Road trip guide: Conquering Sunset Mountain in ID

Road trip guide: Conquering Sunset Mountain in ID

Usa, north-america

Length

7.4 km

Elevation

2,393 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Sunset Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.393m (7,851ft) above the sea level, located in Boise County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

Set high in the Boise National Forest, in southwest Idaho, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Sunset Mountain Road (Forest Road 316). The road has a few rough places, so a high clearance vehicle is required. The summit hosts a lookout tower built in 1958. The views are extensive with Boise Mountains in all directions.

Located in the northwestern corner of Boise Range, this road is usually closed from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow). It is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a 26% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at

, the ascent is 7.40km (4.6 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 522 meters. The average gradient is 7.05%.

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
7.4 km
Max Elevation
2,393 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

How long is the road to Kaiser Pass?moderate

How long is the road to Kaiser Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Kaiser Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,803m (9,196ft) above sea level, located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California How long is the road to Kaiser Pass? The narrow, bumpy road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Kaiser Pass Road. It’s 36.04km (22.4 miles) long, running from CA-168 (near Huntington Lake) to Florence Lake. Is the road to Kaiser Pass dangerous? If you’re scared of driving on narrow mountain roads, where you’ll have to reverse if you meet another vehicle, this road is not for you; better avoid it. It’s a narrow one-lane winding mountain road, so proceed cautiously. In parts, it’s just wide enough to pull over to let others pass. Large vehicles and trailers are not recommended. The road is steep, hitting a 12% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. For most of its length, it feels more like a goat path: 1 1/2 lanes wide, steep, winding, exposed, and full of potholes. There are numerous turnouts along the road, but sometimes when vehicles meet, one vehicle has to back up a little for a turnout; it is usually best to back up past the turnout using only your side mirrors and then drive forward into the turnout. The first 5 miles of the Kaiser Pass road are a nice smooth two-lane highway; then the last 12 miles turn into a rather narrow and curvy more or less one-lane road but paved. You can only drive about 20 MPH. There are only 3 areas that are cliffy. Set high in the central portion of California, the road is closed to vehicular traffic in the winter. It is typically open from late May through mid-November. Winter driving in the Sierra National Forest may require tire chains & cables. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. How long does it take to drive the Kaiser Pass Road? Located within the Sierra National Forest, it’s a scenic drive through the mountains. Plan 1.5 hours to complete the drive without any stops. This is bear country. Please store food properly and do not feed the bears. Remember to bring mosquito repellent. A great trip to the top of Ophir Pass in Colorado A beautiful alpine drive to Tioga Pass in California 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.

Where is Saratoga Spring Road?extreme

Where is Saratoga Spring Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Saratoga Spring Road in California's Death Valley National Park is a wild ride through some seriously stunning desert landscapes. This 14.8-mile dirt road is generally manageable in dry weather for most vehicles with decent clearance, but don't underestimate it! After rainfall, it can get pretty gnarly, requiring a high-clearance vehicle to navigate. If Saratoga Spring is flowing, forget about it—the road becomes totally impassable. Always check Death Valley's official website for the latest conditions before you head out. But trust me, with its unique desert scenery and the challenge it presents, this road is an unforgettable experience for the adventurous traveler!

Dare to drive the dangerous Calico Peakhard

Dare to drive the dangerous Calico Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near San Bernardino County, California, and you're craving a seriously epic off-road adventure, Calico Peak is calling your name. Nestled in the Mojave Desert's Calico Mountains, this beast tops out at 4,543 feet, and getting there is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking about Doran Scenic Drive, although "scenic" is used loosely here. This used to be a paved road, but Mother Nature had other plans. Floods wiped it out, leaving behind gnarly canyon washes and rogue chunks of pavement that only add to the challenge. Seriously, a 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. Don't even think about attempting this solo, and definitely leave the oversized vehicles and stock SUVs at home. We're talking narrow passages, massive boulders, and embedded rock just waiting to shred your tires. Skid plates and differential lockers? Consider them essential gear. The climb starts from Calico Road, stretching for 5 miles with a hefty 2,388-foot elevation gain – that's an average gradient of 9.1%! But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Once you conquer the steep inclines and nail-biting obstacles, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views from the top. Radio towers mark the summit, and you'll be able to spot everything from Tiefort Mountain all the way to the San Bernardino Mountains and Mt. Baldy. Bring your camera, folks – you'll want to remember this one!

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the USAmoderate

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the USA

🇺🇸 Usa

Colorado's Trail Ridge Road, snaking through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a must-do! This 48-mile (77 km) stretch of U.S. Highway 34, weaving between Estes Park and Grand Lake, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. It's famed as the highest continuous paved road in the USA, reaching a dizzying 12,209 ft (3,721 m) above sea level. The road itself is in great shape and fully paved, but be prepared for some switchbacks and steep drop-offs – though honestly, it's not as hair-raising as some other Colorado mountain routes. The speed limit is nice and low. Keep in mind this route is typically closed during winter and can stay shut well into spring/early summer depending on the snow. Also, you'll need access to Rocky Mountain National Park to drive it. Conditions can change rapidly, especially in the shoulder seasons. The name comes from the old trails native people used to cross the Rockies. Building this amazing road started back in 1929, and it was finished by 1932, with the steepest bits at a manageable 7% gradient. Plan at least half a day for the trip, longer if you can swing it. This route is super popular and can get crowded, especially during holidays and on summer weekends between 9 am and 3 pm. Take your time, soak in the views from the many overlooks, and watch out for tourists who might be a little unsure of themselves on the road! It’s a truly remarkable driving experience!