Walter's Wiggles in Utah: 21 short, very steep switchbacks
Usa, north-america
3.9 km
8 m
extreme
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
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
moderateThe Scenic Journey Along State Route 153: From Beaver to Piute in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic Utah adventure on State Route 153, a stunning road connecting Beaver and Piute counties! This hidden gem, nestled high in the Fishlake National Forest, stretches for about 40 miles (65 km) and will take you between 1.2 and 1.5 hours to drive non-stop. SR-153 peaks at a breathtaking 10,242 feet (3,122m) above sea level, offering unbelievable views. You'll find awesome camping and hiking spots along the way, plus some of the best hunting in the state. The first 21 miles, known as Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway, are paved and perfect for all vehicles. This section climbs east from Beaver (off I-15) into the Tushar Mountains, topping out around 9,200 feet (2,800 m) near Puffer's Lake turn-off. Heads up: snow tires or chains are a must from November to March due to heavy snow. But the real adventure starts after Puffer's Lake! The remaining 15 miles to Junction are unpaved and only open in dry weather (usually closed in winter). It winds over the Tushar Mountains and down into the Sevier River Valley. Word to the wise: check conditions in Beaver before heading out, and leave the trailer behind! The last 5 miles near Junction are paved again, bringing you smoothly into town. Get ready for a wild ride!
moderateHow long is the San Juan Skyway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Welcome to the "Road to the Sky," aka the San Juan Skyway, one of America's most stunning drives! Picture this: you're cruising through southwestern Colorado, starting around 6,200 feet above sea level near Cortez, and climbing up to a breathtaking 11,018 feet. This paved loop winds 233 miles through the heart of the San Juan National Forest, plus Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The crown jewel? The Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray—get ready for some thrills! You could technically whip around the whole Skyway in about five hours, but trust me, you'll want to savor every moment. This route is all about soaking in the views: towering mountains, charming little towns, and even ancient Native American pueblo ruins. Think fresh alpine forests, historic mining towns, sprawling cattle ranges, and those amazing prehistoric ruins. There are pull-offs galore, so stop often! Mountain biking, hiking, and skiing are huge around here, and the Skyway puts you right in the middle of it all. You’ll pass through cool mountain towns like Durango, Silverton, Telluride, and Ouray, and each one has its own unique vibe. Good news: the road's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to weather. The views of those 14,000-foot peaks are unreal any time of year, but each season has its own magic. Spring brings cascading waterfalls, summer explodes with wildflowers, and fall is a riot of bronze and gold leaves. Snow bunnies, winter is your time to shine with those incredible views and ski resorts! Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the weather, especially in the mountains. Summer thunderstorms are common, and winter conditions can be tricky. And be prepared for some steep sections and switchbacks. Some parts of the road also have drop-offs with no guardrails, so stay alert!
easyA Desert Trip: The Scenic Pinto Basin Road in the Joshua Tree NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Joshua Tree National Park? You absolutely HAVE to take Pinto Basin Road! This fully paved, two-lane beauty stretches for nearly 30 miles (47km) and is essentially the main artery slicing through the heart of the park. This recently revamped road (Park Route 11) whisks you from the Mojave Desert to the Sonoran Desert, showcasing the incredible diversity of the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is STUNNING! But remember, safety first! Watch your speed, especially with those gradients hitting up to 5.3% in places. Sadly, many animals (including desert tortoises) are roadkill victims, so drive responsibly. Reaching a dizzying height of almost 4,000 feet (1,197m), the views are breathtaking. But the desert has its dangers. Be aware of rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widows if you're hiking. Summer brings scorching heat and intense sun, and flash floods can strike without warning – so pay attention to weather reports and never drive through standing water! Stay safe and enjoy this unforgettable desert adventure.
moderateGilman Tunnels take you through the Jemez Mountains of NM
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Gilman Tunnels: A Hidden Gem in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains Ready for a road trip that feels straight out of a movie? That's because it literally has been! Tucked into the stunning Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, State Highway 485 winds through the historic Gilman Tunnels—a pair of massive stone tunnels blasted out of solid rock back in the 1920s. You'll find them near the charming town of Jemez Springs in Sandoval County, nestled within the Santa Fe National Forest. Here's the deal: the road is fully paved but narrow and twisty with plenty of blind curves that'll keep you on your toes. It's a smooth drive with moderate grades and usually quiet (though expect more company on summer weekends). Once you pass through the tunnels, the road transforms into gravel Forest Service Road 376—not ideal for regular sedans, so fair warning there. **Timing matters**: This area gets serious snow, so expect closures from mid-December through mid-April. Falling rocks can shut things down anytime, and there's zero cell service out here, so come prepared. The tunnels have serious history. They were originally carved out for the Santa Fe Northwestern Railway's logging operations in the early 1900s. After the 1929 stock market crash and subsequent flood damage in 1941, the railroad shut down for good. Eventually, those tunnels became the incredible scenic road you see today, named after railroad CEO William H. Gilman. And here's the Hollywood connection: those tunnels aren't just photogenic—they're movie-star photogenic. They've been featured in *3:10 to Yuma*, *The Lone Ranger*, and *The Scorch Trials*. Don't skip the full experience. After the second tunnel, you'll discover a gorgeous waterfall and plenty of rocks perfect for stretching your legs. The stunning views of the box canyon and the Guadalupe River 500 feet below are absolutely worth the drive. Just bring your camera—you'll want it.