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
hardWhere is Mount Grant?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the lowdown on an epic Nevada drive to the summit of Mount Grant. You'll find this beast lurking in the western part of Nevada, named after the 18th president. Now, before you jump in your car, a heads up: access is super limited since the military owns most of the area, so you'll need permission to even attempt this trek. First things first: forget your Prius. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance is an absolute MUST! This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is usually off-limits from late October to late June/early July due to weather. Clocking in at a decent length, this climb really puts your rig to the test with a whopping 2,057-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.30%! You'll start low down, then inch your way up to some serious altitude. The beginning is a narrow canyon section, but don't worry, it eventually opens up, giving you enough space for two vehicles to pass, and you can even pick up the pace a bit – think speeds that feel fast on well-maintained areas. Initially, you'll snake through a narrow canyon. But as you gain elevation, BAM! The landscape explodes into a vast, high-altitude dreamscape. You'll even get a sneak peek of the road ahead, zigzagging its way up the mountain. There are some scattered small rocks, but nothing crazy, and high clearance is useful. However, those afraid of heights might find this section uncomfortable. It is not difficult for passing vehicles. However, traffic is minimal, and the gate locks behind you! Plus, keep your eyes peeled – there are some seriously steep cliffs along the shoulder! One of the highest roads in Nevada, this is a drive you won't soon forget!
hardA Comprehensive Travel Guide to Hailstone Butte in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Hailstone Butte, a real hidden gem way up in Alberta, Canada! This peak soars to 2,326m (7,631ft), making it one of the highest drives you can find in the country. Locals just call it "the hump," and you'll find it nestled in the Highwood region of Kananaskis, right inside the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve. The summit's home to a fire lookout tower — apparently, the most southern one in Kananaskis Country! They've had a few iterations up there, and let's just say the wind is no joke. Trust me, you'll want to dress in layers because things can change fast at that altitude. Oh, and a word to the wise: keep your furry friends away from the lakes up there, as they might have some algae that's not good for them. The drive itself? You'll hop off Highway 22 and onto a well-maintained gravel road that twists and turns its way to the top. Get ready for some steep switchbacks, but the views? Totally worth it! Just a heads up, the road gets a little rougher as you climb, with some washboard sections and rocks to dodge. Watch out for logging trucks, mountain sheep, and blind corners! The road is typically closed from December to the end of April due to snow, and keep in mind that the weather can change in a heartbeat, and afternoons can get super windy!
moderateForest Road 310
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a wild ride? Check out Forest Road 310 in Colorado's Routt County. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking almost 10km of unpaved, totally rugged road, and it sits entirely above 3,100 meters. Heads up: you can forget about driving it between December and the end of June. Seriously, don't even try. When it IS open, you'll need a vehicle with some serious clearance, and be prepared to take it slow. The highest point hits 3,218 meters (that's 10,557 feet!), so good shocks are your friend. But hey, the views! You're cruising through the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, with killer scenery everywhere you look. Keep an eye out for Fish Creek Reservoir and Long Lake – they're stunning. One word of warning: the mosquitoes are INTENSE. Pack your best bug spray; you’ll need it!
moderateWhere is North Walton Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright adventure junkies, let's talk North Walton Peak in the rugged northern reaches of Colorado! You'll find it standing tall, a ways north of another peak charmingly named South Walton Peak. So, what's at the top? Well, besides some seriously killer views, you'll spot a radio communication tower. Getting there is a bit of an adventure. The dirt track, which I think it's called Buffalo Park Road?, winds for about 3 miles up to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you'll be gaining around 740 feet in elevation, making for a moderately steep climb. A 4x4 is absolutely essential. Just a heads up: winter transforms this road into an icy obstacle course. Basically, it's a no-go during the snowy season, so plan your trip accordingly. But when the sun's out, get ready for a wild ride with some unforgettable Colorado scenery!