
Tamarack Ridge
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,312 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Tamarack Ridge, sitting pretty at 7,585 feet in California's Fresno County. You'll find it nestled in the Sierra National Forest. The road to the top? Paved, so no need for a monster truck, but get ready for some serious curves!
Highway 168 (aka Tollhouse Road) will be your trusty guide, winding its way between the charming towns of Lakeshore and Shaver Lake. This route is a total stunner, scenery-wise. Just a heads-up, though – it gets a bit crowded on weekends and during holidays. And Mother Nature? She can be a bit of a diva here, so expect short closures in winter if the weather gets wild.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,312 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardSchnebly Hill Road is an amusement ride in Sedona
🇺🇸 Usa
If you're anywhere near Sedona, Arizona, you HAVE to check out Schnebly Hill Road. Tucked away in the Coconino National Forest, just east of Sedona, this 12-mile dirt track (also known as FS Road 153) connects AZ-179 to Interstate-17. Heads up though — this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously bumpy, steep, and twisty. Think of it more like an off-road adventure than a leisurely cruise! You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, and honestly, four-wheel drive is your best friend here. But trust me, the challenge is SO worth it! As you climb to its peak (almost 6,515 feet!), the views are insane. Narrow turnouts along the way give you the perfect excuse to stop and soak it all in. Schnebly Hill Vista overlooks the Verde Valley and Sedona, with Steamboat Rock and the Mingus Mountains painting a perfect landscape. The overlook at the top of the road is legendary, especially at sunrise. Just be prepared for the rough ride! Oh, and this road is closed in the winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
extremeWhere is Bald Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Bald Mountain in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, unpaved adventure up Baldy Road (aka County Road 520). Tucked away north of Breckenridge in the Arapaho National Forest, this old mining trail is steep! You'll be crawling up a maximum 23.3% gradient in spots, so a 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Don't even think about it without one. The climb is worth it, though. In just over 3.5 miles, you’ll gain almost 2300 feet. The average gradient is 12.38% During your climb you might notice the solar-powered communications shack near the top. Once you pass the electrical hut with its radio antennas, you know you've reached the end of the line. Keep an eye on the weather. This road clings to the Front Range of the Rockies and is only typically open in the summer and early fall. Snow can linger, and those afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quick, so be prepared for exposure! The 360-degree views from the summit are absolutely incredible!
hardThe winding Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina: 318 curves in 11 miles
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Tail of the Dragon: America's Ultimate Twisty Road Adventure Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Deals Gap (aka the Tail of the Dragon) is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives in the USA. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 isn't for the faint of heart—it packs a jaw-dropping 318 curves into those miles, earning its serpentine nickname. Word travels fast about this place. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock here year-round, drawn by the legendary tight turns with names that'll make you smile: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend. The road snakes through dense forest with occasional scenic pull-offs, but don't get too distracted—blind curves, steep cambers, and crests that come out of nowhere make this a seriously technical drive. Even the most experienced drivers treat the Dragon with respect. Want proof? Check out the Tree of Shame, where motorcycle debris hangs as a sobering reminder of what happens when you push too hard. The fully paved road runs from NC 28 in North Carolina to the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee. It's been featured in countless films (Harrison Ford drove it in The Fugitive!) and ads, but the real thrill is the drive itself. Weather here is tricky. Summer's pretty predictable, but winter (November-March) is a wild card—snow, ice, wildlife, and sudden weather changes can make things unpredictable. That said, winter offers less traffic and better visibility through the trees. Summer afternoons often bring scattered showers, but they're typically gone by evening, leaving plenty of riding time. Around 250,000 riders tackle the Dragon annually. Fun fact: 18-wheelers have been banned since authorities got tired of semi disasters. Tucked between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, this is one road that'll get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories for years.
hardIs the Road to Inspiration Point in Utah Unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Box Elder County, Utah and itching for an adventure? Let me tell you about Inspiration Point! This peak sits way up high at 9,412 feet, and getting there is half the fun (and a little bit of a challenge). The road, Willard Peak Road, is a 14-mile dirt track starting from Mantua, and honestly? It's rough. Think bumpy, rocky, and dusty – seriously, leave your sports car at home. You absolutely need a 4x4 – a truck or Jeep is your best bet. You'll be crawling along at 5-15 mph, carefully picking your way around rocks. Oh, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! The road climbs 4,200 feet, so it’s about a 5.5% grade. The road's usually open from July to the end of October, thanks to the snow. And heads up – this spot's popular! Expect crowds, especially during the summer and in October. But trust me, it's all worth it. The views from the top are unreal. You can see everything from Salt Lake City to the Wasatch Front, Huntsville, and into Cache Valley. On a clear day, they say you can even spot Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming! Plus, you can explore some cool old mines nearby, like the Eldorado Mine below Willard Peak.