Travel guide to the top of Gem Peak in MT
Usa, north-america
6.43 km
1,857 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Montana, Gem Peak is calling your name. Nestled way up high in Sanders County, in the southern reaches of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, this peak tops out at a cool 6,092 feet.
The road up, Forest Road 2205, is all dirt and gravel, a proper mountain track. You *can* technically make it in a regular car, but trust me, you'll be way happier in a 4x4 with some decent clearance. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. This is a single-lane road with some serious exposure – think stunning views on one side, and a sheer drop on the other! The last couple of miles get pretty rocky, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Starting from Idaho Point Road, this 4-mile climb is located within the Kootenai National Forest. It's a steep one, with grades hitting up to 13% in places. At the summit, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1921. The views? Absolutely epic. Just be sure to take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and maybe pack a picnic for the top!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,857 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhat is the route of Forest Road 040?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Forest Road 040 in Utah's Duchesne County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude shortcut – a rugged, unpaved gem that connects back to Forest Road 196. Think pine forests, alpine meadows, and pure backcountry vibes! This track sits entirely above 3,100 meters, topping out at an eye-watering elevation. The air gets thin up there, and your engine WILL feel it. Word to the wise: this road is DIRT. If it’s wet, forget about it. Seriously. When it’s dry, a 4x4 is a MUST. We're talking steep sections, uneven terrain, and high clearance to avoid those sneaky obstacles. Weather is a HUGE deal. High winds whip across these ridges year-round, and even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Brutal. The short driving season is usually only open during peak summer. Check local conditions before you go—you don't want to be surprised by late-spring snowdrifts!
hardWhere is Sangre de Cristo Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Sangre de Cristo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.886m (9,468ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado. Where is Sangre de Cristo Pass? The pass is located on the boundary of Costilla and Huerfano counties, in the south-central part of Colorado, near the border with New Mexico. It serves as a natural divide between the San Luis Valley to the west and the Wet Mountain Valley to the east. Why is it called Sangre de Cristo Pass? The name "Sangre de Cristo" (Spanish for "Blood of Christ") was given to the mountain range by Spanish settlers, likely due to the reddish hues the mountains take on during sunrise and sunset. The pass has historical importance as it was used by Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, and later European settlers. It was part of the route used by early Spanish explorers heading north from New Mexico into Colorado and was the site of a Spanish Fort of 1819. Is the road to Sangre de Cristo Pass paved? The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Highway 160. It is now the principal highway route through this part of the mountain range. Is the road to Sangre de Cristo Pass open in winter? Set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, part of the larger Rocky Mountain range, the road is usually open in winter. It experiences harsh weather conditions, especially in winter, with snow and ice making the road treacherous. Is Sangre de Cristo Pass challenging? Located to the north of it’s a two lane road, well maintained, with no sharp turns, but going through territory where a road was not intended by Mother Nature. The drive is very scenic but preferably to drive it at night so as not to see the steep drops at the side of the road. How long is Sangre de Cristo Pass in Colorado? The road is 77.24km (48.0 miles) long running west-east from Fort Garland (in Costilla County) to the City of Walsenburg (the county seat of Huerfano County). Aiken Mine Road: Otherworldly Landscapes of Basalt Flows in California A road with lakes, mountains and meadows to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Verdi Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Verdi Peak in Sierra County, California, near the Nevada border, is calling your name. But getting there? That's half the fun. Picture this: you're tackling Verdi Peak Road, a fire road that climbs to a seriously impressive elevation. At the top, you'll find an abandoned lookout cabin with views for days – think sweeping panoramas of the Reno Valley and beyond. Now, the road itself? It's about getting a little rugged. It's rocky. We're talking medium-sized, round stones that can make things pretty bumpy, especially if you're not in a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. You'll definitely want to take it slow and steady to avoid any damage. The final few miles get pretty narrow and challenging. This climb kicks off from County Road S860, and it's a good one. You'll be tackling a steep ascent with a maximum gradient of 11.7% in places. It's just under 6 miles long, and you'll gain over 2,500 feet in elevation. The average gradient is 8.4%. One more thing: this area gets serious snow. Expect the road to be snow-covered from late November until late April or mid-May.
hardMills Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Sierra County, California, and you're itching for a killer view, you HAVE to check out Mills Peak. We're talking summit views at a whopping 7,322 feet! The road, aptly named Mills Peak Road, is... well, let's just say it's an experience. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Heads up, it's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The climb can be pretty steep in sections, but trust me, the payoff is worth it. At the top, you'll find an awesome lookout tower built way back in 1933. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!