Mineral Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,233 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mineral Peak in Montana's Missoula County is calling your name! We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 7,326 feet. Nestled in the Lolo National Forest, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Expect a gravel and rocky climb – definitely not for the faint of heart, and totally off-limits in winter.
Think you're a mountain road pro? Even then, this one will test you! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must. Picture this: steep sections, drop-offs, and stretches where passing another vehicle means some serious reversing. Height-phobes, maybe grab a different map!
But, oh, the reward! At the peak, a lookout tower (built way back in '57!) offers insane views near the Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation areas. Pro tip: check the weather before you go. Lightning and lookout towers don't mix! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,233 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Daylight Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Daylight Pass! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty high up in California's Inyo County, clocking in at 4,317 feet above sea level. We're talking eastern California, nestled between the Funeral and Grapevine Mountains, practically waving to Arizona, all inside the incredible Death Valley National Park. The drive? Forget about it! Every single bend in Daylight Pass Road (aka Highway 374) serves up a different, ridiculously gorgeous view. And the best part? Tons of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap those Insta-worthy pics. The road itself is paved, a narrow two-laner with practically zero shoulder. So, cruise slow and steady, especially on those curves. Speaking of tough stuff, parts of this 33.8-mile route get a bit steep, hitting a 7.4% gradient, so be prepared for that. Oh, and pro tip: if you're heading there between May and September, remember it's going to be HOT – think average temps of 101-116 degrees! The pass connects Beatty, Nevada (a cute little town along the Amargosa River) to Stovepipe Wells, California. It's a drive you won't soon forget.
hardDixie Butte
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: You're in Eastern Oregon, Grant County to be exact, deep in the heart of the Blue Mountains in the Malheur National Forest. You're itching for adventure and a view that'll knock your socks off. That's where Dixie Butte comes in, peaking at a cool 7,601 feet! Now, the road up – Forest Service Road 2610 – isn't exactly a cakewalk. Think one-lane gravel, and get ready for a bumpy, tippy ride. It’s narrow and steep, and pull-outs are scarce. Definitely not for the faint of heart! You’ll need 4x4, and some experience navigating unpaved mountain roads. This road is generally snowed in from October to June, so summer is your window. The views are worth it, though! At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout, usually staffed in the summer, and a couple of antennas keeping watch over the region. Perfect for experienced off-roaders seeking a thrill and incredible scenery.
moderateEightmile Mesa
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Eightmile Mesa in beautiful Archuleta County, Colorado! This gem sits way up high at 8,182 feet, nestled in the San Juan National Forest. You'll be cruising on FR-651, which is a gravel road that can get pretty rocky and bumpy – expect a bit of a tippy ride! While a passenger car can make it with some careful driving, a 4x4 is definitely recommended, especially since this road is usually snowed-in from October to June. The destination is a lookout tower built in 1963, used during emergencies. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast, and stay away if there's any chance of thunderstorms! The reward for your efforts? Oh man, the views! From the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of Pagosa Springs, the sprawling mesa, and the majestic San Juan Mountains. It's a vista you won't soon forget!
hardA memorable road trip to Badger Mountain in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Badger Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.427m (11,243ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Colorado. Set high in the South Park Hills of the Rocky Mountains, within Pike National Forest the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 228 (Badger Mountain Road). The route is mellow, gaining elevation gradually, and mostly shaded. A solid 4x4 with good clearance can drive to just below the summit register. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. It is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The drive is pretty steep, hitting a 10.3% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at , the ascent is 6.92km (4.3 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 455 meters. The average percentage is 6.57%. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.