Where is Paulina Peak?
Usa, north-america
6.27 km
2,434 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an epic trek to Paulina Peak! This gem sits way up high in central Oregon's Deschutes County, inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. We're talking about a summit that hits 7,984 feet above sea level!
You'll be cruising along NF-500 (aka Paulina Peak Road) for about 3.9 miles, starting from Forest Service Road 21. Heads up, though: it's all unpaved. Most cars can make it, but it's a bit rough and narrow in spots, so maybe leave the RV at home. Vehicles under 23 feet are best.
It's a climb, too! You'll gain 1,578 feet in elevation, so expect some steep sections, averaging around 7.67% gradient and maxing out at 9%. The road's usually snowed in 'til July and closes again in late October/early November, so summer's your window.
Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Once home to a Forest Service lookout (removed way back in '68), the views from the top are unreal. You'll get a killer panorama of the Newberry Caldera, the volcano, the Cascades, and a whole lot more of central Oregon. On a clear day, you can spot peaks stretching from California to Washington! Just a heads-up: keep an eye out for bears – they love hanging around the campsites down in the crater.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.27 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,434 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs the road to Pacific Grade Summit paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Alpine County, California? You NEED to experience Pacific Grade Summit! This high-altitude pass, topping out at 8,080 feet, is part of the legendary Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway (aka Highway 4). Word to the wise: winter hits HARD up here. We're talking potential closures from early November until as late as Memorial Day (sometimes even July!), depending on snowfall. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you. This ain't a leisurely cruise for big rigs, buses, or RVs. After the turnoff for Bear Valley Ski area, things get seriously steep and narrow, with hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. We're talking grades up to 24% and blind corners that demand first gear. But trust me, the challenge is worth it! The scenery is mind-blowing. The road snakes through mountains, offering incredible views and shifting landscapes as you gain elevation. Just be prepared for more company on weekends and holidays – everyone wants a piece of this scenic pie!
moderatePanther Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Panther Pass in Big Bend National Park, Texas! This beauty climbs to 5,774 feet above sea level in Brewster County and was built way back in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The road is paved, but hold your horses, not all vehicles are welcome! With hairpin turns and some serious steep grades (up to 15%), trailers longer than 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet might want to sit this one out. But if you're in the right ride, get ready for some mind-blowing views! As you wind your way up, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping vistas of the mountain peaks and the incredible desert landscape below. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the trip!
easyWhere is Geyser Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to experience Geyser Pass in Utah's San Juan County. Seriously, at 10,600 feet, you're practically touching the sky! This is one of Utah's highest drives, nestled near Haystack Mountain in the gorgeous La Sal Range (part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest). The pass is named after Al Geyser, who knew a good grazing spot back in the 1880s. As you climb, get ready for epic views – Spanish Valley to the west, majestic Mt. Peale to the east. Forest Road #071, aka Geyser Pass Road, is your path to the top. The west side is usually pretty smooth, a wide gravel track that most cars can handle. The east side? Buckle up! It’s rougher, better suited for 4x4 SUVs. Word to the wise: Mother Nature here has a sense of humor. Snow can linger surprisingly late, sometimes blocking the road until June. Always peek at the weather forecast before you go. In winter, they plow the road up to a parking lot before Gold Basin Road. But in summer, it’s usually clear sailing all the way to the summit. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeHow is the drive on Forest Service Road 281?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in southwestern Utah, right in the heart of Dixie National Forest, heading towards High Mountain. Forget your spa days, this is an adventure! This isn't just any mountain, we're talking serious elevation here - way up in the sky. As you start the short, mile-long Forest Service Road 281 (NF-281), buckle up for a climb with an average gradient of 5.25%. It may not sound extreme, but trust me, the air gets thin! The road? Think rugged. We're talking gravel, embedded rocks, and ruts that can test your nerves. You absolutely need a 4x4 with good ground clearance. Seriously. It's narrow and exposed too, so if heights aren't your thing, maybe bring a friend to hold your hand. And if it's wet? That dirt turns into some seriously sticky mud. But the real reward? The views! You'll be staring down at Cedar Breaks National Monument, this crazy-beautiful natural amphitheater with wild colors and canyons carved by time. It's a perspective most people only dream of! Heads up: High Mountain is mostly inaccessible most of the year because snow can linger from October until June or even July. Aim for summer when the road's dry and those wildflowers are popping in Dixie National Forest. Keep an eye on the weather; afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast, turning that rocky road into a muddy mess. Before you head out to this remote location to check out the view, make sure your rig is in good shape, and be prepared for the high-altitude environment!