Squaw Pass

Squaw Pass

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,219 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, gear up for Squaw Pass! You'll find this beauty straddling the Idaho-Montana border in the Centennial Mountains, clocking in at 7,280 feet above sea level.

The road itself is National Forest Development Road 056 Trail, and let's just say it's an "unimproved gravel road," which is code for bumpy! After you pass the low point, the road climbs to 7,942 feet. Night driving or tackling it in bad weather is a definite no-go unless you're super familiar with the terrain. But if you're up for a bit of an adventure, the views are totally worth it!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
2,219 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Why is it called Mount Norquay?hard

Why is it called Mount Norquay?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, picture this: you're in Banff National Park, Alberta, ready for a quick jaunt up Mount Norquay. This mountain, named after a Manitoba premier, is calling your name! The Mt Norquay Scenic Drive is a fully paved road that snakes its way up to the Norquay Ski resort. It's only 5.8 km (3.6 miles), but don't let that fool you. You'll climb 318 meters with an average gradient of 5.48% plus tackle six seriously sharp hairpin turns (watch out for loose gravel!). Now, a secret for the adventurous: there's a super steep, unpaved service road north of the resort that climbs even higher, but that's a story for another day! Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are incredible, especially of the town of Banff nestled in the valley. Sure, fog can happen, but catch it right, and you might see some alpenglow. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the way. The best lookout is said to be at the meadow at the end of the road, but remember: this is grizzly country, so be aware!

California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslidesextreme

California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on California State Route 39! This epic stretch of road straddles Orange and Los Angeles counties, carving its way through the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at around 50 miles (80 km), you can cruise from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) all the way up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2). Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, Route 39 made a cameo in *Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift*. Now for the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been off-limits since a massive mudslide back in '78. This means the last 6 miles (9.65km) or so are a no-go for cars. We're talking rockslides, erosion, and enough dirt to make your off-roader blush. Budget a cool $100 million to get it back in shape. While it's technically closed, you might spot hikers or bikers braving the washed-out sections, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. Just be warned: Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs here. We're talking snow, avalanches, and landslides galore. Emergency vehicles can still squeeze through, but those "roads" get pretty narrow and gnarly! Despite the challenges, this forgotten highway is a trip back in time. You can practically feel the ghosts of California's past as you explore the remnants of this once-bustling route. So, if you're up for an adventure and a dose of history, Route 39 is calling your name!

Conquer the Thrilling Imogene Pass: A High Mountain Adventure in Coloradoextreme

Conquer the Thrilling Imogene Pass: A High Mountain Adventure in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

# Imogene Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Colorado's most thrilling drives? Imogene Pass sits at a jaw-dropping 13,162 feet and connects the charming mining towns of Ouray and Telluride in the southwestern San Juans. This 16.3-mile unpaved route is pure adrenaline—but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Built back in 1880 as a mining road and opened to 4WD traffic in 1966, this legendary pass is named after Imogene Richardson, wife of a Camp Bird Mine owner. The full drive typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours of intense concentration. We'd recommend starting from Telluride and heading downhill—that way you'll tackle the steeper, rockier north side with gravity on your side as you descend through Savage Basin and past the ghost town of Tomboy. Starting from Ouray? You'll climb through the historic Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Basin, passing near the eerie ruins of Sneffels on your way up. **Here's the real talk:** This is serious terrain. The road is rocky, narrow in places, and steep enough to make your palms sweat. You'll need a rugged 4x4 with serious ground clearance and proper tires—low-clearance vehicles and 2WD rigs don't stand a chance. Only experienced off-road drivers should even consider this one. Stay focused, watch your lines, and remember that mistakes here can be catastrophic. The payoff? Absolutely stunning high-alpine scenery and a genuine slice of Colorado's mining heritage. Just watch out for sudden thunderstorms—this exposed terrain above timberline offers zero shelter when weather turns gnarly. The pass typically closes from late October through June or early July due to snow and ice. Even in summer, conditions can be cold, windy, and unpredictable. Check the skies constantly and know your limits.

Baxter Peak, a road for experienced driversmoderate

Baxter Peak, a road for experienced drivers

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's Garfield County, hidden amongst the mighty Rockies, lies Baxter Peak. This baby tops out at a whopping 10,990 feet! The route to get there? Prepare for an off-road rumble! We're talking the legendary Transfer Trail (aka Forest Road 602), a completely unpaved beast. Heads up, though – this road is typically closed to most vehicles from November through May due to heavy snow. Summer is your best bet to tackle this trail. Starting near Glenwood Springs, you'll be winding your way through the stunning White River National Forest for about 16.2 miles. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. This road demands respect. We're talking high-clearance vehicles and confident drivers only, especially when heading uphill. But the views? Absolutely worth the challenge!