
Where is Lion's Back in UT?
Usa, north-america
N/A
107 m
extreme
Year-round
Lion's Back is a famous sandstone ridge located near the city of Moab in the US state of Utah. It is now private property and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts.
Where is Lion's Back in UT?
Lion's Back is located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, near Moab, in Grand County, in the eastern part of Utah, in the western United States. It’s located to the east of the iconic
Why is Lion's Back in UT famous?
It gained popularity in the early 2000s as a daring climb for off-road vehicles due to its steep incline and rugged terrain.
How is Lion's Back in UT?
The climb is several hundred feet up (350 feet), and the slope has a gradient of up to 65 degrees in places; then the world’s most precarious 3-point turn at the top of the rock, before the hair-raising descent.
It's said to be one of the most iconic off-road obstacles on the planet. As the tire tracks on the rock show, plenty of off-roaders have proved their insanity here. Excellent traction enabled vehicles to surmount inclines of incredible steepness, but plenty of power is necessary. The climb involves several hundred feet on a steep slope, and then a 5 to 9-point turn-around at the top of the rock before slowly descending the same way up.
Drivers ascended a steep stone ramp, surrounded on all sides by precipitous drop-offs. This amazing and dangerous rock was not for stock vehicles or novice drivers.
The most famous accident on Lion's Back
This rocky hill was known for a video showing a Chevrolet Blazer losing its brakes and rolling down the hill, plunging 30 feet to the ground. The accident was featured on several TV shows.
Why is Lion's Back at Moab closed?
The experience was simply stunning. Despite its allure to adrenaline junkies, Lion's Back was eventually closed to vehicle traffic due to safety concerns and environmental considerations.
The closure came after several incidents and accidents on the trail, highlighting the risks associated with attempting such treacherous off-road challenges. In 2004, this land was purchased by a real estate developer and has since been closed to the public. Now it’s privately owned and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. It is one of those obstacles that looks much more intimidating than it is difficult.
While Lion's Back is no longer accessible for 4x4 vehicles, it remains a notable landmark in the Moab area and serves as a reminder of the region's rugged terrain and adventurous spirit.
Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado
The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 107 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardCan you drive the Piilani Highway in Maui?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pi'ilani Highway is a must-drive. Located in Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, in the USA, this highway loops all the way around the southern coast of the island. The road is rough and unpaved at times. Be sure to honk around blind corners. Can you drive the Piilani Highway in Maui? The road (Hawaii Route 31) is 61 km (38 miles) long, running from Kipahulu to Ulupalakua. It’s a twisty, up-and-down roller coaster. The toughest section of the road is about 10 km (6 miles) long, where the road sometimes narrows to a single lane in sharp bends. In some areas, such as at Lelekea Bay, it's just a one-and-a-half-lane bumpy road hugging the sea cliff around a blind curve. Fences have been installed on the mountain here to prevent rocks from falling onto cars. The hairpin bends are completely blind, but there is almost no traffic. Occasionally the road is closed to traffic due to landslides. Although it is somewhat rough in places, it is by no means a daunting or particularly dangerous road if taken slowly. Traffic is light. Is Maui Highway 31 paved? The road is mostly paved, with a few sections of gravel or dirt, without too many holes. Four-wheel drive is not necessary. It’s not a gravel road; instead, it looks more like a very old paved road that’s been patched over and over and over again with asphalt. Is the Piilani Highway in Maui safe? It’s not an easy drive as it’s unpaved in sections, rough, and rugged in spots. Some parts are washboard-like and require speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less to avoid damaging the suspension of a rental car. Most major rental car contracts forbid driving this section. This prohibition in rental car contracts seems more related to the remoteness of this section of highways. Avoid driving the road during or after heavy rainfall. Sometimes vehicles can get stuck on the unpaved stretches (especially after rains on those stretches or upslope on the Haleakala volcano), or the road is closed for other reasons. Is the Piilani Highway worth it? Running through the southern coast of Maui, the drive, also known as the back road to Hana, is very scenic, with stunning views of the astonishing shoreline. Along the way, you’ll discover lovely beach colors, amazing natural sceneries, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The drive offers great views of pebble beaches, sea cliffs, and the undeveloped coastline. The area is probably the least visited part of the island, and yet it is one of the wildest. Katy Freeway in Texas is one of the widest highways in the world US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardDrake Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving epic views and a touch of off-road fun in Oregon, Drake Peak is calling your name. Nestled high in the Warner Mountains of Lake County, this peak tops out at a whopping 8,231 feet! We're talking about one of the highest roads you can conquer in Oregon. You'll be navigating NF-3819, a gravel road that can get pretty rocky, bumpy, and tippy. This trek isn't for the faint of heart, and you'll probably want to hold off visiting from October to June, depending on the weather. Experienced off-roaders will be in their element here! Just be prepared for a steep climb. Word to the wise: if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, or heights make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. The views are worth it, though, especially from the fire lookout at the summit, built way back in 1948. They say it's the highest lookout with road access in all of Oregon! Oh, and pro tip: always check that weather forecast before you head up. Lightning and high places? Not a good mix!
extremeDriving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado, nestled in the Rockies, boasts some seriously intense high-altitude roads. Forget gentle slopes; we're talking extreme terrain that'll push your driving skills and your vehicle to the limit. Think stunning views mixed with nail-biting descents – a true test of both you and your ride! First up, Slumgullion Pass in Hinsdale County. This beast is the steepest paved primary road in Colorado, with a relentless 9-10% grade on its north side. Get ready for some serious engine braking! Plus, it winds through the active Slumgullion Slide, where the earth itself is constantly shifting. Talk about a dynamic landscape! Then there's Red Mountain Pass. While not the absolute steepest at 8%, many consider it the most treacherous. Why? Minimal guardrails and sheer exposure will definitely get your heart pumping. Add steep grades and some serious "shelf-road" engineering, and you've got a recipe for a tense drive, especially in winter storms. Don't underestimate Wolf Creek Pass, despite its 7% grade. Long, sustained descents and hairpin turns have claimed their fair share of heavy vehicles. It's a major route, but notorious for sudden white-out conditions that'll test your visibility and composure. The key to conquering these passes? Ditch your everyday driving habits. To avoid brake fade (when your brakes overheat and lose power), use "snub braking" and downshift. And those "Runaway Truck Ramp" signs? They're not just for decoration – heed them! Gravity is your constant opponent here. Colorado's steep passes are a must-do for any true driving enthusiast. From the dizzying heights of Slumgullion to the exposed edges of Red Mountain Pass, these roads are about the raw connection between machine and mountain. Prep your vehicle, keep an eye on those gauges, and get ready to experience the unmatched verticality of the American West!
hardWhere is Genoa Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a Tahoe adventure with a side of off-roading? Let me tell you about Genoa Peak, nestled in Nevada's Toiyabe National Forest, overlooking the east side of Lake Tahoe. This isn't your Sunday drive – think rugged beauty! Genoa Peak Road (aka 14N32) is a 19 km (11.8 miles) dirt track that'll test your mettle. Starting from Highway 50 south of , it winds north to NV-207 (Kingsbury Grade Road) east of . Heads up – the southern part is definitely rougher than the northern entry. We're talking major bumps, large rocks galore, and a skinny trail where passing is a real challenge. Seriously, bring a buddy – not just for company, but because getting lost is surprisingly easy out there. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4. Trust me, those steep sections with loose, rocky terrain demand it. But the reward? Unbelievable views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley from an elevation of 2,745m (9,005ft). Oh, and there's some cool electrical equipment at the summit – because why not? Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.