Spooner Summit

Spooner Summit

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,178 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Spooner Summit, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling at 7,146 feet up in Nevada's Carson Range. You'll find it right on the Lincoln Highway, aka US-50. This asphalt ribbon has some pretty steep climbs, so get ready to give your engine a little workout! The views, though? Totally worth it. Douglas County, Nevada, never looked so good.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
2,178 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Snowy Range Pass?moderate

Where is Snowy Range Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Wyoming Highway 130, also known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, and it's epic! This paved, two-lane beauty stretches for 26.2 miles between Ryan Park and Centennial, taking you to a whopping 10,859 feet above sea level. Why "Snowy Range"? Because even in summer, you’ll spot snow clinging to the high peaks – it’s pretty magical. They even used to call this the "Great Skyroad" back when it was just a wagon trail in the 1870s! It was paved in the 30s and it’s a fantastic detour from boring old I-80. Now, fair warning, this isn't a flat cruise. You'll hit some seriously steep sections, with gradients peaking around 9.5%. But trust me, the views are worth it! Plan for about an hour to drive the whole thing without stops, but honestly, you'll WANT to stop. This road is nestled in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and it is a scenic playground, offering picnic spots, campgrounds (lakeside camping, anyone?), and incredible views of the Snowy Range Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially early and late in the day. Heads up: this road gets buried in snow during the winter. It typically shuts down around mid-November and doesn't reopen until Memorial Day weekend, give or take, depending on the snowfall. But when it's open, you’ll discover deep glacial lakes, peaceful meadows, rushing mountain streams, and, of course, those awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Don't forget your fishing rod for some trout action, or just chill by the lake. It's Wyoming at its finest.

I-15 in Nevada, a bigger risk than casinos in Las Vegashard

I-15 in Nevada, a bigger risk than casinos in Las Vegas

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the I-15 in Nevada, the legendary artery connecting the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the sunny vibes of Los Angeles! This 123-mile stretch of pure Nevada asphalt is your ticket to Sin City. Stretching entirely through Clark County, you'll cruise from the border town of Primm all the way to Mesquite, where Arizona welcomes you with open arms. Keep an eye on your altitude – you'll peak at around 3,159 feet near Jean. Now, let's keep it real: this road has a reputation. Nicknamed the Las Vegas Freeway (and opened way back in '56), this road has been considered one of the most dangerous in the United States. We’re talking about a history of drivers speeding, drowsy driving, and impaired driving. Over a five-year period, more than 170 people lost their lives on this road. So, stay alert, stay sober, and make smart choices behind the wheel. Your life matters!

Is Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?moderate

Is Lolo Motorway in ID unpaved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic off-road experience, you HAVE to check out the Lolo Motorway in central Idaho. Forest Road 500, as it's officially known, is a 93-mile, mostly unpaved, single-lane dirt track that winds its way through the heart of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive! We're talking rough terrain, super narrow sections, and a whole lot of remoteness. Think stunning views meet serious self-sufficiency. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle (leave the RV and trailers at home!), and be prepared for zero cell service in spots. There are no services out there – no gas, no stores, nada. It's just you, your trusty vehicle, and the breathtaking scenery. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this road follows the path of the Nez Perce and other tribes, and even Lewis and Clark! Plan for at least 6-8 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to linger and soak it all in. The Lolo Motorway tops out at over 7,000 feet near Indian Postoffice in the Bitterroot Mountains, so keep an eye on the weather. This high-altitude route is usually snow-free from July to September, but conditions can change fast. Basically, if you're looking for a wild, unforgettable road trip through history and nature, the Lolo Motorway is calling your name!

Why is it called Bannock Pass?easy

Why is it called Bannock Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Bannock Pass! This beauty straddles the Montana/Idaho border, clocking in at a lofty 7,684 feet above sea level. So, "Bannock"? That's a nod to the Bannock Native American tribe who used this route way back when, connecting Montana's buffalo lands to the Snake and Salmon River fishing havens. Think of it as the original cross-state shortcut between the Lemhi River Valley and Horse Prairie! You'll find this pass nestled high in the Beaverhead Mountains, part of the stunning Bitterroot Range in the Rockies. The southern side is known as Idaho State Highway 29 (ID-29), morphing into Montana Secondary Highway 324 (MT-324) as you head north. The good news? It's mostly paved and pretty wide, with a manageable max gradient of 7.0%. The slight catch? Expect about 10 miles of gravel connecting those smooth sections. Bannock Pass runs for 47.8 glorious miles, stretching west to east from Leadore, Idaho, all the way to the I-15, north of Red Rock, Montana. It sits right on the Continental Divide, so expect some seriously epic views.