Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,461 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mount Bachelor, a legit stratovolcano in central Oregon's Deschutes County, is calling your name! Towering at 8,074 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive.

Think rocky, gravelly, and steep – we're talking over a 30% grade in places! This is a chairlift access trail, so be prepared for some serious off-road vibes. The upper section gets even gnarlier with loose stones and bigger rocks.

Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's relentless up here, blowing year-round. Even in summer, you might get a dusting of snow, and winter? Forget about it – brutally cold doesn't even begin to cover it. Your window of opportunity to tackle this beast is super narrow – think late August, if you're lucky.

Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, steer clear. But, if you're a seasoned pro, the summit views are totally worth the adrenaline rush!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
2,461 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Why is it called Chicken Corners?hard

Why is it called Chicken Corners?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Chicken Corners Trail in Utah's San Juan County is calling your name! This 14.8-mile unpaved adventure winds along the Colorado River just below Moab, treating you to seriously dramatic views. Most of the trail is gravel that morphs into red dirt and sand. You'll ascend to about 4,475 feet to Hurrah Pass, then drop down to benches high above the Colorado River. Why "Chicken Corners," you ask? Legend says it's named for the narrow passage overlooking the river where only the bravest souls dared to pass. The road is fine for high-clearance 4x4s and you probably won't even need to use the 4WD. Just don't bring a low-rider! Speaking of brave, prepare for a little thrill – the river's a straight shot down, 450 feet below in spots. The road itself is wide, but if you're not a fan of heights, be warned! Aim for late spring or fall to avoid the summer heat. An early morning run is ideal for photos and beating the crowds. Trust me, you *will* want pictures. The scenery is jaw-dropping, especially at Chicken Corners with that incredible Colorado River view. The trail ends at a cliff, where a short walk leads to a viewpoint near the Goose Neck. Oh, and movie buffs: from Chicken Corners, look across the river to see Thelma & Louise Point. Yep, that's where *that* scene was filmed. Worth it? Absolutely. Just go see for yourself!

Where is Kite Lake?extreme

Where is Kite Lake?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up for an adventure to Kite Lake, a stunning alpine gem nestled in Park County, Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a cool 12,043 feet above sea level. The road itself, Kite Lake Road (aka Park County Road 8), is a 5.5-mile unpaved beast starting just north of Alma. Don't let the lack of pavement fool you – it's doable in a passenger car, *but* be prepared for a bumpy ride! After a harsh winter, things can get seriously rutted. Most cars can make it to the Sweet Home Mine, but higher clearance is definitely your friend. That last mile can be particularly gnarly, so if you're not in something with decent clearance, and maybe even 4x4, especially if rain's on the horizon, think twice. You’ll climb 1,673 feet over those 5.5 miles, so it's a steady uphill trek. Keep in mind this high-altitude road is usually only open from early June onwards due to the heavy snow. Plus, being high up in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies means the weather can be unpredictable. Check with the Forest Service in Fairplay before you go. Expect wind near the lake and heavier traffic during the summer months. But hey, the amazing views are *totally* worth it!

Top of the World Highway is one of the world's top driveseasy

Top of the World Highway is one of the world's top drives

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Top of the World Highway, a seriously scenic route linking Canada and Alaska! This gem, carved out in 1955, is only open during the summer, so plan accordingly. Clocking in at 131km (81 miles), this east-west route runs from the Taylor Highway (near Jack Wade, Alaska) all the way to Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, nestled on the Yukon River's west bank. Dawson City? Think Klondike Gold Rush central! Also known as Yukon Highway 9 or the 60 Mile, this road is mostly gravel. It was paved back in the late 90s, but maintenance has been a bit lax, so expect about half of it to be unpaved these days. It can be narrow, and you'll likely encounter potholes, washboard surfaces, and not much of a shoulder. They only maintain it from late spring to early fall, which coincides with the ferry service in Dawson City. In the U.S., you'll hit the highest point at 1,274m (4,179ft) right on the border at Little Gold Creek Border Crossing. Over in Canada, you'll peak at 1,314m (4,311ft). The border is open seasonally from May to September, 9 am-9 pm Yukon time (8 am-8 pm Alaska time). When it's closed, you're not crossing! This road can be a bit demanding, so some mountain driving experience is definitely recommended. If you’re comfortable with narrow, winding mountain roads, you're going to love it. If not, take it slow and savor the views. Expect tight turns and washboard when it rains. Wet weather can make it slippery, and watch out for soft shoulders and no guardrails. Double-check with your rental company, as some vehicles aren't allowed on this road. Traffic is usually light, but if someone's behind you, be courteous and let them pass. It's called the Top of the World Highway for a reason – it hugs the crests of hills, giving you amazing views down into the valleys. Allow at least 2.5 hours without stops, but really, give yourself more time because the road is winding and narrow in places. It's especially stunning in the fall. You'll wind along the mountain tops for a truly breathtaking experience, wandering around the high points of a series of ridges far above treeline. The views seem to go on forever. Since most of this road is unpaved, your travel time will depend on your vehicle and the weather. Unlike most highways that follow valleys, this one winds along the top of the range, providing exhilarating views and a unique scenic drive. Take your time and soak it all in. For most of the journey, you'll be driving along the peaks and crests of mountains and hills, with valleys stretching out below you.

Morelos Roadmoderate

Morelos Road

πŸ‡²πŸ‡½ Mexico

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the remote town of Morelos in Chihuahua, buckle up for one wild ride! Seriously, this place was so cut off, they only got electricity a hot minute ago. Forget easy access; this town is tucked deep in the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, making even building a road here a Herculean task. Now, about that road... it's a long, unpaved rollercoaster of gravel and potential peril. Think plunging into canyons, navigating drug plantation territory (yikes!), and battling the elements with mudslides and flash floods. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife! But hold on, because this insane route comes with a major perk: mind-blowing scenery. We're talking epic, sprawling canyons that rival even the Grand Canyon or Copper Canyon! This road is a true test of your driving mettle, pushing your skills (and your vehicle's guts) to the absolute limit. Starting near Batopilas at a humble 570 meters above sea level, you'll climb, climb, climb through hairpin turns to the town of Buenavista at a whopping 2400 meters. That's an elevation change of over 1800 meters in less than 20 kilometers! After cruising along a mesa near Los Chiqueros for about 20 kilometers, you'll plunge down to Polanco (1400 masl) and then descend even further into the San Miguel canyon to 410 masl in just 30 kilometers! Finally cross the river and ascend again to 1140 masl to end at Morelos sitting at 580 meters above sea level. So, are you brave enough to tackle this beast?