
Union Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,755 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Union Mountain in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 12,319 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives.
Located inside the White River National Forest, the "road" to the summit is actually more of a rugged chairlift access trail. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. Basically, you'll be bouncing around like crazy! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks.
Winter has a serious hold on this place, so your window of opportunity is pretty much mid-summer. This trail is definitely for experienced off-roaders only. If you're not comfortable on steep, unpaved mountain roads, steer clear. You'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to even attempt this, and a healthy dose of bravery wouldn't hurt either. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? And if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, the views? Totally worth it if you're up for the challenge!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,755 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardMana Road is one of the oldest dirt roads on the Big Island
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Aloha, adventure seekers! Ever heard of Mana Road on the Big Island of Hawai'i? This hidden gem stretches for almost 43 miles, linking Mauna Kea Access Road with the Mamalahoa Highway near Waimea. Trust me, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This winding dirt road hugs the slopes of Mauna Kea, soaring to a breezy 7,293 feet above sea level. The terrain is seriously mixed โ think smooth pavement that quickly turns into a rugged mix of red dirt, loose rocks, and mud pits. Word to the wise: rental cars are a no-go, even the 4WD ones (the rental companies *really* don't want you here). While 4WD isn't always a must in good weather, high ground clearance definitely is to navigate some seriously deep ruts. Be prepared for anything โ sunshine, wind, rain, you name it. The weather up here can change on a dime. And pack plenty of water and gas! Budget about 5-6 hours to soak it all in. You'll be cruising through wide-open ranchlands, tackling some killer climbs, and navigating fast, technical downhills. And the views? Absolutely insane, especially the sweeping vistas of the volcano. Seriously, though, this place is breathtaking. Just proceed with caution!
hardSchellbourne Pass
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride over Schellbourne Pass! This gem sits way up in northeastern Nevada, in the northern part of White Pine County, topping out at 7,601 feet. You'll be cruising along White Pine County Road 18, a road that throws every kind of curve your way. Seriously, it's twisty heaven! Nestled in the Schell Creek Mountains, the road's generally in great shape, making for a smooth and easy drive. And the views? Absolutely stunning! Just a heads-up, though: this is an off-the-beaten-path adventure. You're out there, so be prepared. If something goes wrong, help can be far away with limited to no cell service in spots. No gas stations or stores up here, so fill 'er up beforehand and double-check that spare tire. Fun fact: the pass got its name from Major A.J. Schell, a U.S. commander back in the 1880s.
easyWhere is the Old Spiral Highway?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Old Spiral Highway is said to be one of the best motorcycle roads in the US state of Idaho. The very twisty road, with 64 curves, is short, curvy, smooth, and most definitely sweet. Where is the Old Spiral Highway? The road is located on the north side of the Clearwater River in Lewiston, the county seat of Nez Perce County, in the northern-central part of Idaho, near the border of Washington state. How long is Old Spiral Highway? The Old Spiral Highway is only 11.74km (7.3 miles) long. When was the Old Spiral Highway built? Originally constructed in 1917, this historic road, also known as the Old Lewiston Grade, takes 64 turns to traverse 2000 feet of elevation change. This road served as the only route for traffic until 1977 when US-95 was constructed. It was considered a huge feat in engineering and a breakthrough at the time. The road was the subject of the 1950s rock n' roll song called "Hot Rod Lincoln". Where does Old Spiral Highway start and end? The road runs south-north from ID-128 road at 272m above sea level to US-95 road at 822m above sea level. The elevation gain is 550 meters. The average gradient is 4.68%. The road hits a 13% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. What is the curviest road in Idaho? Old Spiral Highway is fully paved. Nicknamed Idahoโs windiest road, itโs not an easy drive, with uncountable turns and twists. This old 2-lane alignment of US Route 95 heads up the breathtaking 2000 ft tall grade in a very short 8 miles. The road is loaded with twists and turns and dramatic switchbacks. It is also freshly repaved - too good to be true. This short and technical motorcycle route is certainly one of the best rides in the area. With over 60 curves and a steadily steep elevation grade, this road is for drivers who are up for a bit of a challenge. Itโs best attempted by those who don't get dizzy very easily. Weston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches Old Cascade Tunnel in Washington is haunted by ghosts 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.
moderateWhere is Quail Mountain?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic Colorado climb? Head west of Granite, into Chaffee County, and set your sights on Quail Mountain. We're talking a proper 4x4-only kind of trail here. Forest Service Road 398, aka Lost Canyon Road, will test your skills and your vehicle's suspension. The first half? Manageable. The second half? Buckle up, buttercup, because you're heading above the treeline into some seriously rugged terrain. This isn't a Sunday drive; we're talking a 3.8 km (2.36 mile) ascent with gradients hitting a wild 20% in places. You'll climb almost 400 meters, averaging a 10% grade, so make sure your rig is ready. But the views? Totally worth it. At the summit, you'll find relics from the mining days โ a couple of old cabins โ and overlooks that will blow your mind. Lost Canyon sprawls below you to the northeast, the glistening Clear Creek Reservoir to the east, and a panorama of mountains in every direction. Keep in mind that being high up in the Sawatch Range means snow closes this road down for a good chunk of the year. Plan your trip for the warmer months!