
The Ultimate Guide to Mount Powell
Usa, north-america
11.42 km
2,667 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to New Mexico? Check out Mount Powell in McKinley County. This baby tops out at 8,750 feet! You'll find it smack-dab in the Cibola National Forest on Navajo Nation land.
The road up, Mount Powell Road (also known as Indian Service Rte 50), is all dirt, so definitely bring your 4x4. Fair warning: the summit's got a bunch of those communication towers, so don't expect pristine wilderness up top.
It's a climb, no doubt about it! From the paved NM-371, you've got about 7.1 miles of uphill, gaining almost 1,500 feet in elevation. It's not crazy steep, but definitely a good steady climb. Plus, you will find some great scenery along the way to the top.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,667 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardMiddle Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Middle Mountain in Colorado's Chaffee County is calling your name, but be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here, almost 12,000 feet! This "road" – and I use that term loosely – is a bumpy, gravel track known as Peekaboo Gulch road, snaking its way up the Sawatch Range in the Rockies. Think steep, think loose gravel, and think breathtaking views... if you dare to look. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. And if heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Rain turns this track into a real beast, so check the weather before you go. Heads up: the water in South Fork Lake Creek is a no-go. Seriously, don't drink it. High levels of aluminum, iron and other minerals make it super acidic. Oh, and one more thing – if you've got heart or respiratory issues, maybe choose a less intense adventure. This climb will definitely test your lungs! But for the properly prepared, Middle Mountain promises an unforgettable (and slightly terrifying) experience.
hardWhere is the Box Canyon Trail located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Arizona road trip fans, you HAVE to check out Box Canyon Trail! This 16-mile route carves right through Pinal County, in the heart of Arizona, and it's like driving through a postcard. Now, heads up: you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this one. We're talking some serious washboard action, deep dust, and a few rocky sections that'll test your clearance. You might even scrape the bottom a little – adds character, right? But the REAL warning? This canyon is NO joke when it rains. Flash floods are a serious risk, and those canyon walls are way too steep to climb. Plus, keep an eye out for narrow spots with drop-offs and tight squeezes. Basically, if the weather looks iffy, save this adventure for another day! Road conditions can change in an instant, so just because it was smooth sailing last week doesn't mean it will be this week!
moderateWhere is Mount Ka'ala?
🇺🇸 Usa
Aloha, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about conquering Mount Ka'ala on Oahu, Hawaii's third-largest island! This bad boy tops out at 4,038 feet, making it the island's highest point, nestled right in the misty Waianae Range. Now, here's the deal: you can't just cruise up to the summit in your rental car. This peak is home to an FAA tracking station, so the US Army keeps the road pretty locked down from Schofield Barracks. Expect high security and stick to the signs! But don't let that deter you! The road itself, Mount Kaala Road, is a paved beauty, built back in the 40s. Starting from Farrington Highway, it's a 7.7-mile climb, switchbacking its way up with 14 hairpin turns. We're talking a serious elevation gain of 4,020 feet, with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Just a heads-up: up here, the weather can change on a dime! Expect fog and almost 100% humidity, so pack accordingly.
hardSlate Peak is the highest road of Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
# Slate Peak Road: Washington's Ultimate High-Altitude Drive Want to experience the highest maintained road in Washington State? Slate Peak Road is calling your name. This unpaved gem sits right on the border between Okanogan and Whatcom counties, just 15 miles northwest of Mazama and practically kissing the Canadian border. The adventure starts at Hart's Pass and stretches just 2.6 miles to a locked gate near the summit, with a short quarter-mile walk to reach the 7,450-foot peak. It's a beast of a climb—expect grades up to 17% as you gain 368 meters of elevation, though the average gradient sits around 8.8%. Your regular vehicle can handle it (as long as you've got decent clearance), but leave the RV and trailers behind. The road's not for the faint of heart. It narrows considerably in spots, hugging a scree cliff with only pullouts for passing. That one-lane section without guardrails? Yeah, there's a few hundred feet of straight-down drop-off. It's legitimately hair-raising, but honestly, that's half the thrill. Fair warning: this road's only open from early July through early October. Snow blankets the peak most of the year, making it impassable outside the brief window. Pick a clear day—trust us on this one. The payoff? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll find the highest fire lookout tower in Washington (built way back in 1924) and jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascades. Bring your camera and grab the peak identification signs to help you spot all the major mountains stretching out before you. Few places offer views this spectacular without requiring a serious backcountry hike.