Walter's Wiggles in Utah: 21 short, very steep switchbacks

Walter's Wiggles in Utah: 21 short, very steep switchbacks

Usa, north-america

Length

3.9 km

Elevation

8 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Zion National Park, Utah, ready for a legendary hike. You're about to tackle Walter's Wiggles, 21 incredibly tight switchbacks carved right into the cliff face on the way to Angel's Landing. This isn't just a walk in the park; it's a relentless climb that will test your legs and maybe your nerves.

We're talking a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) trek to the viewpoint, and this section? It's pure zigzag madness! Each wiggle is only about 20-25 feet long, but those turns are what gets you up the seriously steep north face. The trail, built back in 1926, is a pedestrian-only path with chains to help you along the way. It’s an absolute marvel of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity.

Heads up: while it's incredibly rewarding, this trail has seen its share of accidents over the years. But the views from the top? Absolutely worth the effort, offering some of the most breathtaking vistas in Zion. It’s named after Walter Ruesch, the park's first superintendent. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Where is it?

Walter's Wiggles in Utah: 21 short, very steep switchbacks is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5608, -97.9298

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
3.9 km
Max Elevation
8 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
39.5608, -97.9298

Related Roads in north-america

An old 4wd road to Mount Edwardshard

An old 4wd road to Mount Edwards

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, picture this: You're in Colorado's Summit County, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest. Ready to tackle Mount Edwards? This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about an old, unpaved mining road that climbs to a whopping 12,611 feet! Word is, you can't even drive it anymore, so dust off those hiking boots! Starting from Peru Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 260), it's a quick jaunt of just over half a mile. Don't let the short distance fool you, though, because you'll be gaining some serious elevation, with sections clocking in around a 10% grade. You'll likely find this adventure accessible from March to November, though snow can hang around at the summit well into July. Once you're up there, prepare to be blown away. The views of Grays, Torreys, and Kelso Peaks, plus Stevens Gulch far below, are simply epic.

How difficult is the NF-356 road to Mount Jordan?hard

How difficult is the NF-356 road to Mount Jordan?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're deep in the heart of Idaho's Salmon River Mountains, ready for a backcountry adventure unlike any other. You're headed to Mount Jordan, a peak way up there in the Challis National Forest, where the views are insane – a full 360 degrees of jagged peaks and endless pine valleys. Getting there? That's where the fun begins. The climb up Forest Road 356 from Stanley Basin is short but brutal, only about 4.2 km (2.6 miles) long, but you're gaining a whopping 601 meters (almost 2,000 feet!). That's an average gradient of over 14%, making it one of the steepest sustained drives in Idaho. The road is rough, all loose gravel, big rocks, and seriously deep ruts. You absolutely NEED a 4x4 with low-range gearing; no ifs, ands, or buts. This track is tippy, and with that extreme steepness, you'll need expert throttle control to keep from slipping. And if it's wet? Forget about it, unless you're a total pro. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in until late spring, sometimes even July! And the weather up there in Custer County can change on a dime, so be prepared for sudden thunderstorms and temperature drops. Pack extra fuel and supplies because you are totally isolated up there. No services, just you, your rig, and those epic views after conquering those crazy steep slopes.

Monument Ridgehard

Monument Ridge

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Monument Ridge in southwestern Montana's Madison County is calling your name! We're talking about a serious climb to 9,576 feet above sea level in the heart of the Gravelly Range. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest road #290, also known as Gravelly Range Road, which is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy beast. Think teeth-chattering terrain! You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. And a good dose of bravery! Heads up: winters are a no-go here. The road is usually impassable. Plus, if you're not comfortable with heights or super steep climbs, this might not be your jam. Expect mud if it's wet. But the views? Absolutely worth the challenge. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.

Costilla Passhard

Costilla Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Costilla Pass in New Mexico's Colfax County is calling your name. We're talking a sky-high climb to 9,770 feet in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say "character-building." Expect a rough, bumpy, and tippy ride that demands respect. And forget about it in the winter—this pass stays snowed in, often until well into summer. Experienced off-roaders, this one's for you! The trail is narrow, making passing tricky, and it's seriously steep. High clearance is an absolute must—leave the low riders at home. But the views? Oh man, the views are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.