Where is Mineral Bottom Trail?
Usa, north-america
23.49 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern Utah, just outside Canyonlands National Park, no permits needed, baby! You're on the Mineral Bottom Trail (aka Horse Thief Trail), a 14.6-mile dirt track that's your ticket from UT-313 to the White Rim Trail.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. BLM129 starts as a wide county road, but quickly plunges down into the Green River valley via some seriously epic switchbacks. Seriously, these switchbacks can be intimidating! We're talking steep sections, up to 21% grade, right on the edge.
High-clearance 2WD can handle it when it's dry, but 4WD is recommended because the surface is uneven. But, pro tip: avoid this road like the plague if it's wet! Those switchbacks get slick, and trust me, you don't want to slide off the edge. If it rains while you're down by the river, just chill for a couple of hours and let the road dry out.
You can tackle this trail year-round, but avoid midday in July and August—it gets HOT! Plus, those summer thunderstorms roll in. Pack all the water you'll need and get ready for some incredible views of the surrounding area and mountains. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.49 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardMount Heliograph
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in southeastern Arizona, you HAVE to check out Mount Heliograph in Graham County. This beast clocks in at a whopping 10,039 feet above sea level. Seriously, it's one of the highest drives in the state! Now, a word of warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The road, snaking through the Coronado National Forest, is a rugged mix of gravel and rock. Think gnarly, and you're on the right track. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. If you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Definitely need 4x4 for this trek. Heights a problem? Uh oh! Expect some seriously steep sections! But hey, the reward is HUGE. At the summit, you'll find a cool fire lookout tower, built way back in 1934. The views? Let's just say they are absolutely killer! Get ready for panoramic vistas that will blow your mind. So, if you're up for a challenge and craving some serious scenery, Mount Heliograph is calling your name!
hardLubken Canyon Road is a drive worth taking in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through California's Inyo County, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, southwest of Lone Pine. You've stumbled upon Lubken Canyon Road, a hidden gem that's begging to be explored. This paved beauty snakes for just over 3 miles through the Owens Valley, connecting US-395 to Horseshoe Meadows Road. As you wind along Lubken Creek, get ready for some serious mountain vistas. Now, a word of warning: this road's got some curves and can get a little narrow. Watch out for loose gravel, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife – you might just share the road with horses and cows chilling in the meadows! Oh, and make sure your ride isn't too heavy, there's a 7-ton weight limit. But trust me, the views are worth it.
easyHow long is Tremont Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey, fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Tremont Road, a sweet little escape tucked away in Blount County, Tennessee, inside the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This north-south route clocks in at about 5.1 miles (8.20km), taking you from Laurel Creek Road up to the Middle Prong Trail Trailhead. The first couple of miles? Easy peasy. That's Tremont Road, smooth pavement that leads right up to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute from Little River Road near Walker Valley. Then, things get a little more rustic. You'll hit Upper Tremont Road, a 3.1-mile (4.98km) gravel stretch that follows an old railroad bed. This section starts at the Institute and winds its way to the Middle Prong Trail Trailhead. Seriously, this drive is a total hidden gem in the northwestern part of the park. It's incredibly scenic and feels like you're miles from civilization. The views are absolutely breathtaking, especially when the leaves change color in the fall. If you're looking for a tranquil escape from the touristy spots, Tremont Road is calling your name!
moderateTravelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre
🇲🇽 Mexico
Craving a scenic Mexican adventure from Guadalajara to the Pacific coast hotspots like Tepic and Puerto Vallarta? Buckle up for the Plan de Barrancas roads (that's Mexico 15 and the 15D toll road). These routes wind and weave like crazy through the Sierra Madre mountains! Expect narrow, paved roads with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll climb to about 5,400 feet near La Venta el Astillero before dropping down to around 3,000 feet in Tepic. Word to the wise: this stretch is known for being tricky. Stay alert, watch your speed, and take those curves seriously – it’s a busy route. But hey, the views are INCREDIBLE. Think lush tropical rainforests clinging to canyon walls and dramatic mountain vistas. Plus, you’ll cruise past fields of agave (hello, tequila!) and even get a peek at the lava remnants from the Ceboruco volcano, which last erupted in the 40s. The diverse scenery is unreal, with everything from rainforest and tropical plants to oak and pine forests.