing views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and those gorgeous alpine meadows. Trust me, the bragging rights are totally worth it!
Where is it?
Lulu Pass in Montana is worth the white-knuckle drive is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.4483, -94.0822
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.36 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,009 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.4483, -94.0822
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow long is Highway 40 in BC?
🇨🇦 Canada
Highway 40 in British Columbia, Canada, is a wild ride stretching 105 km (65 miles) from Lillooet (nestled in a mountain paradise on the Fraser River) to Gold Bridge in the Bridge River Valley. You'll know you're on the right track as you head west on what locals call the Moha Road, Bridge River Road, or Lillooet-Pioneer Roads (aka Road 40). This isn't just a Sunday drive, though! Expect some narrow sections with 11%-13% grade switchbacks. The road is mostly paved but often dusty. High clearance is a definite plus, and keep an eye out for logging trucks and other industrial traffic sharing the road. Heads up: Cell service is basically nonexistent, and rocks (big and small) are frequent road hazards. Winter means no maintenance or snowplowing, and rockslides are common year-round, so stay alert for falling rocks and wildlife. Avalanche hazards pop up in the winter, too. Budget around 2.5 to 3 hours for the drive, without stops. The scenery is worth every second! You'll journey from the dry canyons near Lillooet, through the dramatic Bridge River Gorge, along the unreal turquoise waters of Carpenter Lake, and finally into the Coast Mountains near Gold Bridge. The colors and water levels of Carpenter Lake are constantly changing with the seasons. Waterfalls and wildlife sightings are common!
extremeWhere is Obstruction Point Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Clallam County, Washington, and you're feeling brave? Obstruction Point Road might just be your ticket to a little adrenaline rush! Locals whisper it's Washington's "scariest road," so buckle up, buttercup! This 7.6-mile dirt track claws its way west-to-east from a starting point to the Obstruction Point Trailhead, nestled deep within the Olympic Mountains. Now, let's be real – "road" might be a generous term. It's a well-maintained, unpaved path, totally doable in your average car, but it's skinny! We're talking a backcountry 1.5-lane situation with some seriously steep drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to squeeze by oncoming traffic. Leave the RVs, trailers, and motorhomes at home. Trust me. This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers. It's narrow with blind corners galore. Rain helps keep the dust down, but too much turns it into a slick, treacherous beast. Reaching a lofty 6,135 feet, Obstruction Point Road is Olympic National Park's highest drivable point. Typically, it's open from mid-July to October, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snow can shut it down anytime. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just allocate about an hour without stops. The scenery is mind-blowing. After cruising through trees, the road bursts open, hugging a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains that'll leave you breathless. Fair warning: weekends, especially sunny ones, are packed! Get there early or hit it on a weekday. The parking lot at the end fills up fast. But that view? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive. You'll be gazing out over the rugged interior of Olympic National Park. Pure magic!
easyWhere is Frying Pan Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Colorado, west of Denver, in the heart of Pitkin and Eagle counties. You're on Frying Pan Road, baby! This isn't just any road; it's a 42.3-mile (68.07km) adventure that starts in the adorable town of Basalt and winds its way east towards the intersection of Forest Road 105 and Forest Rd 527 by Ivanhoe Lake. The road is mainly paved (31.7 miles of smooth asphalt) as it dances alongside the Fryingpan River, leading you to the stunning Ruedi Reservoir. Trust me, that shoreline stretch is the highlight reel. But hold up, the last 11 miles turn to gravel, a well-maintained old railroad grade. You might even want to bring a 4x4 to make this trip easier! Expect a twisting, turning canyon drive with red rock walls and plenty of blind curves. It is a well-maintained two-lane road that serves as the main route to Ruedi Reservoir. Keep your eyes peeled for gravel on some of the 25-35 mph marked corners and a good change in elevation. The surface is fantastic through the entire route but deteriorates past the reservoir with less use. Oh, and did I mention you'll be way up high? We are talking about topping out at 10,708ft (3,264m) above sea level. Just a heads up, this road is a no-go in winter due to heavy snowfall and blowing snow. But, if you go in the summer, pack your camera and get ready for some epic views!
extremeWhat’s the Old Cascade Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky spot! Just east of Everett, Washington, in King County, lurks the Old Cascade Tunnel. We're talking major creep factor. This abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, hidden away in the Cascades, was built way back in 1900 to ditch some gnarly switchbacks. Clocking in at 2.6 miles long with a 1.7% grade, this tunnel, also known as the Stevens Pass Tunnel, is NOT your average scenic route. Forget exploring! This place is collapsing and seriously unstable. I'm talking major cave-in potential. A huge failure occurred in 2006, creating a debris dam and a creepy little lake inside. The lining is cracked, and another collapse could happen any minute. Seriously, DO NOT ENTER. They've built a safe viewpoint at the west end so you can peek, but that's it. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Legend says the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington avalanche, which tragically killed 96 people, still roam these tunnels. So, you know, extra spooky vibes.