Thompson Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,669 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Thompson Pass! We're heading to Sublette County, Wyoming, for this one. Buckle up for a seriously scenic ride up to 8,756 feet above sea level.
The route? Forest Road 10128, baby! And just to keep things interesting, it's all gravel. You'll be winding your way through the heart of the Wyoming Range, so prepare for some epic mountain views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, but also watch out for those loose gravel patches – it's all part of the adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,669 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow to drive to Nevado de Toluca in Mexico?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in Estado de México, just a few hours from the buzz of Mexico City, and you're about to tackle one of the highest roads in the country! We're talking about Nevado de Toluca, a massive, dormant volcano just begging to be explored. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road winds up to a staggering 4,254m (13,956ft) inside Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca, also called Xinantécatl. Now, heads up: it's unpaved and can be a bit rough thanks to rain and volcanic rocks. You used to be able to drive almost to the crater itself, but now there's a gate about 2km back, before you reach the lakes. You'll need to pay a fee at a couple of checkpoints to get access. Winter travelers, take note: the upper parking might be closed after snowfall, so prepare to park lower down. The adventure kicks off in Raíces, a small village in Zinacantepec. The road stretches for about 20.5 km (12.73 miles) and, in dry conditions, a 2-wheel drive should be fine. Be ready for some steep sections, with gradients hitting around 7%. You'll gain 784 meters in elevation from Raíces, averaging a 3.82% gradient. Give yourself about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. The drive is seriously stunning, passing through lush pine forests with the snow-capped volcano getting closer with every turn. You'll find lodging options along the way, and about 6 kilometers from the crater, there's a gate, a café, and a basic shelter. If you're visiting between November and March, expect snow! It's a great spot for some off-piste cross-country skiing when the conditions are right. Just be aware that the park closes during heavy snowstorms for safety. Get ready for incredible views and a truly unique experience!
extremeSherman Pass in California has lots of twists and turns
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sherman Pass in California's Tulare County is calling your name. Perched way up high at 9,200 feet, this is one of the highest drives you can find in the Golden State. You'll find this beauty hugging the eastern side of Sequoia National Forest, right on the edge of the Kern Plateau. Sherman Pass Road (aka Forest Route 22S05) is paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Get ready for a wild ride with tons of twists, turns, and some seriously steep sections. The road's pretty narrow – just 18 feet wide – and those gradients can hit 9%! Plus, you've got those epic mountain drop-offs to keep you on your toes. This climb is definitely remote and challenging. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas of the Sierra Crest and the mighty Mount Whitney. Keep in mind, this road is seasonal. It usually opens around late May or early June, depending on the snow, and closes again in late fall or winter. Summer can also bring some intense heat, so be prepared! Sherman Pass connects the tiny towns of Johnsondale and Linnie, stretching for about 73 miles. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Clear Lake in San Juan NF
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Clear Lake! Picture this: an alpine turquoise dream shimmering at almost 12,000 feet high, nestled in Colorado's San Juan County. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. You'll find this gem tucked away in the San Juan National Forest, just west of the cool little town of Silverton, south of South Lookout Peak. The road to the lake? Forget pavement! It's a wild, rocky ride known as Forest Road 815 (Clear Lake Road). From Forest Road 585, near South Mineral Campground, it's a relatively short 4.4 miles, but don't let the distance fool you. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle, and 4x4 is highly recommended. Think narrow, steep, and hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep drop-offs? Beginners beware! Plenty of designated parking at the top though, so don't even think about parking on the grass. Open seasonally, from late spring to late fall, this high-altitude road is a stunner. You'll pass old mining relics along the way, but the real draw is the incredible scenery, wildflowers, and waterfalls. It's a bit of a white-knuckle climb to that magical lake above, but trust me, the views are worth every sweaty palm and craned neck. And yeah, that road gets steep! We're talking gradients up to 16% in sections. You'll climb over 2,000 feet from Forest Road 585, with an average gradient of over 9%.
easyWhere is High Rock Bay?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to High Rock Bay in Michigan's Keweenaw County? Prepare for an adventure! This place is seriously stunning, tucked away in the northeastern corner with unreal views of Lake Superior. Getting there? Well, that's part of the fun (and the challenge!). You’ll hop off US Highway 41, just past Copper Harbor, and embark on an approximately 7.7-mile trek. The whole road is unpaved – we’re talking Mandan Road for the first 4.8 miles, which is essentially a popular ATV trail, followed by about 2.9 miles on High Rock Bay Road. High Rock Bay Road is where it gets interesting. Expect a bumpy ride! Think potholes galore (often disguised as muddy puddles), ruts that’ll test your suspension, and plenty of bouncing. Seriously, leave the compact car at home. You'll want a 4x4, *especially* if it's been raining. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The road eventually splits, leading to both the Keweenaw Rocket Range and High Rock Bay itself. The panoramic views of Lake Superior and Manitou Island are incredible, and there's some fantastic camping spots too. Prepare for a memorable trek with beautiful scenery to be rewarded with!