Where is the Capitol Gorge Road?

Where is the Capitol Gorge Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through south-central Utah, smack-dab in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. You're on Capitol Gorge Road, a sweet little unpaved gem that's steeped in history.

This wasn't always a scenic detour, though. Back in the day, this narrow canyon was THE way to get through this part of Utah! Pioneers even carved it out for wagons, battling flash floods and boulders the whole way. Can you imagine?

The dirt road starts where the paved Capitol Reef Scenic Drive ends and winds its way through the gorge. It's mostly mellow, even a regular car can usually handle it. Just watch out for some sandy spots and definitely avoid it if storms are brewing, because flash floods are a real threat here. There's a gate that closes when things get dicey.

The whole thing isn't too long, ending at a trailhead parking area after a memorable stretch. Fair warning: this lot fills up FAST during peak season, so get there early if you want to snag a spot and explore the canyon trails further on foot. This is a journey you won't forget!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is El Capulín?moderate

Where is El Capulín?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Alright, adventurers, listen up! I've found a road that'll take your breath away - literally! We're heading to El Capulín, snuggled right on the edge of Morelos and Mexico City, deep in the heart of the country. This isn't just any drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the nation, topping out at a cool 3,627m (11,899ft) above sea level inside the beautiful Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. You'll be cruising the Xalatlaco-El Ajusco road for about 11.6 km (7.20 miles) until you arrive to the famous church. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. Low visibility can make this road a bit tricky. But with clear skies? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!

Buck Rockhard

Buck Rock

🇺🇸 Usa

Buck Rock is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.557m (8,389ft) above the sea level, located in Tulare County, California, in USA. The rugged road to the summit, located within the Sequoia National Forest, is rocky narrow and dirt. It’s called Forest Rte 13S04. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Great trail for experienced wheelers. The road (when dry) is accessible via 2WD. But you’ll definitely want a 4-wheel drive or at least a high profile vehicle the last two and a half miles. Low profile cars should not attempt this road. At the summit there’s a lookout tower built in 1923. The summit offers a spectacular 360-degree view stretching from the Coastal Ranges across the San Joaquin Valley to the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The Ultimate Guide to Mount Powell North Fork Clear Creek Trail Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Driving the scenic Cherohala Skyway through the mountainsmoderate

Driving the scenic Cherohala Skyway through the mountains

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising through Tennessee and North Carolina? You HAVE to experience the Cherohala Skyway, one of the most breathtaking drives in the USA! This beauty took 34 years and over $100 million to build, finally opening in 1996, and it's now a designated National Scenic Byway. The name? A blend of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it winds through. We're talking 51.8 miles (83.36km) of pure, paved road magic stretching from Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC (aka Tennessee State Route 165 meets North Carolina Highway 143). They also call it the Overhill Skyway, FYI! Get ready for some serious elevation – the highest point is 5,400ft (1,600m) near the state line at Santeetlah Overlook. Even in July, this place can be shrouded in fog and feel super chilly, so pack accordingly! Mountain weather is no joke. Just south of the legendary Tail of the Dragon, this mile-high drive is always a unique experience, a hidden gem snaking through the mountains. Think long, sweeping corners that are a dream for motorcycles and sports cars. This is a 2-lane road with wide shoulders and 15 scenic overlooks. Word to the wise: it can be desolate at night and treacherous in winter. Imagine yourself surrounded by forests of hardwoods and evergreens. Seriously, bring your camera! The Cherohala Skyway delivers incredible mountain views, vibrant foliage, and cascading waterfalls. You could technically drive it in 2-3 hours non-stop, but WHY would you want to? This easy drive is smack-dab in the heart of the stunning southern Appalachian Mountains.

What does Kusawa mean?hard

What does Kusawa mean?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Kusawa Lake Road! This isn't just any road – it’s your gateway to the stunning glacial blue waters of Kusawa Lake, a true Yukon gem whose name means "long narrow lake" in the Tlingit language. Just a stone’s throw from Whitehorse, near the BC border, this 24-kilometer (almost 15-mile) dirt track takes you from mile 960 of the highway all the way to a campground near the lake. Now, here’s the deal: this isn't a Sunday drive. Running alongside the Takhini River, this narrow, winding road can get seriously muddy after a rainstorm, and those sandy patches? They can be pretty rough. Plus, keep an eye out – there's a higher-than-usual risk of floods and mudflows, so always be aware of environmental factors. The views are breathtaking, no doubt, but get ready for some steep climbs! Reaching a height of 754 meters (nearly 2,500 feet), this road is only open during the warmer months, typically from May to October. Forget about it in the winter – it's closed! But if you're up for a bit of an adventure and crave those unbelievable Yukon landscapes, Kusawa Lake Road is calling your name. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!