What’s Walter's Wiggles?
Usa, north-america
3.9 km
8 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in southwest Utah, nestled in Zion National Park, awaits Walter's Wiggles — a wild little detour on the way to Angels Landing. Forget a leisurely stroll; this is a relentless climb up 21 super-tight switchbacks etched right into the cliff face. Each "wiggle" is only about 20-25 feet long!
This pedestrian-only path, a true marvel of engineering built in 1926, tackles a crazy elevation gain. It's named after Walter Ruesch, Zion's first superintendent. Chains are bolted into the rock face to help you get up! The 2.4-mile trail can be terrifying! Be aware that there have been fatalities over the years. But the views from the top? Totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 8 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateEldorado Mountain, a private road to the summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Eldorado Mountain in Colorado – right on the edge of Boulder, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties. We're talking serious altitude here, a peak sitting pretty at 8,316 feet! Now, the road to the top isn't your typical paved paradise. It's a rugged, private dirt track that winds its way up to a summit dotted with antennas and a couple of buildings. Think of it as a climb with a technological twist! The adventure kicks off from Coal Creek Canyon Road, and from there, it's about 5.9 miles of upward journey. Get ready for a climb of 1,824 vertical feet, so your vehicle will be earning its keep. The average slope is around 5.85%, so nothing too crazy, but definitely engaging. And the reward for your efforts? Oh man, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, pack a camera because you're gonna want to capture this one!
hardOsha Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a real New Mexico challenge, Osha Mountain is calling your name. This beast of a road tops out at a breathtaking 10,629 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so yeah, it's one of the highest in the state. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect a seriously rough, tippy, and bumpy ride. We're talking high-clearance vehicle REQUIRED. The trail gets narrow, making passing a bit of an adventure, and it's STEEP. Oh, and forget about it in the winter—snow often keeps it closed well into July. But here's the payoff: insane views and bragging rights. If you're an experienced off-roader craving a true test, Osha Mountain delivers!
hardWhere is Keystone Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You NEED to check out Keystone Mountain in Colorado's Summit County. This road climbs to a whopping 12,063 feet, making it one of the highest in the state. Located south of Dillon, it's about 8.4 miles from the pavement to the top, with a pretty serious elevation gain of 2,713 feet. We're talking an average grade of over 6%, so buckle up! Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is unpaved, narrow in spots, and those climbs are STEEP. It can get pretty rocky and rough in sections, too. A 4x4 is definitely recommended! But trust me, it's worth the challenge. At the summit, you'll find the historic Erickson Mine site. Keep an eye out: surveyors have spotted gold in the old ore piles! However, it's not maintained, so don't try to explore. Sadly, it's impassible in the winter. But the views along the way? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll see the whole Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Seriously, add this one to your bucket list!
hardWhy is it called Robert Campbell Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Robert Campbell Highway, or Campbell Highway as it's also known, snakes for 583 km (362 miles) from Watson Lake to Carmacks, plunging you deep into the heart of the Yukon's wild, remote beauty. Named after Robert Campbell, a pioneering Hudson's Bay trader, this road, built in the late 60s, is an adventure in itself! Officially Yukon Highway 4, it's about 60% gravel, so buckle up for a potentially bumpy ride. Conditions are super variable depending on the weather and recent grading. Think potholes – sometimes marked with small orange flags – and narrow sections. Honestly, calling some parts a "highway" is a bit of a joke. You might find yourself driving for ages without seeing another soul! Open year-round (though winter can bring closures), it's a good idea to avoid it after heavy rains. Expect a 10-hour drive if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll want to stretch it into two days. This route plunges through Yukon’s most sparsely populated region, so fill your gas tank! The sign leaving Watson Lake warns you the next fuel stop is 383 km away in Ross River. What makes it worth it? The scenery is epic. Endless forests, winding rivers, and tranquil creeks await. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife: porcupines, moose, beavers, and birds galore! Don't miss the imposing cliffs of Lapie Canyon. This is a truly immersive experience in the solitude of the northern wilds. Anglers, get ready for some killer fishing, and wildlife lovers, prepare for unparalleled viewing opportunities.