Where is Brian Head Peak?

Where is Brian Head Peak?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Iron County, Utah, and you're craving some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out the road up to Brian Head Peak. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in the whole state, clocking in way above sea level.

You'll find this gem north of Cedar Breaks National Monument, nestled in Dixie National Forest, in the southwestern corner of Utah. Be warned, though, the air is thin up here, so take it easy and don't stand up too fast!

What awaits you at the summit? An old-school Forest Service lookout – it feels like stepping back in time! On a clear day, the views stretch on forever.

Now, the road itself is an adventure. It's unpaved, a little rough and bumpy, but totally doable in a regular car. Just make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape, because there are some seriously steep drop-offs with no guardrails! This road was built the old fashioned way, using some heavy machinery but with the aid of horses. Just be mindful as you navigate the winding paths that skirt the edge of the mountain.

How long is this epic climb? The unpaved section stretches for only a few miles from the main paved road, but it packs a punch. You'll gain serious elevation, making for a pretty steep gradient in some spots.

Heads up, this road is typically open from late spring/early summer through fall, depending on the snow. So, if you're planning a winter trip, you might have to wait for the thaw.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Can you drive to Steel Pass in Death Valley NP?extreme

Can you drive to Steel Pass in Death Valley NP?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Steel Pass, a proper wild ride nestled high in California's Inyo County, deep inside Death Valley National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Steel Pass Road stretches for about 46 miles of pure, unadulterated, unpaved fun, winding north to south. Word to the wise: most find it easier to travel this route southbound. The scenery is epic, but the road is seriously challenging, so only experienced 4WD drivers should attempt it. We're talking narrow sections, tricky silt beds, canyons, and constantly shifting washes. High clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Bring your buddies and their rigs, this is no solo mission! Expect some rock crawling—you'll need to navigate narrow, sharp dry falls. Sidewall cuts are common, so pack at least one spare tire (if not more). Rain can make this pass impassable, so check conditions before you go. The waterfalls in Dedeckera Canyon will test your skills, and the Saline Valley wash features tight turns with rocks on both sides. Factor in about 2.5 to 3 hours of drive time if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll want to!), and remember—zero cell service out here. Plus, gas is a concern, so plan accordingly. This is a remote and rugged experience with ever-changing conditions.

Where is Napoleon Pass?hard

Where is Napoleon Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Napoleon Pass? Oh, you *need* to add this to your Colorado bucket list! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 12,034 feet in the heart of Gunnison County, smack-dab in the Gunnison National Forest. Forget pavement – we're talking serious off-road adventure on FR 953, also known as Napoleon Pass Road. You *absolutely* need a 4x4; this isn't a Sunday drive! You'll be splashing through multiple creek crossings as you follow Middle Willow Creek. Prepare for mud, gorgeous scenery, and an unforgettable ride along the west face of the Continental Divide! The whole shebang stretches for about 12.4 miles, winding its way between the quirky little towns of Tincup and Pitkin. Originally, it was a vital route for hauling ore back in the day. Fair warning: this one's a summer-only kinda deal. The Sawatch Range throws down some serious weather, so accessibility is limited and closures can happen out of the blue. But trust me, if you get the chance, the views are worth it!

Utah State Route 44moderate

Utah State Route 44

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: You're cruising along UT-44 in northern Utah, smack-dab in the Ashley National Forest, and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is putting on a show just for you. This paved road twists and turns for about 28 miles (around 34 minutes of driving time), revealing some seriously dramatic geological formations. Seriously, the views are unreal! My photos don't even scratch the surface. Just imagine: You start near the tiny town of Manila, practically on the Wyoming border, and wind your way south to Red Canyon on US-191. Heads up, though: this road climbs! You'll reach a lofty 7,621 feet above sea level, so it's definitely a steep one. UT-44 is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter—it can get temporarily closed if things get too wild. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Where is Emerald Bay Road?hard

Where is Emerald Bay Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Emerald Bay Road is a must-do scenic drive hugging the western shore of Lake Tahoe in California. Get ready for some thrills because this road can be a bit of a nail-biter, clinging to steep cliffs with, at times, no guardrails! Located on the eastern edge of California, near the Nevada border, this fully paved section of Highway 89 is not for the faint of heart. Imagine yourself perched on a mountain ridge with massive drop-offs on either side. It's a little scary, sure, but the views are SO worth it. Trust me, you'll be high above not one, but two dazzling mountain lakes! This incredible stretch of road is just under 30km (18.6 miles) long, winding from Lake Valley to Tahoma in the Sierra Nevada's Carson Range. The highest point is Inspiration Point, sitting pretty at 2,084m (6,837ft) above sea level, a full 600 feet above Lake Tahoe. From up there, you'll get the picture-perfect panorama of Emerald Bay, boats bobbing on the water, Vikingsholm, and Fanette Island. Tip: parking can get tricky in the summer, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, so plan accordingly! Emerald Bay Road does throw in some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 9%. There’s a particularly memorable quarter-mile stretch where you're riding a ridge separating Emerald Bay from Cascade Lake, with a stomach-dropping 600-foot plunge on both sides – sans guardrails! So, if you're not a fan of heights or the wind is howling, maybe save this one for a calmer day. It’s breathtaking, but definitely precipitous!