Travel guide to the top of Quartz Mountain
Usa, north-america
3.95 km
1,580 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about Quartz Mountain, a sweet spot in Washington's Spokane County, chilling at 5,183 feet. You'll find it nestled in Mount Spokane State Park, just northeast of Spokane, hanging out in the Selkirk Mountains.
Heads up: this road is all dirt! Leave the sedan at home. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Private vehicles aren't allowed on the final stretch, so park it at the Selkirk Lodge and get ready to hike or bike.
Why bother? Well, the views from the fire lookout tower at the top are killer, with a full-on panoramic view of the Spokane Valley and into north Idaho.
Generally, you can hit this trail from mid-June to mid-October. From Mt Spokane Park Drive, it's a 2.45-mile climb to the top, gaining 660 feet. It's a steady climb, with an average grade of around 5%, so be prepared to work for that view!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.95 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,580 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Slate Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Slate Peak, way up in Washington, practically kissing the Canadian border. We're talking about the tippy-top of the Okanogan Range, in the North Cascades. You can drive almost to the very top, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart! The adventure starts at Hart's Pass, where you hop onto Slate Peak Road (aka Forest Service Road 5400). It's only about 2.6 miles to the end of the drivable section, but those miles are on a totally unpaved road that climbs like crazy! Seriously, you'll gain over 1200 feet, with some spots hitting a 17% grade. Definitely not trailer-friendly, and larger vehicles might want to think twice. The road's usually open from early July to early October, depending on the snow, which hangs around most of the year. It's a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially in a few sections where the road narrows right next to a seriously steep drop-off. No guardrails here, folks! But, oh my, is it worth it! Park at the locked gate just below the summit and take a short walk to the top. You'll find the remains of a leveled area from a Cold War radar station idea (they never built it), but the real star is the view. Seriously breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Cascades. On a clear day, you can see forever! There are even signs to help you identify all the peaks. Trust me, you won't find many views like this without a major hike. Don't forget your camera; you'll want to remember this one!
moderateDriving the Old Kern Canyon Road is not a piece of cake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Old Kern Canyon Road in California's Kern County! Nestled in the Sequoia National Forest, this 13.3-mile paved route (aka County Road 214) is a real adventure. Forget wide-open highways; this is a winding, twisting climb right along the Kern River's southeast side. Think hairpin turns and narrow lanes, but also think stunning views. It's definitely not a boring drive! Just so you know, CA Highway 178 now bypasses it.
hardHelmet Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Helmet Peak in southwest Colorado's Montezuma County is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about reaching a staggering 11,420 feet above sea level! The road to the top? Think gravel and rocks, not smooth asphalt. Winter? Forget about it, this trail is definitely off-limits. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this one might be best to skip. Seriously, a 4x4 is pretty much essential here. And heads up, it's STEEP, so if you have a fear of heights, you might want to admire this peak from afar. But for the views? Totally worth it!
extremeHow difficult is the road to Mineral Hill (NF-202)?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Mineral Hill (NF-202) in Idaho County, Idaho – smack-dab in the north-central part of the state. This isn't just a drive; it's a time machine back to the wild gold rush days in the Gospel Hump Wilderness. Forget manicured landscapes – this is raw, untamed backcountry. The road stretches a grueling distance from the paved road to the peak, a proper 4x4 challenge mixing steep rock climbs, boulder fields, and mud. You'll be white-knuckling it over Orogrande Summit (7,270 feet), navigating crazy curves on NF-202 where passing another vehicle is a serious test of your spatial awareness. And did I mention the "road" itself? Think 1- to 2-foot vertical steps that demand serious technical skills. This route is definitely better suited for OHVs than your average SUV. Expect some steep climbs; we're talking gradients up to 14% in places! Off-road veterans with high-clearance rigs only, please. Now, for the "fun" part: hazards. Avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and sneaky ice patches – Mineral Hill throws everything it has at you, especially in late spring. Check the weather before you go, and maybe pack a guardian angel. But, oh, the views! You'll be rewarded with two pristine alpine lakes near the pass, shining like jewels amidst the rugged terrain. Plus, you're driving through history. This area used to be bustling with mining towns, now reclaimed by nature. And get this: modern-day miners are still working some of those old claims. So, if you're looking for a remote, off-the-grid adventure steeped in history and heart-stopping driving, Mineral Hill needs to be on your list. Just remember to pack extra supplies and your A-game. This is one high road that doesn't mess around!