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
hardWhere is Big Pine Death Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a wild ride on the Big Pine Death Valley Road, deep in the heart of Death Valley National Park, California! This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's an adventure! Located in Inyo County, the road stretches for about 70 miles, connecting to Highway 168 near Zurich. It's a combo of Eureka Valley Road, Loretta Mine Road, and Waucoba Road, taking you through some seriously stunning desert landscapes. Heads up: this road can get snowy in winter, so pack those chains. And anytime of year, flash floods can cause washouts, so be prepared. Most of the road is unpaved, so expect a bumpy ride. The last stretch heading to Highway 168 is smooth pavement, but the rest is maintained gravel—think dust, washboard, and some rough patches thrown in for good measure. High-clearance vehicles are definitely recommended, especially after those infamous desert floods. This is one of Death Valley's more challenging backcountry routes. You'll climb to a whopping 7,657 feet above sea level. Remember, you're out in the boonies here, so come prepared! No services, possible large washouts in Eureka Valley and no camping is allowed. It's a desert out there, so make sure your car is ready. The scenery? Absolutely mind-blowing.
moderateWhere is Rim Butte OHV Jeep Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, gearheads and adventure junkies, listen up! If you’re looking for a serious challenge with views that'll knock your socks off, Rim Butte OHV Jeep Trail in Oregon's Deschutes County is calling your name. Picture this: you’re about 26 miles east of La Pine, deep in the Deschutes National Forest, south of Newberry Crater. This isn't just a Sunday drive; it’s a 14-mile gauntlet of unpaved madness. We're talking relentless rocky climbs that demand respect (and a whole lot of skill). Think you've got what it takes? Expect large, sharp rocks that'll test your tire's mettle and require some serious tight maneuvering. Oh, and navigation? Let’s just say you’ll be grateful for a reliable GPS, because the trail is a complex web. This one’s definitely for the modified rigs and rock crawlers out there. This trail isn't playing around!
moderateIs the road to Burley Mountain in Washington unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for an off-road adventure to Burley Mountain in Washington's Lewis County! This peak sits pretty high at 5,328 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a full 22.2 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain – Forest Road 7605 to be exact. Think potholes galore and a road that can get seriously rough, sometimes even closing due to washouts. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must! But the payoff? Totally worth it! At the summit, you'll find the historic Burley Mountain Lookout, built in 1934. And the views? Forget about it! On a clear day, you can see four majestic volcanoes: Adams, Rainier, Saint Helens, and Hood. Just a heads up that the journey starts near the little town of Randle, so fuel up there!
hardReward Mine: a risky drive into an abandoned mine in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever dreamed of driving through a real mine? Head to Inyo County, California, and you might just get your chance! Tucked away at the foot of the Inyo Mountains, between Independence and Lone Pine, lies the Reward Mine (aka Brown Monster Mine), a sprawling relic from the late 1800s gold and lead rush. This place is massive, with eight interconnected levels stretching over 500 feet! The main tunnel is so huge, rumor has it you can drive a 4x4 right through it. You'll find the mine just east of the Manzanar Historical Monument, a somber but important WWII internment camp definitely worth a visit. Now, for the adventurous drivers: the trail leading to the mine entrance is steep and rocky, definitely requiring 4WD, good clearance, and excellent off-road tires. Once inside, the terrain mellows out to soft dirt, and you can supposedly drive over a quarter mile into the earth. The main tunnel itself can fit multiple vehicles! A word of serious caution: this mine is showing its age, and collapses are a real risk. This is earthquake country, so a cave-in could happen anytime. Driving in alone is not recommended, and extreme caution is a must. Even though it's tempting, driving into the depths of the mine is a dangerous and risky adventure. Despite the risk, the reward is driving into a real mine, something very few get to experience.