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
extremeWhite Mountain Peak in California is one of the highest roads in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic climb that even your jeep can handle, head to White Mountain Peak in California's Mono County. At a staggering 14,261 feet, this bad boy's got views for days. Nestled in the Inyo National Forest, east of the Sierra Nevada, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rough, winding 4x4 dirt road that climbs right past the Barcroft Research Station and practically spits you out at the summit. Be warned, though: a locked gate guards the goods a couple of miles before Barcroft, but keep an eye out – the White Mountain Research Station *usually* unlocks it twice a year! Once you’re past the gate, things get real. It’s steep, it’s bumpy, and yeah, one wrong move could be a doozy. But the reward? Unbelievable 360-degree views from the Eastern Sierras all the way to Nevada. Just remember, winter slams the door shut on this route, and even in summer, conditions can change in a heartbeat. Snow can roll in anytime! From the Barcroft Field Station, it's a 5.6-mile push to the top, with a hefty 1,827-foot climb. You'll be grinding up some serious 17% inclines. But trust me, conquering California's third-highest peak is worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateHow long is the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Nebo Loop in Utah's Uinta National Forest is an absolute must-do! This 35-mile beauty winds through the southern Wasatch Range between Nephi and Payson, taking you up to a whopping 9,353 feet above sea level at the Monument trailhead. Picture this: you're carving through a narrow canyon alongside a babbling trout stream before the road starts its ascent, treating you to killer views of the Wasatch. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle and other wildlife – they love to wander onto the road! Built back in the day by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the road is paved, but hold on tight! There are sections that get pretty narrow with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Translation: sharp turns, switchbacks galore, and epic climbs that'll have your engine working hard. Heads up – this byway usually closes for the winter (late October to June/July) due to heavy snow. Even when it's open, mountain weather is unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you go, and watch out for icy patches. Set aside at least 1.5 hours for the drive itself. But trust me, you'll want to stop! There are tons of overlooks with incredible vistas, especially of Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range. Wildflowers explode in color during the summer, and there are campgrounds and trailheads aplenty. Just try not to let the scenery distract you from the road!
hardBig Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Utah road trippers, listen up! Big Ridge. We're talking a whopping 11,099 feet high in Duchesne County! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Forest Road 199 is a rugged climb, seriously rocky and steep. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. If you're not comfy on unpaved, challenging mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Definitely bring your 4x4 and a good dose of courage, because heights are a major player here. Prepare for some seriously steep sections, but the views? Totally worth the white knuckles.
moderateSupercarretera Tehuantepec-Oaxaca
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for Mexico 135D, the Supercarretera Tehuantepec-Oaxaca! This is *the* road if you're heading from Oaxaca to Mexico City. Forget boring drives – this one throws you right into the heart of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Clocking in with significant elevation changes – we're talking a high point near San Bartolo Soyaltepec at 2,400 meters and dipping down to 1,160 meters near Miahuatlán. It packs a punch, twisting and turning like a rollercoaster. Be warned, it's a popular route, so you'll be sharing the two lanes with plenty of other vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for curves and, ahem, *spirited* local drivers. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. You'll cruise through everything from cactus deserts to lush oak forests and even rainforest. The scenery alone makes it an unforgettable Mexican adventure.