
Where is Crystal Lake?
Usa, north-america
34.6 km
1,854 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Crystal Lake in Montana? Picture this: you're cruising about 20 miles south of Lewistown, right in the heart of Montana. You'll be climbing to over 6,000 feet, so expect some steep grades. The road, Crystal Lake Road, starts out paved, sometimes nice and wide, sometimes a little narrow, but then it turns to gravel for the last 5.7 miles of its 21.5-mile length. Keep in mind, being up in the Big Snowy Mountains, that last stretch can be closed in the winter, and the lake itself freezes over. But trust me, the views make it all worthwhile! You'll find campgrounds at the end of the road, ready for you to pitch your tent.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,854 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyA remote paved road to Gore Pass in Colorado
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Gore Pass in Colorado! Just a quick hop 20 minutes west of Kremmling, this beauty sits at a cool 9,543 feet. Fun fact: It's named after some Irish dude, Sir St. George Gore. You'll be cruising on State Highway 134, which, by the way, is totally paved and smooth as butter. Just keep an eye out for other drivers. This hidden gem stretches for almost 27 miles, connecting Highway 131 near Toponas to US-40. The west side is a pretty chill climb, mostly 3-5.5% with a tiny burst of 7% right at the top. The east side is a bit steeper at 5.4%, and the max grade is around 9.2%, so not too crazy. Nestled in Routt National Forest, prepare for peace and quiet! Seriously, you might not see another soul for miles. Pack snacks and water because it is remote. Gore Pass is a great alternative to the busy Rabbit Ears Pass, but remember that being off the beaten path means you're on your own if anything goes wrong. Think epic views and solitude, but also be prepared for anything. This stretch of road winds through some truly breathtaking high country!
moderateGlacier Peak, an old mine road to the summit
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, Glacier Peak! This Colorado climb tops out at a whopping 12,851 feet, straddling Summit and Jefferson counties. We're talking high, people - one of the loftiest drives in the state! Tucked away in the Front Range of the Rockies, right on the edge of Arapaho and Pike National Forests, this old mine road (aka Montezuma Road) is a wild ride. It's a 2.8-mile bumpy crawl to the top, and you'll gain 1,253 feet along the way. Think mud, rocks, and some serious off-road conditions. You'll definitely want an OHV or SUV with good clearance for this one! The average grade is about 8.5%, so be prepared for some steep sections. Summer is your window of opportunity here, as things can get dicey in the spring with a super soggy patch up north. The views? Totally worth it, with pines, aspen groves, alpine meadows, and wide-open panoramas galore. Just make sure your gear is ready for a beating β it's a long, rough trip to get to those summit views! Plus, there's another road heading east from the pass that takes you even higher!
hardMount Givens
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're up for an epic off-road adventure in California's Sierra National Forest, Mount Givens is calling your name! This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 10,141 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Picture this: a rugged, gravel road snaking its way up the mountain, hairpin turns galore, and views that'll make your jaw drop. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a steep, maintained jeep trail that goes almost straight to the summit. You'll need a 4x4 and some serious driving skills to tackle this one. And if heights aren't your thing... maybe sit this one out. The road's usually clear of snow between June and October, but be warned: even a little rain can turn this into a challenging drive. Keep an eye out for loose gravel, and always be ready for unpredictable weather, even in the summer. Trust me, a little prep work goes a long way in making this an unforgettable, and safe, adventure!
moderateWhy is it called Patchwork Parkway?
πΊπΈ Usa
Cruising through southwestern Utah? You HAVE to check out the Patchwork Parkway. This 51-mile stretch connects Heritage Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12, winding from around 6,000 feet up to a whopping 10,626 feet on a stunning plateau before dipping back down to 6,500 feet. Why "Patchwork"? Legend has it that pioneers used to lay quilts on the snow to protect their feet, hence the name! You'll be tracing routes once used by Native Americans and early settlers. This fully paved road β also known as Scenic Byway 143 and the Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway β links Parowan to Panguitch and gives you access to Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Panguitch Lake. Speaking of which, don't miss a stop at Panguitch Lake for some amazing fishing. The views are insane! Think dramatic geological rock formations, serene lakes, and lush forests. A quick detour between Milepost 8 and 9 leads to Hidden Haven, a secret oasis with a waterfall and rock climbing β totally worth it. Itβs only a couple of hours to drive the whole thing but give yourself more time, you will want to stop! The road has overlooks and pullover areas where you can admire peaks and plateaus, lakes, lava fields and canyons. Just a heads-up: you will want to take it slow, there are some exposed and unsecured sections of road in innumerable twists and turns. Also, the scenery is breathtaking. Expect vibrant orange and red canyons, silt cliffs, and forests of pine, fir, and spruce. The plateaus are also prime for stargazing. And if you have the time, a quick 30-mile detour south from Panguitch will get you to the unearthly Bryce Canyon, where you can marvel at the hoodoos and stone forests.