Where is Libby Flats Observation Area?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,313 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Ever dreamed of standing on top of Wyoming? Head south of Centennial within the Medicine Bow National Forest and get ready for Libby Flats Observation Area! This isn't just a roadside stop; it's a tower perched at a whopping 10,869 feet, making it one of Wyoming's highest roads!
The paved, two-lane road is totally doable for any car, so no need to worry about clearance. Just be warned, those summit winds are NO joke. Seriously, hang on to your hat!
But the views? Absolutely worth braving the gusts. From the tower (a short walk from the parking area), you can soak up views of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Talk about a scenic payoff!
Just a heads up, though: this high-altitude gem closes for the winter, usually around mid-November, and doesn't reopen until late spring/early summer. So plan your visit accordingly and get ready for some serious mountain magic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,313 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateTravel guide to Hunt Mountain, in the Big Horn Range
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a wild Wyoming adventure? Let me tell you about Hunt Mountain Road! Tucked away in Big Horn County, inside the Bighorn National Forest, this baby climbs up to a whopping 10,045 feet! It's a 22.6-mile stretch of gravel and dirt (officially U.S.F.S. Road 10) that connects Highway 14A with Highway 14 in the northern part of the Big Horn Range. The road is generally well-maintained, so you probably won't need 4WD unless things get super muddy or snowy. Keep in mind, this is definitely a summer-only kind of trip. But the views? Oh man, the views are totally worth it! Just picture yourself cruising through the mountains, breathing in that fresh air, and feeling like you're on top of the world. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
hardSteens Mountain is one of the highest roads of Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Steens Mountain Loop Road in Oregon's wild southeast! This stunner clocks in at just over 27 miles, kicking off near Frenchglen (cute little town, BTW) and twisting up Steens Mountain, which tops out at a whopping 9,737 feet. Yep, they say it's Oregon's highest road! Heads up, it's all unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. But don't worry, most of the road's been upgraded, making it suitable for most cars. There is that one short, steep, and narrow part near Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges, though, so take it slow. This route's usually open from mid-June to October, but keep an eye on the weather. Snow can linger, and things can change fast up there! We're talking possible lightning storms, surprise snow flurries, and high winds, even on a day that starts out sunny. The climb is pretty consistent, too, gaining over 5,500 feet from Frenchglen. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think sweeping vistas of the high desert, Wildhorse Lake shimmering in the distance, and the dramatic Keigor Gorge. Plus, you can access Steens Summit and campgrounds along the way. Okay, the summit *does* have cell towers (bummer, I know), but don't let that deter you. This area is a total gem, showcasing Oregon's rugged side. Just watch out for ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes during the warmer months. Basically, Steens Mountain Loop Road is a must-do for anyone craving dramatic scenery, glacial gorges, and a true taste of the Oregon wilderness. Get out there and explore!
moderateWhere is Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're heading to West Texas, you NEED to experience the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park. Seriously, this place is a hidden gem, and this drive is the perfect way to explore it. This 30-mile paved road winds along the Rio Grande, offering killer views and a taste of Texan history. Named after the park's first superintendent, Ross Maxwell, this route is a must-do. Starting from Maverick Drive, you'll climb the Chisos Mountains (watch out for those 20% grades!) to Sotol Vista for insane panoramic views. Then, cruise down to the Rio Grande at Castolon Historic District. The paved road ends at the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. Want a loop? You *can* reconnect with Highway 118 from Santa Elena Canyon, but the unpaved section is rough, so RVs and low-clearance cars should take note. Is it worth it? A thousand times YES! Think unforgettable vistas, historic sites, the backside of the Chisos Mountains, old homestead ruins...it's a sensory overload of Texan beauty. Just be aware of potential flooding in certain areas. Trust me; this drive will leave you speechless.
hardForest Road 1877, an epic enthralling drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let me tell you about Forest Road 1877 in New Mexico! This isn't just any scenic drive; it's a high-altitude adventure in Taos County, tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains within the Carson National Forest. First things first: this is a dirt road, all the way. We're talking about 4.7 miles of unpaved glory, and it's usually only open during the summer months because snow can linger well into June or even July. Get ready for some serious elevation! You'll climb to a breathtaking 10,193 feet above sea level. Starting from Santa Barbara Road, it's a steep climb, gaining 1,722 vertical feet with an average gradient of almost 7%. Translation? You'll definitely want a 4x4 with high clearance to tackle this one. But hey, the views from up there? Totally worth it!