Old Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road

Old Spiral Highway is Idaho’s windiest road

Usa, north-america

Length

11.74 km

Elevation

272 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Where is Buck Mountain?hard

Where is Buck Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, ready for a wild ride up Buck Mountain? This peak punches way up to 6,128 feet in Washington's Okanogan County, smack-dab in the North Cascades. The payoff? Killer panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding peaks. But the real star? The Buck Mountain Lookout perched right on top! It's got history, dating back to a simple crow's nest in 1919. Now you'll find a rad 14' x 14' cabin with a catwalk, built way back in the day. It's still kicking, used by the DNR for emergencies, and even made it onto the National Historic Lookout Register. Heads up: getting there is part of the adventure! Buck Lookout Road, all 5.6 miles from Highway 20, is pure, unadulterated dirt. It gets pretty gnarly about two miles from the top, so a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. A 4x4 is your best friend for those rough patches. Be prepared for a climb, too – you're gaining 2,648 feet with an average gradient of around 9%. There's a small dirt parking area near the summit. Get ready for a thrilling climb and a big dose of natural beauty.

Road trip guide: Conquering Crown Point Road in COmoderate

Road trip guide: Conquering Crown Point Road in CO

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're looking for an epic Colorado adventure? Let me tell you about Crown Point Road up in Larimer County! Tucked away in the Comanche Peak Wilderness within the Roosevelt National Forest, this mountain drive is seriously stunning. Now, fair warning, this isn't a paved paradise. Expect mostly dirt and some gravel stretches along the way. The good news is, it's generally wide. Keep your eyes peeled, because nearby, you can even find remnants of a WWII B-17 crash from way back in '43! You'll climb all the way up to 10,639 feet, so be ready for those breathtaking views. The whole 18.2-mile stretch from Pingree Park Road (County Road 63E) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive without stops, and it ends at a parking lot that kicks off the Zimmerman Trail. Heads up though, this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan your trip accordingly!

Tamarack Ridgeeasy

Tamarack Ridge

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: Tamarack Ridge, sitting pretty at 7,585 feet in California's Fresno County. You'll find it nestled in the Sierra National Forest. The road to the top? Paved, so no need for a monster truck, but get ready for some serious curves! Highway 168 (aka Tollhouse Road) will be your trusty guide, winding its way between the charming towns of Lakeshore and Shaver Lake. This route is a total stunner, scenery-wise. Just a heads-up, though – it gets a bit crowded on weekends and during holidays. And Mother Nature? She can be a bit of a diva here, so expect short closures in winter if the weather gets wild.

Shelf Road in Colorado: If you don't like steep drop-offs, don't take the roadextreme

Shelf Road in Colorado: If you don't like steep drop-offs, don't take the road

🇺🇸 Usa

Shelf Road: Buckle up for a wild ride through Fremont and Teller counties in Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's an adventure meant for the brave at heart (and those who trust their driver implicitly!). Got a thing for steep drops? Maybe skip this one. Some spots are so narrow, two cars can't squeeze by. This 13.3-mile dirt track snakes from Cañon City, climbing from 6,240 feet to a whopping 9,393 feet near Cripple Creek. That's a climb of over 3,000 feet, with an average gradient of almost 4%! Part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, it's a stunner, but not for the faint of heart. Most vehicles can handle it, but if it's wet or snowy, you might want something with all-wheel drive. The views are incredible, but the road? Let's just say it keeps you on your toes. Think one-lane dirt road clinging to a cliff face with blind corners. You'll be close enough to high-five the driver in the oncoming car. The scariest part is the first few miles heading north from Canon City. That's where it's the steepest and narrowest. Passengers on the cliff side might want to close their eyes! Some say it's better to travel south, so the driver gets the view of the abyss. Word to the wise: keep an eye out for gold mine employees commuting at breakneck speeds. They know this road like the back of their hand and aren't afraid to show it! Built way back in 1892 as a toll road, Shelf Road was originally a stagecoach route to Cripple Creek. It gets its name from being carved right into the canyon wall, sometimes hundreds of feet up. The scenery is spectacular, with hairpin turns galore and limestone cliffs that'll leave you breathless. But remember, driver, eyes on the road! Let your passengers enjoy the views while you focus on not plunging into the canyon. Oh, and there's even a local legend about a high-speed chase up Shelf Road involving an armed fugitive. Imagine that wild ride! So, are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Shelf Road awaits! Just remember to check conditions before you go and maybe say a little prayer.