What does Kusawa mean?
Canada, north-america
24 km
754 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Kusawa Lake Road! This isn't just any road – it’s your gateway to the stunning glacial blue waters of Kusawa Lake, a true Yukon gem whose name means "long narrow lake" in the Tlingit language. Just a stone’s throw from Whitehorse, near the BC border, this 24-kilometer (almost 15-mile) dirt track takes you from mile 960 of the highway all the way to a campground near the lake.
Now, here’s the deal: this isn't a Sunday drive. Running alongside the Takhini River, this narrow, winding road can get seriously muddy after a rainstorm, and those sandy patches? They can be pretty rough. Plus, keep an eye out – there's a higher-than-usual risk of floods and mudflows, so always be aware of environmental factors. The views are breathtaking, no doubt, but get ready for some steep climbs!
Reaching a height of 754 meters (nearly 2,500 feet), this road is only open during the warmer months, typically from May to October. Forget about it in the winter – it's closed! But if you're up for a bit of an adventure and crave those unbelievable Yukon landscapes, Kusawa Lake Road is calling your name. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24 km
- Max Elevation
- 754 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardRed Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in Chaffee County, Colorado and craving an adventure, Red Mountain is calling your name. This beast of a peak tops out at 12,693 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. The road? It's Peek-A-Boo Gulch Road, an old mining route that's now a rough and rocky gravel track winding through the Sawatch Range. Full-size vehicles beware: there are some seriously tight squeezes along the way! You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to tackle this baby. But trust me, the views are worth it. We're talking jaw-dropping scenery, a taste of Colorado history, and easy access to epic hiking and fishing spots. Just a heads-up: this road is not for the faint of heart (or those with a fear of heights). Keep an eye on the weather; snow can make it impassable, even outside of winter. And after a rainstorm? Expect some extra challenging conditions and loose gravel surprises. So, pack your common sense, prep your ride, and get ready for an unforgettable Colorado adventure!
easyWhere is North Fork Pass Summit?
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the North Fork Pass Summit, sitting pretty high up in the Yukon, Canada at 4,356 feet. We're talking northwest Canada here, close to the Alaska border, right in the heart of Tombstone Territorial Park. Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit? All gravel, baby! It's part of the legendary Dempster Highway, a well-maintained mix of gravel and crushed stone. You'll need to be prepared because amenities are few and far between. This epic journey stretches for 457 miles, taking you from the Klondike Highway (just east of Dawson City) all the way to Inuvik up in the Northwest Territories, near the Mackenzie River delta. Heads up, this road is seasonal. You can usually hit it between June 10th and October 14th, or if you're feeling a winter adventure, from December 15th to April 30th. As the highest point on the Dempster Highway, North Fork Pass offers breathtaking scenery.
extremeTop of the World is one of the gnarliest roads of Moab
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Moab, Utah, and you're craving a view that'll knock your socks off, you HAVE to check out Top of the World. Perched at 7,050 feet, this natural viewpoint gives you a killer panorama from a 3,000-foot cliff overlook. Seriously, it might just be the best view in the whole state. Getting there is half the adventure! The Top of the World trail, about 9.5 miles long, is a totally unpaved 4x4 route that kicks off from UT-128. Now, let's be real: this drive is no Sunday cruise. We're talking broken, layered rock, shelves of all sizes, loose rock, ledges, bedrock, sand, and even a little slickrock. The last few miles are seriously intense, so you'll want a rig that can handle it. Think 35" tires, a 3" lift, and lockers. This trail is bumpy with obstacles, so drivers can break an axle if not careful. Stock SUVs should probably sit this one out. Pack your tools and gear because help is a long way away if you get into trouble. Oh, and hold on to your hat! The wind up here can be wild, rushing up from the valley below. The climb involves slickrock, rock shelves, and steps. Oversized tires, high clearance, and a rear locker are highly recommended. Surprisingly, cell service is pretty good, even in this remote spot. The road gets steep, with gradients hitting 15% in places. And if it's raining or snowy, unless you're a pro with a winch, save this adventure for another day. Give yourself 2.5 to 3.5 hours to drive the trail without stopping. Trust me, you'll want to stop for photos! The trail ends at the lookout point, overlooking one of the most picturesque views of the Utah landscape. Just be super careful near the cliff edge – there are no handrails, and it's not suitable for kids. But the 360° views from Waring Mesa are worth it! You'll be treated to epic views of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains. It’s an amazing canyon view and it’s not to be missed! This drive is challenging, but the reward is a panorama you won't soon forget. Get ready to say "WOW!"
hardWhere is Cascade River Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cascade River Road in Washington's Skagit County is calling your name! Nestled in the heart of North Cascades National Park, this scenic route clocks in at 23 miles of pure, unadulterated beauty. Starting near Marblemount off the North Cascades Highway, it climbs up, up, up to the Cascade Pass trailhead, topping out at 3,677 feet above sea level. The first 10 miles are smooth sailing on pavement, but then the road turns to gravel, throwing in some potholes and washboards just to keep you on your toes. While most cars can handle it, I wouldn't recommend bringing a big RV – think steep climbs, tight squeezes, and hairpin turns! Speaking of narrow, this road can get seriously tight, especially on those steep sections. Watch out after rain, even a little bit, can make things tricky. The road gains 3,346 feet in elevation, so buckle up! Mother Nature calls the shots here – keep an eye on the weather. Heavy rain can cause washouts, and the road often closes during late fall, winter, and spring at Eldorado Creek (mile 20). But when it’s open? Epic views await!