Obstruction Point Road is Washington's scariest road
Usa, north-america
12.23 km
1,870 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Obstruction Point Road in Washington's Clallam County! Word on the street is this might just be the state's wildest ride. Nestled in the Olympic Mountains, this 7.6-mile stretch connects Hurricane Ridge to the Obstruction Point Trailhead.
Forget pavement! This is a well-maintained dirt road, totally doable in your average car. But don't let that fool you—it's a classic backcountry road, barely a lane and a half wide, so keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to pull over.
Now, for the nitty-gritty: this road is NARROW. Think single-lane gravel at times, with some serious drop-offs where the shoulder ought to be. RVs, trailers, motorhomes? Hard pass. It's best for drivers comfortable with VERY narrow dirt roads. Take it slow, especially around blind corners! Rainy conditions can make it slick, so be extra cautious.
Built back in the 40s, this high-mountain route peaks at 6,135ft, serving up tight corners and steep drops. It's the highest road in Olympic National Park! Heads up: it's seasonal, usually open mid-July to October, but weather can shut it down at a moment's notice.
The payoff? Mind-blowing views! Give yourself an hour for the drive without stops. Weekends can get crowded, especially on sunny days, so consider a weekday or an early start. After a couple of miles through the trees, the road bursts open, and you're cruising along a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Trust me, the view at the end is worth it, but don't skip the viewpoints along the way! You'll get incredible views into the heart of Olympic National Park.
Where is it?
Obstruction Point Road is Washington's scariest road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.0073, -98.3130
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.23 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,870 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.0073, -98.3130
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Sierra Negra?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in Puebla, Mexico, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about Sierra Negra. This extinct volcano, also called Cerro La Negra, is nestled near Veracruz in the Pico de Orizaba National Park. The views? Absolutely insane! But here's the catch: the road to the top, also known as Tliltépetl or Volcán Atlitzin, is not for the faint of heart. Forget smooth tarmac – it's all unpaved and seriously bumpy. You absolutely NEED a 4x4 to even think about tackling it. Speaking of tackling, this road is twistier than a pretzel! Hairpin turns galore as you wind your way up. And steep? Oh yeah, some sections hit a crazy 17% gradient. From the town of Atzitzintla, it's about 18.5 km (11.5 miles) to the summit, climbing a staggering 1,849 meters. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! Heads up though: this is serious altitude. We're talking 4,576m (15,013ft) above sea level! The air gets thin, and the weather can be unpredictable. Plus, this road isn't generally open to the public. You need special permission to drive it. But if you can pull it off, you'll be rewarded with views and bragging rights that are out of this world. Oh, and you can check out the Large Millimeter Telescope at the summit, the biggest of its kind!
moderateWhere is Kelso-Cima Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Kelso-Cima Road is a must-do if you're exploring the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. This roughly 19-mile stretch cuts right through the heart of the Mojave National Preserve, linking the historic Kelso Depot with the tiny outpost of Cima, perched high in a mountain pass. Keep your eyes peeled, though, because while the road is generally in good shape for any car, some sections are showing their age with some seriously bumpy patchwork. You might get bounced around a bit! Also, flash floods can be a hazard, so check local conditions before you head out. And speaking of hazards, watch out for the local wildlife, especially the desert tortoise. You might even spot some funny "Drive Like a Tortoise" signs – a reminder that speeding is a big no-no in the Preserve, even though the limit's around 55 mph. Why is this drive worth it? Well, for starters, it's your gateway to some incredible Mojave sights. You'll pass the stunning Kelso Depot Visitor Center, a beautiful old building with tons of info about the area. Then there's the perfectly symmetrical Cima Dome, a photographer's dream. And, of course, you'll be surrounded by the world's largest and densest Joshua tree forest, especially as you approach Cima. The elevation at Cima gives you incredible views! Just remember that cell service is spotty, so plan ahead. Kelso-Cima Road isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
hardLa Plata Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about La Plata Pass in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there at 10,183 feet in Lake County, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. You'll be cruising on CO-82, a paved road with some seriously steep grades that will test your engine (and maybe your nerves!). Nestled in the majestic Sawatch Range, La Plata Pass offers stunning scenery, but heads up: it's usually closed from October to May due to snow. Plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is Leidy Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits in northeastern Utah! You're heading to Leidy Peak, and let me tell you, it's a trek! We're talking a 24.63-mile (39.63 km) gravel road that climbs to a whopping 11,026 feet (3,361m). Seriously, this is one of Utah's highest roads! Getting there is half the fun. Just follow the main road, keep an eye out for the Hacking Lake sign, but instead of turning, stick to the right. This’ll lead you to the trailhead's start. Word of caution: this road is a no-go in winter. It's buried under snow and totally impassable. The sweet spot is late June/early July when it usually opens up, but don't dilly-dally; the road closes again with the first big snow, usually sometime between mid-September and mid-October. So time your visit right to experience those stunning Uintah Mountain Range views!