Where is Sundance Mountain?

Where is Sundance Mountain?

Usa, north-america

Length

12.71 km

Elevation

1,914 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you’re heading to northern Idaho? Sundance Mountain is calling your name! This peak, nestled in Bonner County near the Washington border within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, tops out at 6,279 feet.

Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is about 7.9 miles long, and boy, does it climb! You're looking at an average gradient of nearly 9%, gaining over 3,700 feet in elevation. Translation? Steep!

The road is unpaved and gnarly. We're talking fallen trees, overgrown brush, and enough rocks to make you question your life choices. High clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable unless you fancy walking. And forget about it in winter – snow makes it impassable.

Why go through all this trouble? The views, people, the views! Think sweeping panoramas of Priest Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. It's seriously Insta-worthy. Plus, there’s a fire lookout tower built back in '35 waiting for you at the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too – you might just spot a deer or even a moose along the way. Just remember, this mountain has a history. A massive wildfire swept through here in '67, so expect to see a landscape still recovering, with ghostly, fire-scorched trees dotting the slopes.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
12.71 km
Max Elevation
1,914 m
Difficulty
hard

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