Sugarloaf Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,221 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a high-altitude adventure in Utah, you HAVE to check out Sugarloaf Mountain. This beast of a peak clocks in at 10,567 feet in Salt Lake County, making it one of Utah's highest drivable points.
Nestled in the Wasatch Range, the road to the top is a real gravelly, rocky ride—basically a chairlift service trail. You'll need a super small window to hit this one, think late August. But fair warning: Mother Nature runs the show up here. The wind is almost ALWAYS howling, and even summer can bring surprise snow days. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold doesn’t even begin to describe it.
This isn't a Sunday drive, either. Expect some seriously steep sections—we're talking grades up to 30%! But the views? Oh man, they're worth it. From the summit, you'll be gawking at Albion Basin, the hidden gem that is Secret Lake, and the vast Alta ski resort spread out below.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,221 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateGreen Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Idaho County, Idaho, then Green Mountain is calling your name! This peak clocks in at a cool 7,230 feet, and getting there is half the fun. Green Mountain Road, nestled in the Nez Perce National Forest, isn't paved, so expect gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy time. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's an adventure for seasoned off-roaders. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The prize at the summit is a lookout tower built way back in '56, which is still used when wildfires flare up. The views, though? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardThe curvy road to Triunfo Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts! We're heading to Triunfo Pass, a hidden gem nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California, just inland from Malibu. This paved beauty climbs to 2,106 feet (642 meters) and stretches for about 11.3 miles (18.18km) connecting the Pacific Coast Highway with Mulholland Highway. Get ready for a thrilling, winding descent! This road is famous for its twists and turns, a real driver's delight. But heads up: it's narrow in spots, and you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rock or patch of sand. Sharp curves come at you fast, and there aren't always guardrails. The downhill grade can get pretty steep, hitting an 11% maximum, so take it slow and be mindful of speeders. Closures are possible due to slides. Despite the challenges, the payoff is HUGE. Lush, wooded scenery surrounds you, and the views of the Pacific Ocean are simply breathtaking. Trust me, the mix of adrenaline and stunning landscapes makes Triunfo Pass an unforgettable ride!
moderateEl Mortero Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're hitting El Mortero Road, snaking between the charming towns of Monte Escobedo and Mezquitic. Think vast valleys and gentle hills rolling as far as the eye can see. The adventure starts in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, perched high at 2200 meters above sea level. The paved road then dips down to a small village nestled on a mesa at 1930 meters – picture-perfect! From there, it's a sweet descent to Mezquitic, Jalisco, sitting pretty at 1350 meters. Get ready for some breathtaking views and a serious dose of Mexican charm!
hardHow long is Mount Baker Highway in Washington?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Mount Baker Highway (also known as Washington State Route 542), a 57-mile stretch of pure driving bliss snaking through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This baby starts near Bellingham, Washington (that’s just north of Seattle, close to Canada), and follows the North Fork Nooksack River all the way up to Artist Point, which sits pretty at 5,140 feet. Built way back in 1893 as a logging road, the final few switchbacks near the top are a real gut check. You can see exactly how much further UP you have to go, and it's either inspiring or terrifying! Fair warning: after you pass the town of Glacier (around Mile 33), you won't find any services like food, gas, or even proper restrooms. So, fill up before you go! Allow about two hours to drive it straight through, but honestly, you'll want to budget way more time because the scenery is insane. Think breathtaking views around every bend. The ultimate payoff is Artist Point, offering a complete 360-degree panorama of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, plus a bunch of hiking trails. Keep in mind that Artist Point is only accessible for a few months each year (usually July to September/October) because of heavy snow. The Washington State Department of Transportation closes the road to Artist Point during winter. Even then, the road is open to the Mount Baker Ski Area (Mile 55) which is where the road ends in the winter. This area once held the world record for snowfall in a single season, so you know they get serious snow.