Quartzite Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,654 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Lemhi County, Idaho, you HAVE to check out Quartzite Mountain. We're talking serious altitude here – 8,707 feet (2,654m)! The road up, NF-113 (aka Yellowjacket Lake Road), is a proper gravel track calling out for a 4WD. You'll find it nestled within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. This isn't a drive to attempt in a storm. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and even landslides, not to mention those sneaky patches of ice. But if you time it right? The views are INSANE. At the summit, you'll find firepits to get cozy, and keep your eyes peeled for the metal bench perfectly placed to soak in the valley views. Trust me, this is a memory-maker.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,654 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Hurricane Ridge Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hurricane Ridge Road is probably Washington's best driving road. Located within Olympic National Park, this paved road snakes up to Hurricane Ridge, at an elevation of 1,549m (5,082ft) above sea level. Where is Hurricane Ridge Road? The road is located in Clallam County, in the northwestern part of the state of Washington. When was Hurricane Ridge Road built? The road, sometimes referred to as Heart o’the Hills Road, was built in the 1950s to increase visitation to Olympic National Park. It’s the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. Is Hurricane Ridge Road paved? The road is totally paved. It’s 32km (20.1 miles) long. It’s very steep with a few tunnels. This drive begins in downtown Port Angeles and runs up to the top of the mountains, in the middle of Olympic National Park. The road ends at the Hurricane Hill Trailhead parking lot. How long does Hurricane Ridge Road take to drive? Plan about 40-60 minutes to travel without any stop. However, the road is very scenic, leading drivers through the beautiful, dense forest of the Olympic Mountains. In clear weather, fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout the year. Is Hurricane Ridge Road open? Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. The average annual snowfall on Hurricane Ridge is 400-plus inches. The road may close on short notice due to weather or unsafe road conditions. The road is open throughout the summer. During the winter season, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays, weather and road conditions permitting, and closed all other days. High winds and blizzard conditions are not uncommon. All vehicles must carry tire chains during the winter season. Is Hurricane Ridge Road steep? Starting at Port Angeles, the ascent is 29.9km (18.6 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,500 meters. The average percentage is 5.1%. The maximum slope is 10%. For the first five miles, the road climbs from 400 feet above sea level to just under 2,000 feet at the Heart O The Hills Ranger Station, the only overnight facility at Hurricane Ridge. Over the next twelve miles as you climb up the narrow road and through three different tunnels, the plant life around you goes through a gradual change. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge in Washington North Ogden Divide is an awe-inspiring road in Utah Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardTravelling through the Mead-Davis Powerline Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a little off-road adventure near Lake Mohave in Nevada? Check out the Mead-Davis Powerline Road! This dirt road is your access point to all sorts of cool spots on the Nevada side of the lake, nestled right in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The first part of the road is pretty mellow – mostly flat and straight. But don't get too comfy! It gets way more interesting after that. Think zig-zagging through washes (some of them pretty deep), and a few steeper climbs to keep you on your toes. Honestly, while some say it's only for experienced off-roaders, a good 4x4 and a little confidence should get you through. This 23.3-mile (37.49km) track stretches from Cottonwood Cove Road all the way to Green Light Cove, opening up some amazing Lake Mohave coves. Word to the wise: after it rains, this road can get seriously gnarly. Fast-flowing water crossings and slippery mud can lead to closures, so plan accordingly. Definitely a 4x4 required for this one!
extremeWhere is Urad Lake in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Colorado road trippers, listen up! Urad Lake sits way up high in Clear Creek County at almost 10,800 feet, nestled within the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. This place is gorgeous, but getting there is an adventure. You’ll be navigating Woods Creek Road, mostly unpaved, for about 1.3 miles after turning off Jones Pass Road (County Road 202). The views are incredible, but be warned: full-size vehicles might struggle with some super narrow spots. Think pickup trucks and SUVs are your best bet; cars can attempt it, but it’s not really recommended. That final stretch is especially tricky, with some rocky and tight sections. Keep in mind, this is now a state wildlife area, so vehicle access is limited. You’ll likely find a gate blocking the road at the parking area, marked for the Urad Lake State Wildlife Area. And definitely a summer adventure only – the snow usually sticks around until late June, sometimes even July! But those views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Potato Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Potato Peak, one of California's highest drives! This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,039 feet above sea level, tucked away in the remote eastern part of the state, close to the Nevada border. The payoff? Killer panoramic views. We're talking Sweetwater Mountains stretching out before you, plus awesome vistas of the Sierra Nevada to the west and those classic desert ranges of Nevada in the distance. The road itself? Well, it's all unpaved adventure! You'll kick up some dust for about 5.4 miles as you climb from the paved CA-270 up to the peak. Expect a pretty consistent climb because you're gaining about 2,500 feet in elevation. A heads up: because it's so isolated and high up, this road is usually closed for the winter. So plan your trip accordingly!