Where is Big Windy Peak?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Big Windy Peak in eastern Idaho! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're heading west of Leadore, way up to a summit with seriously breathtaking views.
The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. It's an old mining track, about 6 miles long, switchbacking up almost 3,000 feet. Think rough, rocky, and unmaintained – a real test for your vehicle and your nerves. You’ll want a high-clearance 4x4 with tough tires and skid plates, trust me.
This route takes you past relics of old mining operations, remnants from the late 1800s and early 1900s when miners were digging for gold, silver, copper, and lead. Keep an eye out for the remains of a large mining operation. Big Windy Peak was also used as a fire lookout in the past.
But here's the kicker: this road has serious exposure. One wrong move, and you're in trouble. Plus, no cell service, so you're on your own. Oh, and winter? Forget about it. This road is completely snowed in.
Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Just remember to respect the mountain, drive smart, and soak up the views. It's an adventure you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Castle Butte in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Castle Butte in Idaho County, Idaho! This peak sits way up high at 6,666 feet in the Clearwater National Forest, and getting there is an adventure in itself. The road is totally unpaved, and seriously, you'll probably need a 4x4 with high clearance to make it. Forget bringing your RV or anything with low ground clearance. The Lolo Motorway, an old single-lane road, is how you get up there, but keep in mind it's usually snowed in from October to June. Expect some steep sections along the way, and be aware that thunderstorms can roll in fast, making the road super tricky or even impassable. But the payoff is SO worth it! At the top, there's this awesome lookout tower built way back in 1950, and the views? Unreal! You get 360-degree panoramas of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Seven Devils Mountains, and the deep canyons of the North Fork Clearwater River. Just remember, cell service is pretty much non-existent, so be prepared!
hardWhere is Williams Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're just outside the ghost town of Hancock, Colorado, smack-dab on the Chaffee/Gunnison county line, bordering San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests. You're about to tackle Williams Pass, a crazy high mountain pass topping out at 11,788 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a five-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Jeep trail, called Williams Pass Jeep Trail (NFST #298). Think rocky, narrow, and if it's been raining? Mud bogs galore! This bumpy ride, following an old 1880s toll road through an alpine meadow, is seriously challenging, especially when you get squeezed tight amongst the trees and shrubs. Starting from Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) and climbing north to the Continental Divide onto NFSR #295, you'll be hitting some steep sections with gradients up to 8%. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are a must. Seriously, don't even think about it otherwise. Here's the catch: Williams Pass is only open for a few weeks each year, usually in August (if the weather plays nice). After being closed for a whopping 12 years, it reopened in '97, but even then, some years it just doesn't open at all. So, check the conditions before you go, or you might find yourself seriously bummed!
extremeSawyer Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Sawyer Ridge in Idaho County, Idaho! This ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking a proper 4WD gravel track, known as NF-444A, that climbs to a whopping 7,309 feet above sea level within the Nez Perce National Forest. Now, a word of caution: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Keep a close eye on the weather! Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, not to mention the sneaky ice patches that can appear out of nowhere. The track itself can get a bit rocky and muddy, so come prepared. But hey, the reward is worth the effort! At the summit, you'll find the Sawyer Ridge Lookout, built way back in '49. The views? Totally Instagrammable. Trust me, this is one for the bucket list!
hardTravelling through the haunted Route 666, the Devil's Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a ride on the legendary "Devil's Highway"—though these days, it's known as US Route 491. This nearly 200-mile stretch cuts through some seriously lonely and rugged desert wilderness across New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Starting near Monticello, Utah, and winding down to Gallup, New Mexico, you'll cruise through Navajo Nation, past Shiprock, and even nip across the Colorado border. But heads up: this is desert driving at its finest (or most challenging!). You'll want to load up on extra food and water, and keep a hawk-eye on that gas gauge. Seriously, you can go for ages without seeing a gas station out here, so plan your stops. And maybe skip this one in winter, unless you're a snow-driving pro. We're talking elevations up to 9000 feet, the potential for snow and black ice, and a whole lotta remote. Once known as Route 666, this road earned a reputation for being, well, a little cursed. Let’s just say it has a history of weird accidents, strange sightings, and enough spooky tales to keep you looking over your shoulder. We’re talking haunted trucks, vanishing drivers, mysterious lights, and maybe even a hell hound or two. Whether you believe the legends or not, the desolate beauty of the landscape and the eerie quiet will definitely get your heart racing. So, are you brave enough to take on this iconic (and slightly spooky) slice of Americana?