Travel guide to the top of Lunch Peak in ID
Usa, north-america
24.94 km
1,956 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Lunch Peak! Nestled way up in the Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho, inside the Kaniksu National Forest, this peak clocks in at a cool 6,417 feet.
Getting to the top is an adventure in itself. We're talking Lunch Peak Road #1091: a 15.5-mile, totally unpaved climb from Trestle Creek. While it's generally kept in good shape, you'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Some of those hills get seriously steep, hitting a 9% grade!
You'll gain over 4,300 feet on your way up, so buckle in. The reward? A lookout tower built in '71, and views that are absolutely worth the bumpy ride. We're talking the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains, and the sparkling beauty of Lake Pend Oreille stretching out before you. Trust me, you won't regret this trek!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,956 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow is the drive to Sun Notch?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of Crater Lake in Oregon, high above the deepest lake in the USA. You're on the Rim Drive, heading towards Sun Notch, a gap in the caldera wall that gives you knockout views. "Notch" is the perfect name, because it was carved by a massive glacier that flowed down Mount Mazama ages ago. When the volcano blew and the summit caved in, the glacier was basically chopped off, leaving this epic, U-shaped valley behind. Talk about a geological rollercoaster! Now, the road to Sun Notch is paved, but hold on tight. It hugs the caldera's edge, meaning it's narrow with some serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, this can be a bit intense, especially when you're sharing the road with RVs and cyclists. Watch out for rocks on the road, and if you're in a bigger rig, take it slow — this section of the Rim Drive is pretty mountainous, with elevation changes and tight turns galore. Luckily, there are plenty of turnouts, and Sun Notch itself has a parking area where you can start the short walk to the rim. Why make the trek? Because Sun Notch is *the* spot for photographing Phantom Ship Island. This ancient, jagged island looks like a ghostly galleon floating in the impossibly blue water. The view from Sun Notch is a total game-changer. A heads up: Sun Notch is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. This area gets buried under *tons* of snow, sometimes over 60 feet deep! They have to work like crazy to clear the East Rim Drive, and Sun Notch is usually one of the last sections to open up. Always check the park's conditions before you go, because early storms can bring ice as early as October.
hardSitgreaves Pass in Arizona is a fabulous road if you are not scared of heights
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wanna ditch the boring interstate and inject some serious adrenaline into your next road trip? Then point your GPS towards Sitgreaves Pass in Arizona's Black Mountains! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about Oatman Road (aka Historic U.S. 66 W), a twisty, turning, 22-mile stretch of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little terror, if you're honest). Nestled between Kingman and Oatman, it's a climb to 3,595 feet with views that'll make your jaw drop... literally. The road itself? Let's just say it's intimate. Narrow lanes, hairpin turns that’ll test your steering skills, and zero shoulder to forgive mistakes. Oh, and those guardrails? Scarce! You'll be clinging to the side of the mountain with nothing but a few wooden posts and a flimsy chain between you and a serious drop. Keep an eye out for the rusted-out car wrecks serving as a warning for those who took a turn too hot. Expect a slow and steady pace. Some sections will have you crawling at 20mph, especially with that 12% gradient kicking in. Normal cars are fine, but big RVs? Proceed with EXTREME caution. Seriously, this isn't the place for them. And definitely skip it if the weather's dodgy or the sun's gone down. Allow at least 45 minutes without stops, but let's be real, you'll want to stop. There are plenty of pull-offs begging for photo ops, with glimpses of old mining ruins to add some historical flavor to the scenery. Just please, keep your eyes on the road while you're actually driving! Trust me, the white-knuckle drive is totally worth it for the bragging rights (and the incredible views). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Sitgreaves Pass!
hardHow long is Bella Coola Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Bella Coola Road (Highway 20) in British Columbia – a 454-kilometer adventure from Williams Lake to Bella Coola! Forget your average Sunday drive, this route throws you into the heart of BC's wilderness, from the arid canyons near the Fraser River to seriously stunning glaciated peaks. Think of it as two road trips in one: for the first 319 km, you're cruising on pavement to Anahim Lake. Then, BAM! Gravel time! The rest is an all-season gravel road, not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep grades, and the kind of scenery that will leave you speechless (or maybe muttering a little prayer). But the real kicker is "The Hill" – 11 km of switchbacks climbing to 1,524 m (5,000 ft). Hold tight for the descent; a 43-kilometer stretch of narrow road with those hairpin turns, including a nail-biting 9 km at an 18% grade – supposedly the steepest in BC! First gear is your friend here, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Some sections are single-lane. Believe it or not, they completed this thing in 1953 with just two bulldozers and a whole lot of determination. It's officially Highway 20, but locals still call it the "Freedom Road," a tribute to the valley's long history of isolation. Speaking of remote, facilities are scarce along the way, so fill up that gas tank before you go. While you could technically do it in a day, especially in summer, factor in time to stop and actually soak in the incredible surroundings. Oh, and did I mention Bella Coola was a filming location for The Incredible Hulk? Talk about a scenic hideaway!
hardDriving the unpaved Navy Road in Santa Cruz Island
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of exploring a wild, remote island paradise? Navy Road, tucked away in California's Channel Islands, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about 7.14 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. The terrain is rugged, the weather can be unpredictable, and the road is entirely unpaved. This baby gets seriously steep, hitting a 22% gradient in spots! While you can see some vehicles from the island, no public motor vehicles are allowed. You can only hike or kayak around. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Navy Road winds through canyons and over ridges, offering stunning vistas that have graced the silver screen in movies like Peter Pan and The Rescue. Keep your eyes peeled for ticks, poison oak, cholla cactus, and scorpions, there are no poisonous snakes on the island. Remember that access to the island is restricted, so plan accordingly. If you're craving a truly unforgettable wilderness experience, Navy Road is where it's at!