The remote Kleinschmidt Grade Road in Idaho will test your nerves
Usa, north-america
8.69 km
671 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in Adams County, Idaho, and you're craving an adrenaline rush, Kleinschmidt Grade Road (also known as Forest Road 050) is calling your name. But fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. Beginners might want to sit this one out.
West of Cuprum, near the Oregon border, this historical dirt road is a blast from the past. Picture this: back in the late 1880s, Albert Kleinschmidt carved this route to haul copper and gold from the Seven Devils region down to the Snake River. It's a pretty steep climb up the canyon wall, taking you deep into remote Idaho mining country.
This old ore-hauling road – also tagged as National Forest Development Road 050 – winds dramatically up from Hells Canyon. At 5.4 miles long, connecting Hells Canyon Road (NF-454) to Windy Ridge Road (NF-072) within the Payette National Forest, it’s rarely maintained, so conditions can get dicey. But, if it's dry, a 2WD car should be able to make it. Just leave the RV and trailer at home, okay?
The views? Incredible! But keep your eyes peeled. This road climbs a hefty 2,200 feet in a short distance, with tons of blind corners hugging the hillside. Not for the faint of heart, the road is just wide enough for one vehicle, without guardrails, and a *serious* drop-off. So, constantly scan uphill for oncoming traffic and be ready to pull over. This drive offers panoramic views of the western Idaho mountains and the Seven Devils Mountains. Trust me, this challenging road is an unforgettable blend of history, scenery, and white-knuckle driving.
Where is it?
The remote Kleinschmidt Grade Road in Idaho will test your nerves is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 44.7374, -99.0065
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.69 km
- Max Elevation
- 671 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 44.7374, -99.0065
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