Where is Targhee Pass?
Usa, north-america
45 km
2,161 m
hard
Year-round
Wanna straddle two states at once? Then cruise up Targhee Pass! This super scenic spot sits right on the Idaho-Montana border, clocking in at 7,089 feet above sea level.
You'll find it nestled on the Continental Divide, linking southeastern Idaho with southwestern Montana. It's named after a Bannack Indian chief, which is pretty cool.
The whole route is paved—we're talking U.S. Highway 20, also known as Targhee Pass Highway. Keep an eye out for those little white markers, though. They're there to remind you to drive carefully.
The drive stretches for 28 miles, connecting West Yellowstone, Montana, to Island Park, Idaho. Most of it is nice and flat, but be ready for some ramps with up to an 8% grade.
Good news for winter adventurers: Targhee Pass stays open! They plow and sand it regularly. Only a major blizzard could shut it down.
Tucked away in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, it'll take you about 30 minutes to drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. This area is a major migration route for elk, deer, moose, and bears. Plus, it's the quickest way to Yellowstone Park from southern Idaho!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 45 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,161 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeMarcellina Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic mountain pass in the heart of Colorado? Then Marcellina Pass is calling your name! This beast clocks in at a whopping 10,343 feet above sea level, nestled in Gunnison County. Heads up: you'll need a 4x4 for this one. We're talking Forest Road 826, a gravel track that winds its way up through Gunnison National Forest northwest of Crested Butte. But fair warning, this route isn't for the faint of heart. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, because Mother Nature can throw some serious curveballs here. We're talking avalanches, heavy snow, landslides – the works! Plus, expect a bit of rockiness and mud along the way, and icy patches. But the views? Oh man, the views make it all worthwhile!
moderateWhen was the Zilwaukee Bridge built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Zilwaukee Bridge in Michigan! Seriously, this thing is a legend...for all the wrong reasons, haha! Located in Zilwaukee, smack-dab in Saginaw County, this bridge carries I-75 over the Saginaw River, linking Zilwaukee Township and Saginaw city. It's HUGE, stretching a whopping 8,000 feet! And get this, it towers 125 feet above the water at its peak. The views are probably... interesting, but it's more the story of how this thing was built that's the real draw. Construction started in 1978 to replace an older bridge, but it was a total rollercoaster! Think delays, accidents (major ones!), and probably a few headaches for the engineers. It finally opened in 1988. Oh, and did I mention it's curved? A bridge with a curve – you've gotta see it to believe it!
extremeFordyce Creek
🇺🇸 Usa
Fordyce Creek in Northern California's Nevada County? Buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average Sunday drive. This 11.9-mile trail is a hardcore 4x4 adventure, and I mean HARDCORE. We're talking gravel, massive boulders, and tight squeezes that'll test your skills (and your vehicle) to the max. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Fordyce Creek boasts five winch-hills and six water crossings that can go from a refreshing splash to a vehicle-swallowing nightmare in a heartbeat. Speaking of which, this trail isn't for the faint of heart. We’re talking potential body damage, mechanical mayhem, and, yes, even rollovers. So, unless you’re a seasoned off-roader, steer clear. You'll need a seriously capable 4x4 with high clearance (no stock vehicles allowed!), minimum 33-inch tires, and at least one locker. Two lockers and low gears are HIGHLY recommended. And never, ever go it alone. Travel in a group with at least one winch-equipped buddy. The scenery is beautiful, but the real challenge is conquering the obstacles. Just remember to pack emergency supplies, extra parts, and a healthy dose of respect for Mother Nature. The best time to hit this trail? Late September until the first snowfall, when the water flow is usually at its lowest. Be prepared for washboard surfaces, deep dust, and potential flooding – conditions change rapidly! Know your vehicle, know your route, and be ready for anything. This is an adrenaline-pumping, ego-crushing, unforgettable experience.
hardIs Nellie Creek Road in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in southwestern Colorado and itching for an off-road adventure? Nellie Creek Road (FSR#877) might just be your jam, but listen up – this ain't no Sunday drive! We're talking a narrow, steep, unpaved beast with hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. You'll be fording a creek not once, but twice (around 1.8 and 2.7 miles in), so a proper 4x4 is a MUST. Forget your sedan; you'll need clearance and grit. This 6.4 km (4 mile) gem climbs from west of Lake City up to the Nellie Creek Trailhead parking lot. Get ready for a serious workout, as you gain a whopping 641 meters of elevation! Word to the wise: this road's a no-go in winter thanks to mega snow. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast, so keep an eye on the sky. But hey, if you're prepared, the views are absolutely breathtaking.