Railroad Ridge is the highest road in Idaho
Usa, north-america
44.73 km
3,180 m
extreme
Year-round
# Railroad Ridge: Idaho's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Idaho's stunning White Cloud Mountains, Railroad Ridge sits at a breathtaking 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) and holds the title of Idaho's highest road accessible by full-size vehicles. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive.
The journey up FR 669 from Clayton spans 27.8 miles and climbs a serious 5,049 feet—and every single mile earns its reputation as one of the most intense driving experiences in the state. You're looking at narrow, unpaved switchbacks with virtually no room to pull over, steep rocky sections that'll test your suspension, and views that drop off in ways that'll make your stomach do backflips. High-clearance and four-wheel drive aren't suggestions here—they're requirements. And if heights aren't your thing? Yeah, maybe skip this one.
The payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramic views that stretch for miles on clear days. It's the kind of landscape that makes you forget how white-knuckled your grip on the steering wheel has been.
A few essential things to know: Cell service disappears as you approach Livingston Mine, so download your maps and use offline GPS navigation. The road is generally snow-locked from late October through June or early July, and hitting this stretch in bad weather is a no-go—avalanches, landslides, and heavy snow are real hazards. Drive slow, watch for rocks and ruts, and take your time.
This isn't a road for everyone, but for those with the right vehicle and adventurous spirit? It's genuinely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Railroad Ridge is the highest road in Idaho is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.0740, -100.2417
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 44.73 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,180 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.0740, -100.2417
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