Where is Chase Mountain?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer trek for you in southern Oregon, near the California border. We're talking about Chase Mountain, a real gem with views for days from its summit. Back in the day, it even had a staffed fire lookout (built in '51!), keeping watch over the forests. Now, the lookout's quiet, but the views are still screaming for your attention.
So, how do you get there? You'll cruise along Hamacker Mountain Road. It's mostly a decent gravel track, which is perfect for a bit of off road adventure. Just be aware that the last mile gets a tad bumpy, so nothing too low! And heads up - this route's a no-go zone in winter.
From Green Springs Highway, it's just under 10 miles to the top, climbing almost 2,700 feet! That gives you an average gradient of around 5%, so nothing too strenuous for your trusty steed. Get ready for some serious elevation gain!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBroken Arrow Trail
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Broken Arrow Trail in Arizona, straddling Coconino and Yavapai counties, is calling your name! Nestled within the Coconino National Forest, this 4-mile off-road rollercoaster to Chicken Point is a must-do for experienced drivers. Expect gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps along the way. You'll gain about 300 feet in elevation. SUVs with higher ground clearance are your best bet for conquering this trail. The views are absolutely phenomenal – get ready for 360-degree vistas of the stunning Southwest wilderness. Every twist and turn is a photo op. Remember those classic Westerns? Some were even filmed here, including Jimmy Stewart’s "Broken Arrow"! But don't be fooled by the scenery; this isn't a Sunday drive. This road is rough, and standard cars need not apply. A 4WD vehicle and some serious driving skills are required. Watch out for rock ledges, especially "The Measures," a steep obstacle that can be intimidating. Conditions are always changing. What might be smooth sailing one day could become a slippery, muddy mess after a little rain. Be prepared for anything!
moderateWhere Is Babbitt Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I just found the *perfect* little escape in Northern California's Tahoe National Forest: Babbitt Peak! First things first, you're gonna be high – literally! We're talking 8,740 feet above sea level! The road itself, County Road S860 (Smithneck Road), is about 6 miles long and will climb 2,470 feet, so buckle up for an average gradient of 7.8%, and some ramps hit a max of 13.1%! The road is unpaved, but most 2WD vehicles *should* be able to handle it – though a high-clearance vehicle is always a good call for peace of mind. At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout built in 1937. From up there, the views of the Northern Sierra Nevada are unreal! You can see Davis Lake, Stampede Reservoir, Cold Springs, Nevada, and Crystal Peak. Word to the wise: this road is totally impassable in winter. It's on the northern edge of the Sierra Nevada, so plan accordingly!
moderatePhantom Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable Colorado adventure on Phantom Canyon Road! This historic and scenic dirt road winds between Cañon City and Victor, climbing from 5,500 to 9,500 feet through the heart of Phantom Canyon. Located in the central part of Colorado, crossing Fremont and Teller counties, this route follows the old Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad line, dating back to 1894. Clocking in at just under 30 miles, this Gold Belt Scenic Byway features hand-cut stone tunnels and three old-school steel and wooden bridges. This road steadily climbs, offering views and thrills. Mountain bikers and off-roaders love this area. Keep in mind, this is a narrow, unpaved road, so nothing over 25 feet long. Prepare for rough-hewn, one-way tunnels, tight squeezes carved into the mountainside, and a cool curved bridge. The dirt road isn't too challenging but can be a bit nerve-wracking. Expect some "hairy" spots where the road feels like a single lane with huge drop-offs and towering rock walls. The road carves through boulders with stunning canyon views. Topping out at 9,744 feet, winter maintenance is limited. It's a well-maintained dirt road but narrow, with some one-car-wide sections. Regular vehicles (no trailers) are fine if you take it easy and watch for rocks. Allow around 2 hours for the drive. This scenic byway is full of photo opportunities. Weekends can be busy and dusty. The road and narrow bridges encourage slow speeds. The route provides a chance to see a wide range of plants and wildlife.
hardThe road to KHIW-FM Essex is not for the faint of heart
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Deep in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, there’s this gnarly, unpaved road leading up to the KHIW-FM Essex radio station. Forget your Prius – you're gonna need a 4x4 beast to tackle this rocky climb. It's a steep service road, not for the faint of heart! Starting from Mountain Springs Road, it's a short but intense 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) to the top. But hold on tight, because you'll be gaining 251 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of almost 12%! The views along the way? Totally worth the white knuckles. Just be prepared for a bumpy, challenging ride!