Where is Smoky Mountain Road?
Usa, north-america
124 km
2,160 m
moderate
Year-round
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway in southern Utah (Kane County) is calling your name! Located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
Think of it as a 77.4-mile (124km) one-way rocky dirt rollercoaster connecting Escalante (on Scenic Byway 12) and Big Water (off Highway 89). We're talking a good five to six hours of seriously rough terrain, so leave the Prius at home!
A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously. This route features sections that'll eat standard vehicles for lunch. Plus, avoid it like the plague when wet; those harmless-looking puddles turn into treacherous quicksand.
What makes it worthwhile? Jaw-dropping scenery! You'll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains, and the Kaiparowits Plateau. And the kicker? Kelly's Grade, a heart-pumping five-mile series of switchbacks that climbs 1200 feet up the Kaiparowits Plateau cliffs. The view from the top? Unforgettable!
Heads up: this road tops out at 7,086 feet (2,160m) above sea level. The best time to tackle it is during spring and fall for moderate temps. Summer can be scorching, and winter… well, let’s just say it's impassable due to snow.
This is a remote, undeveloped area. There are NO services along the way. Be totally self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, and at least one spare tire (two is better!). You might not see another soul out there. Signs warn "impassable when wet," so heed that warning! Rain turns washes into vehicle traps. Be prepared for anything, and this will be an epic journey.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 124 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,160 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the scenic North Carolina Highway 12 with sand and water
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: North Carolina Highway 12, a dreamy coastal route stretching 147 miles along the Outer Banks! It's basically a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the sand, linking all those cool peninsulas and islands up north. We're talking two lanes for most of it, squeezed between the sound and the sea. Now, fair warning, this road is a bit of a drama queen. Coastal storms LOVE to mess with it, so be prepared for potential flooding, sand invasions, and ferry shutdowns when the weather gets wild. Seriously, hurricanes can really do a number on NC 12. But hey, that also means awesome sand dunes and kite-flying opportunities when the wind's up! And the scenery? Stunning! You’ll find so much to keep you entertained as you bop along the islands of the Outer Banks. Plus, you've GOT to check out the historic lighthouses at Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Hatteras and Ocracoke are real gems. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
hardWhere is the Burcham Flat Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, ditch the boring highway and check out Burcham Flat Road in east-central California! Tucked away in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near [town name], this isn't your average Sunday drive. Heads up, it's also known as [alternate name]. Picture this: 14.9 miles of unpaved glory, twisting and turning through the wilderness. It’s a bit of a climb, too, with some seriously steep sections that'll test your mettle. If you're a seasoned rider, you'll be right at home. New to the off-road scene? It's doable, but be prepared for a challenge! Keep your eyes peeled, though! This is bear and mountain lion territory, so stay alert. As for scenery? Think breathtaking vistas. It peaks out at [elevation] feet above sea level, usually open from [start of season], giving you stunning views. Burcham Flat Road is your ticket to experiencing the wild beauty of California. Just remember to respect the terrain, watch out for wildlife, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Brasstown Bald?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the northeast Georgia mountains, headed towards Brasstown Bald. This beauty sits right on the line between Towns and Union counties and is Georgia's highest point, clocking in at 4,784 feet! You can totally drive to the top, just hop on Georgia State Route 180 Spur. Keep in mind that the road is paved but super steep. And there's a little gravel section where another trail crosses, just to keep you on your toes! The climb is just about 3 miles from the Georgia 180 junction. Speaking of steep, get ready for an average grade of 11.2%! You'll be gaining over 1,800 feet in a short amount of time. Once you're up there, you're in for a treat. Brasstown Bald is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains inside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. At the top, a five-story lookout tower awaits, along with an 8,000 sq ft museum packed with interactive exhibits. You can see four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And if you get lucky, the Atlanta skyline is visible. Just be aware that the mountain's weather can be super unpredictable. Fog, mist, and storms can roll in out of nowhere, so check conditions before you head up. If the weather's bad, the gates will be closed.
hardOrd Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-road adventure in Southern California? Check out Ord Mountain in San Bernardino County! This peak clocks in at 4,527 feet and gives you killer views, if you can handle the drive. We're talking Mojave Desert terrain, people! The road up is basically a gravel, rocky, bouncy dream (or nightmare, depending on your suspension). Hamburger Hill Off Road Trail is the name, and getting rad is the game. Heads up: this trail's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Once you're up there, the views are worth every bump. You'll get snow-capped San Bernardino mountains to the south, the Ord range stretching east and west, and the stunning Tyler Valley to the northwest. This used to be a mining area, so you'll see cool relics along the way. Definitely need a 4x4 and some solid off-roading skills for this one. It's steep in sections, and if you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved roads, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler looking for a challenge and incredible scenery, Ord Mountain is calling your name!