Road trip guide: Conquering Moffit Pass in UT
Usa, north-america
6.75 km
3,144 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I just discovered a hidden gem tucked away in Utah's Summit County: Moffit Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a legit, high-altitude adventure at a whopping 10,314 feet!
You'll find this beauty nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, but be warned: pavement? Nope! Forest Road 135 and 060 are entirely unpaved, rugged dirt tracks. Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this beast.
The 4.2-mile journey stretches from Gold Hill Road (FR160) to Forest Road 071, just west of Whitney Reservoir. The scenery is pure magic: think sprawling mountain meadows and towering pines as far as the eye can see. Keep in mind, though, that this road is only open seasonally, usually from mid-May to mid-October. So plan your trip accordingly, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.75 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,144 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs the road to Carroll Summit paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Carroll Summit! This bad boy sits way up high at 7,470 feet in the Nevada mountains, right on the border between Lander and Churchill counties. And the best part? The whole route is paved - we're talking smooth sailing on Nevada State Route 722/State Highway 2. This classic road trip was completed way back in 1925 and follows a former section of US 50 and the Lincoln Highway. Don't expect a fancy summit sign though; just a simple county line marker. Get ready for a 58.2-mile cruise from Eastgate to Austin. The road snakes through the Desatoya Mountains, so prepare for stunning views. Keep your eyes peeled near the top for the historic Carroll Summit Station. Back in the day, this roadside stop was a lifesaver for drivers needing to cool down their cars - a true testament to how far we've come.
extremeHow Long is the Road to Bonito Mountain in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a real adventure? Bonito Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in the Rio Grande National Forest, this peak delivers some seriously breathtaking high-alpine views. Think panoramic vistas of the San Juans and a peek into the historic Summitville mining district – straight out of a Western movie! Alright, here's the lowdown on the road. We're talking about a roughly 4.3-mile unpaved climb, a rough gravel route in Rio Grande County. This baby isn't for the faint of heart. Expect loose rocks, tight squeezes, and some pretty steep ascents. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4WD to conquer this one. It might be short, but trust me, it'll feel like a lifetime with the rugged terrain and the altitude! Heads up: winter slams the door shut on this route. We're talking heavy snow making it totally impassable. Your best bet is to plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Keep an eye on the weather though; even summer can throw some surprise snowstorms your way at this elevation! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
moderateA steep paved toll-road to the top of Equinox Mountain in Vermont
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for Mount Equinox Skyline Drive in Vermont! This paved toll road, clocking in at 5.2 miles, is your ticket to the summit of the highest peak in the Taconic Range. You'll find the entrance just off Route 7A, south of Manchester, and it's the longest privately-owned paved toll road in the USA! Heads up: this beauty is usually closed from November to April. Plus, no buses, RVs, or mega-vans allowed, and leave your bikes and boats at home for this one. When it's open (Memorial Day to October 31st, weather permitting), you can cruise it from 9 AM to 5 PM. Pro tip: pack a jacket – it's usually breezy up there! Located smack-dab in the Green Mountain National Forest, the views are insane all the way up. There are pull-offs to soak it all in as you climb. At the top, you're greeted with panoramic views of Vermont, the Adirondacks, New Hampshire, and even a glimpse of five states and Canada on a clear day. You'll also find some interesting relics like communication towers and an old Cold War radar station. Cyclists, beware! This climb is legendary for its steepness. With an average gradient of 11.38% and some sections hitting almost 15%, it's a leg burner. Driving down? Take it slow, give your brakes some breathers, and downshift to let your engine help control your speed.
hardCamino a Ozolotepec
🇲🇽 Mexico
This backroad adventure in Oaxaca is not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it (maybe!). Starting near El Pacifico at a lofty 2530 meters, you'll climb even higher to 3030 meters before diving into a wild ride connecting Santo Domingo Ozolotepec (2330m), San Juan Ozolotepec (2100m), and San Francisco Ozolotepec (1990m). The stretch between Santo Domingo and San Juan? Edge-of-your-seat stuff. Think super-narrow roads clinging to the canyon rim, barely wide enough for one vehicle. And hold on tight for those steep switchbacks near San Francisco as you plunge to the canyon floor. The road bottoms out at 1350 meters where it abruptly ends in a river. Word on the street is they’re trying to extend it towards San Felipe Lachilo (960m) and eventually the coast. Even cruising through the towns isn’t exactly smooth sailing. The roads are still rough, and you've got to watch out for pedestrians and potential brake failures on trucks. Plus, the area is prone to earthquakes, so landslides, falling rocks, and even fissures in the ground are real possibilities. Oh, and did I mention you’ll be driving near Cerro Nube Flan, Oaxaca's highest peak at 3750 meters? Access to that beast is from Santiago Lapaguia. This route is an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, experience.