Where is Lemhi Pass?
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,250 m
easy
Year-round
Lemhi Pass straddles the Idaho-Montana border at a lofty 7,381 feet! Tucked inside the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this high-altitude gem connects Lemhi County, Idaho, with Beaverhead County, Montana.
You'll be cruisin' on Lemhi Pass Road (in Montana) or Lewis and Clark Highway (in Idaho) – a beautiful, rural gravel track steeped in American history. Heads up: a high-clearance vehicle is *strongly* recommended. Expect some deeply rutted and seriously rocky sections! Definitely pack a good spare tire and the know-how to use it.
Those last four miles leading up to the pass get pretty tight—we're talkin' single-lane narrow. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and be ready to pull over or even back up. Remember, downhill traffic usually has the right-of-way.
So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! But be prepared for remote vibes and zero services. Watch out for wandering cattle and moose! The weather can be wild, so pack layers. Snow's possible any time of year, and summer brings thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and the occasional hailstorm.
But oh, the views! Prepare for breathtaking scenery that'll transport you back in time. This landscape is practically frozen in the 1800s, with native sagebrush, bunch grasses, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine galore.
Here's a bit of trivia for you: In 1805, Lewis and Clark first glimpsed the headwaters of the Columbia River right here. And the name? It's a nod to King Limhi, a character from the Book of Mormon, given by Mormon missionaries back in 1855. Get ready for a scenic drive and a journey back in time!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,250 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA paved mountain road to Ute Pass in Grand County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ute Pass! This stunner sits way up high in Colorado's Grand County, clocking in at a cool 9,593 feet above sea level. You'll find this paved beauty, also known as Ute Pass Road (County Road 3), nestled in the heart of Arapaho National Forest. It's generally open year-round, but be warned: Mother Nature might throw a winter tantrum and close it temporarily. Trust me, though, it's worth the gamble. The views are EPIC. Think pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness, jaw-dropping vistas of the Gore Range, and the untouched beauty of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area. The road gets a little steep, with grades hitting 8.0% in places, so get ready for some exciting ramps! The whole shebang stretches for 27.1 miles, winding from CO-9 up to Parshall on US-40. There's a big parking lot at the summit where you can catch your breath and soak it all in. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for local residents – bears, moose, and all sorts of wildlife call this area home!
extremeSony Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Sony Pass! Deep in Saguache County, Colorado, you'll find this beast of a mountain pass sitting pretty at 10,531 feet. It's County Road Y16 that'll get you there, winding through the Rio Grande National Forest. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a gravel 4x4 track! You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather! This road is notorious for avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides. Patches of ice pop up frequently, making things extra spicy. Expect some rocky and muddy sections too – it's all part of the fun, right? Just remember to proceed with caution and soak up those incredible Colorado views!
hardHow long is Bella Coola Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Bella Coola Road (Highway 20) in British Columbia – a 454-kilometer adventure from Williams Lake to Bella Coola! Forget your average Sunday drive, this route throws you into the heart of BC's wilderness, from the arid canyons near the Fraser River to seriously stunning glaciated peaks. Think of it as two road trips in one: for the first 319 km, you're cruising on pavement to Anahim Lake. Then, BAM! Gravel time! The rest is an all-season gravel road, not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep grades, and the kind of scenery that will leave you speechless (or maybe muttering a little prayer). But the real kicker is "The Hill" – 11 km of switchbacks climbing to 1,524 m (5,000 ft). Hold tight for the descent; a 43-kilometer stretch of narrow road with those hairpin turns, including a nail-biting 9 km at an 18% grade – supposedly the steepest in BC! First gear is your friend here, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Some sections are single-lane. Believe it or not, they completed this thing in 1953 with just two bulldozers and a whole lot of determination. It's officially Highway 20, but locals still call it the "Freedom Road," a tribute to the valley's long history of isolation. Speaking of remote, facilities are scarce along the way, so fill up that gas tank before you go. While you could technically do it in a day, especially in summer, factor in time to stop and actually soak in the incredible surroundings. Oh, and did I mention Bella Coola was a filming location for The Incredible Hulk? Talk about a scenic hideaway!
moderateHow to get to Yaki Point by car?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in Arizona, smack-dab in Coconino County, ready for some seriously breathtaking views. Head to Grand Canyon National Park and find Yaki Point Road. This little gem of a road clocks in at just a mile long and is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. Now, here's the cool part: Yaki Point, sitting pretty at 7,262 feet, is a bit exclusive. You can't just roll up in your own car. Instead, hop on the free Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) Shuttle Bus from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center – it's worth it! Trust me, Yaki Point is where you want to be for sunrise or sunset. It’s super peaceful, and the views are unreal. We're talking postcard-perfect scenes as the sun paints the canyon in crazy vibrant colors. Grab your camera, because you're going to want to remember this.