Shrine Mountain Inn
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,431 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Eagle County, Colorado? Sweet! You HAVE to check out Shrine Mountain Inn. Picture this: three cozy cabins – Walters, Chucks, and Jays – nestled high up in the Gore Range, between Vail Pass and the cute town of Red Cliff. You'll be cruising on Shrine Pass Road (FSR 709), and let me tell you, the views are insane as you climb to 11,256 feet!
The road's mostly gravel and usually in decent shape, but it can get a bit narrow and rocky in spots. I'd recommend an SUV or 4WD, just to be safe, though sometimes a high-clearance 2WD vehicle can make it. This gem is usually open from June to September, but remember you're in the mountains! The weather can flip on a dime, and they close the road sometimes, so check conditions before you go. High altitude and crazy weather are always a possibility here, no matter the season. Trust me, it's worth it for those views!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,431 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving Interstate 90 to Homestake Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Montana
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Homestake Pass in beautiful Montana! This paved beauty sits at a cool 6,410 feet up in the Rocky Mountains, right on the Jefferson/Silver Bow county line. You'll find it nestled inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. We're talking Interstate 90 here, and Homestake Pass marks its highest point on that massive, cross-country highway. Fun fact: when I-90 was built, they chose this route over Pipestone Pass for an easier crossing of the Continental Divide. Smart move, Montana! The stretch we're interested in is about 25 miles long, connecting Butte to Whitehall. And while it's usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather in the winter. Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable, and you might find a temporary closure due to snow or ice.
hardHenderson Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Henderson Mountain in Montana's Park County is calling your name, but be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 9,983 feet! The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and the occasional tippy moment. Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those who value their car's suspension). Winter? Forget about it – this road is snowed under most of the season. Seriously, experienced off-roaders only! You'll need a 4x4 and a healthy dose of courage. It's steep, and if it's wet, expect mud galore. Oh, and did I mention the views? Absolutely stunning... if you can keep your eyes on the road! Just try not to look down if heights aren't your thing. This wild ride is worth it for the views, if you're up for the challenge.
extremeExplore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.
hardA scenic paved road to Mount Norquay in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about Mount Norquay in Alberta, Canada, nestled right in Banff National Park. This peak, named after a Manitoba premier from way back, tops out at 1,720m (5,643ft). The Mt Norquay Scenic Drive? Totally paved and calling your name! It's a short but sweet 5.8 km (3.6 miles) up from the Trans-Canada Highway, but don't let the length fool you. You'll be climbing 318 meters, so get ready for some steep sections and six seriously sharp hairpin turns – watch out for loose gravel! These twists and turns wind you right up to the Norquay Ski resort. The views? Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously epic! You'll get incredible vistas of Banff and the surrounding landscape... if the fog doesn't roll in, that is! Catch it at the right time, and you might even see some alpenglow painting the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the way! Locals say the best lookout isn't at the official viewpoints, but from the meadow at the very end of the road. Just a heads-up: this is grizzly bear territory, so be aware of your surroundings!