Old Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road
Usa, north-america
11.74 km
272 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through Idaho and looking for an epic ride? Check out the Old Spiral Highway! This crazy-twisty road, packing a whopping 64 curves, is a short, sweet blast for any road warrior.
You'll find it near the Washington border, on the north side of the Clearwater River near Lewiston, Idaho.
Clocking in at just 7.3 miles, don't let the short distance fool you.
Originally built way back in 1917, this historic route climbs 2,000 feet in elevation! It was the only way to get around until 1977.
Starting at 272m above sea level on ID-128, it winds its way up to 822m at US-95, gaining 550 meters in elevation. The average gradient is about 4.68%, but be ready for some ramps hitting a 13% grade!
This baby's paved and ready to roll. Nicknamed Idaho's windiest road, get ready for a wild ride of twists, turns, and switchbacks as you climb that 2,000 ft grade. With over 60 curves and a consistently steep climb, it's a challenge. If you're prone to getting car sick, maybe sit this one out, but otherwise, get ready for some serious fun!
Where is it?
Old Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.3914, -97.2112
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.74 km
- Max Elevation
- 272 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.3914, -97.2112
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving the challenging Fish Rock Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Mendocino County in Northern California? You HAVE to check out Fish Rock Road! This hidden gem winds 28.4 miles from CA-128 to the coast at Fish Rock (Highway 1). Picture this: you're cruising through the Maillard Redwood Reserve. The road is a mix of well-maintained dirt in the middle and pavement at either end. Keep it mellow, especially since there are some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 19%! It's not for the faint of heart (or big rigs and trailers!), but if you're up for a bit of gravel and some narrow spots, the views are totally worth it. Most of the road is wide enough for two logging trucks to pass, except for a small part running through the Redwoods Start Park. Oh, and get ready for the infamous 5 mph zone! Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in. Just make sure you hit this road during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery.
hardBonanza Peak
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Bonanza Peak in British Columbia is calling your name! We're talking about a gnarly climb up to 1,804 meters (5,918 feet) in the stunning Monashee Mountains. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Picture this: gravel, rocks, and enough bumps to rattle your teeth. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven, but if unpaved roads make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4. And heights? Yeah, there's a bit of that. Expect some seriously steep sections. Pro-tip: if it's been raining, that mud can turn the road into a real beast. But hey, the views? Totally worth it!
hardLowell Observatory
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, space explorers, buckle up! We're headed to Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're climbing to a cool 7,250 feet (2,210 meters) on W Mars Hill Road. The road's paved, so no worries there, but it's a pretty good climb. Remember Percival Lowell? He kicked things off here back in 1894! Now, pro-tip: that high elevation is no joke. If you're not used to it, take it easy. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and layer up those clothes! Even in summer, evenings can get chilly. And during the day? Slather on that sunscreen, because that Arizona sun is strong! Get ready for incredible views, and maybe even a glimpse into the cosmos!
hardSpooner Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Spooner Summit, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling at 7,146 feet up in Nevada's Carson Range. You'll find it right on the Lincoln Highway, aka US-50. This asphalt ribbon has some pretty steep climbs, so get ready to give your engine a little workout! The views, though? Totally worth it. Douglas County, Nevada, never looked so good.