The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Mineral Bottom Trail in Utah
Usa, north-america
23.49 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# Mineral Bottom Trail: Utah's Thrilling Desert Drive
Want a road that'll make your heart race? The Mineral Bottom Trail in Grand County, Utah is absolutely stunning—and not for the faint of heart. This scenic 14.6-mile route (also called Horse Thief Trail) sits just outside Canyonlands National Park and serves as the gateway to the western half of the White Rim Trail.
The unpaved BLM129 runs east-west from UT-313 down to the White Rim Trail, and oh boy, does it deliver drama. The first section is a wide county road that rolls along smoothly enough, but then? Buckle up. You'll encounter a series of spectacular switchbacks that plunge toward the Green River valley with a max gradient of 21%—some seriously steep terrain that'll test your driving skills.
**When conditions are right**, this is a fantastic adventure for high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles (though 4WD is recommended for peace of mind). The payoff is gorgeous vistas and an exhilarating drive along the river's edge. Route-finding is super straightforward, so navigation isn't the challenge here.
**Here's the catch though:** stay away when it's wet. Rain turns this into a muddy nightmare, especially those switchbacks. The road gets slippery fast, and if you're not careful on those cliff-hugging turns, you could be stuck for hours. The 2010 washout that obliterated chunks of the road proves Mother Nature runs the show here.
Summer months bring intense heat and afternoon thunderstorms—aim for morning drives and bring plenty of water. Hit this trail in dry conditions, and you've got an unforgettable experience. Get caught in the rain? You might just be waiting it out for a while.
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Mineral Bottom Trail in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.5154, -97.6484
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.49 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.5154, -97.6484
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhy is the Imperial Express SuperChair in Colorado famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado, right? And you want a thrill? Check out the road to the Imperial Express SuperChair at Breckenridge Ski Area! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to one of the highest chairlifts in North America, sitting pretty high up. The road itself? Let's just say it's an adventure. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, with some seriously steep sections. Think gradients that will have your engine working hard. Now, this road isn't about smooth cruising. It's primarily a maintenance route used when the snow melts, so expect a raw, rugged feel. The final stretch? Get ready for views and a little bit of the jitters – it's not for the faint of heart. Just picture yourself scaling that mountain with incredible scenery all around!
moderateWhere is O'Neil Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright road trip warriors, let's talk O'Neil Pass! This beauty clocks in at a cool 6,712 feet above sea level, making it the highest paved road in South Dakota. You'll find it snaking through the Black Hills National Forest in the western part of the state. The whole thing is paved (thank goodness!), and it's actually part of U.S. Route 85. But don't think it's a boring cruise! This stretch throws in some serious climbs, hitting a 7% gradient in spots to keep things interesting. The pass itself runs for about 25 miles, starting near Cheyenne Crossing, South Dakota and ending near Four Corners, Wyoming. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – they love this area! And a word to the wise: winter can get dicey with ice and snow on those curves. Just past the summit, you'll find Trailshead Lodge. So if you're looking for a cozy cabin or some snowmobiling action, you know where to stop!
moderateGranite Pass is a beautiful drive through the Bighorn Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Granite Pass in Wyoming! This stunner sits way up high at 9,045 feet, right on the edge of Big Horn and Sheridan counties. You'll be cruising on U.S. Route 14, also known as the Big Horn Scenic Byway, a perfectly paved, two-lane road that winds its way to the top. Get ready for some climbs, though – those ramps can get pretty steep, hitting a 7% gradient in places! The whole shebang is about 47.3 miles long, connecting Burgess Junction to Greybull, so pack some snacks. Nestled in the Bighorn Mountains, inside the Bighorn National Forest, this drive is all about the views. Keep an eye out for closures due to snow in the winter and early spring, but summer and fall are generally smooth sailing. Think alpine meadows, fields teeming with deer, elk, and moose – seriously, it's a photographer's dream. The road switchbacks dramatically through a canyon on the western side and then mellows out into a more gradual descent as you head east. Trust me, you won’t regret this one.
extremeHow challenging is the road to Urique?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in Chihuahua, Mexico, ready to descend into the legendary Urique Canyon. The road to Urique isn't just a road; it's an *experience.* We're talking a seriously steep, mostly dirt track that's gonna put your driving skills to the ultimate test. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. The 54-kilometer route features over 100 turns, and that last 14-kilometer stretch? Let's just say it's legendary. Think hairpin switchbacks that plummet 2,000 meters, a narrow path hugging a ravine, and absolutely zero guardrails. Oh, and did I mention visibility around those curves is… limited? Locals will tell you this route is a beast, especially when it's wet. Police might even suggest you take the long way around due to "security concerns." Trust me, this is no joke. The road, built back in '75, is rough, unforgiving, and barely wide enough for two cars in spots. But if you're feeling brave – *really* brave – and you've got nerves of steel (and maybe a professional driver's license?), the views are supposed to be epic. Imagine pine forests, dramatic drops, and a sense of accomplishment like no other. Just, you know, maybe ask around about current road conditions before you commit. You've been warned!