Where is Radical Hill?
Usa, north-america
11.42 km
3,846 m
extreme
Year-round
Radical Hill? More like Radically Awesome Hill! This beast clocks in at 12,618 feet above sea level, nestled in Colorado's Summit County near Montezuma, just west of Webster Pass.
Forget pavement, this 7.1-mile climb is all about conquering rocks and navigating a seriously narrow, shelf-like track. Imagine tight switchbacks that'll have you holding your breath! It's tippy, steep, and has plenty of rocky sections to keep you on your toes. We're talking aggressive stock SUVs only, folks, with experienced drivers at the wheel. Low range and skid plates? Essential.
Timing is everything! Aim for late August or early September for the best chance of a snow-free adventure. Any other time, and you might be facing a winter wonderland...or a winter nightmare.
The road throws a mix of rocky terrain, switchbacks, and loose climbs your way. Watch out for those extra-narrow spots and the off-camber section near the tailings pile. The final push to the top is loose, rocky, and eroded, so be prepared. Not for the faint of heart, this trail serves up steep drops and challenging terrain!
But the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The summit is super flat with tons of parking to soak in the views. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Continental Divide, Webster Pass, Handcart Peak, and Teller Mountain. Plus, you'll stumble upon remnants of Colorado's rich mining history along the way. It's a tough climb, but the rewards are epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,846 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Union Pass in WY?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Union Pass in Wyoming is calling your name. This isn't just any mountain pass; we're talking about a 9,212-foot-high stunner straddling Sublette and Fremont counties, right between the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests. Think breathtaking views and a seriously epic drive. So, how do you tackle this beast? Union Pass Road is mostly unpaved and clocks in at a solid 72.6 miles, connecting U.S. Route 287 near Dubois to U.S. Route 189 in Pinedale. Give yourself about four hours *each way* to soak it all in. The landscape is unreal – picture vast meadows, sparkling mountain lakes, and panoramas of the Tetons, Wind River Range, and Absaroka Mountains. Plus, you'll be cruising past the headwaters of the Colorado, Mississippi, and Columbia rivers. Talk about a scenic drive! Now, a word of caution: leave the sedan at home. This road demands an SUV with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. While the road's generally in good shape, expect some rough patches, especially on the Pinedale side. This is an adventure, not a Sunday cruise, so be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride.
moderateWhere is Black Sage Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Black Sage Pass in central Colorado's Gunnison National Forest is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising along, soaking in the views from high up, because this pass is seriously elevated. So, about this Black Sage Pass thing… Apparently, it gets its name from all the black sagebrush around here. Now, the road to the top? It's unpaved, so make sure your ride can handle a little dirt. And keep your eyes peeled, because this wild and scenic drive definitely has its share of potential hazards. How long is this adventure? Just enough time to feel like you've escaped the ordinary and stumbled upon a hidden gem. So get out there and explore!
extremeA wild road to Pipestone Pass in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! I just tackled Pipestone Pass in Montana, and let me tell you, it's a stunner. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 6,469 feet. The whole thing's paved, winding its way through the eastern foothills of the Rockies. But don't think it's a Sunday drive! This baby's got curves and some seriously steep sections to keep you on your toes. Plus, Mother Nature can throw some curveballs, especially in winter – think black ice, blizzards, and winds that'll try to blow you off the road. Located in southern Montana's Pioneer Mountains, inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, it's about 29 miles of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of white-knuckle action). It connects Butte to Whitehall. Budget around 40-50 minutes to soak it all in – and maybe grab a photo or two! Oh, and keep an eye out for the Mount Patterson radio site. Happy trails!
extremeSawyer Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Sawyer Ridge in Idaho County, Idaho! This ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking a proper 4WD gravel track, known as NF-444A, that climbs to a whopping 7,309 feet above sea level within the Nez Perce National Forest. Now, a word of caution: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Keep a close eye on the weather! Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, not to mention the sneaky ice patches that can appear out of nowhere. The track itself can get a bit rocky and muddy, so come prepared. But hey, the reward is worth the effort! At the summit, you'll find the Sawyer Ridge Lookout, built way back in '49. The views? Totally Instagrammable. Trust me, this is one for the bucket list!