Where is the Clear Creek Trail?

Where is the Clear Creek Trail?

Usa, north-america

Length

11 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Deep in southwestern Montana, at the base of the Anaconda Range, lies Clear Creek Trail, a serious off-road adventure. This isn't your Sunday drive! Starting from paved Mill Creek Road, you're immediately thrown into a steep, rugged mountain environment.

This unpaved track is 11 kilometers of gravel and big rocks, with ruts and loose stones ready to challenge your traction. A 4x4 is a must to conquer the steep sections and uneven terrain, and stick to dry conditions – rain turns this mountain dirt into a slippery nightmare on those 8% grades.

Don't be fooled by the short distance! You'll climb 910 meters to a peak elevation of over 2,600 meters. That's a relentless 8.31% average gradient that will test your engine and your nerves. Expect to spend a lot of time in low gear, carefully picking your way through rocky obstacles while maintaining momentum.

Up at that altitude, the weather is a real factor. Conditions in the Anaconda Range are known to change in a flash, turning a sunny morning into a blizzard or thunderstorm. Road closures are common, especially when snow lingers at higher elevations. Even in summer, temperatures can plummet. Always check the Deer Lodge County forecast, and never underestimate the potential for a sudden storm!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
11 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Mount Buckskinhard

Mount Buckskin

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Mount Buckskin in Park County, Colorado, is calling your name! We're talking about a climb to 12,732 feet—that's seriously high! This isn't your Sunday drive; the road's a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy beast, so experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. Winter? Forget about it—this road's closed. Think of it as a seriously steep, 4x4-only kind of adventure. Not a fan of heights? Maybe skip this one. And if it's been raining, be prepared for some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, it's not all about the challenge! You'll be cruising through the heart of the Mosquito Range in the Rockies, with views that'll make your jaw drop, plus a glimpse into Colorado's old mining days with remnants of that era scattered along the route. It's a wild ride, but the views are SO worth it!

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Gunsight Pass in Coloradohard

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Gunsight Pass in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Gunsight Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado is calling your name! Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, this beast of a road climbs to a staggering 12,112 feet. Starting near Crested Butte, Gunsight Pass Road (aka Trappers Way) throws you into a 7.4-mile off-road adventure. Think rugged terrain, loose rocks, and switchbacks galore as you wind through Wolverine Basin, hugging Mount Emmons. The lower part of the trail treats you to killer views of Crested Butte, while the higher you climb, the more the northern vistas explode! Now, a heads-up: you can't actually *drive* all the way over the pass. The final switchbacks are closed to ATVs and 4x4s due to some serious erosion. So, dust off that mountain bike or lace up your hiking boots to conquer the final stretch. This old mining road isn't coddled—it's raw and untamed. Landslides are a real possibility thanks to a seriously unstable shale slope. The upper section? Let's just say it's seen better days and involves a sketchy scree slope that isn't safely passable. This bad boy is usually snowed in from November to May. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions: think thunderstorms, freezing temps, and the feeling of being wonderfully isolated. Watch out for snowfields—they can be treacherous! The road is steep, with sections hitting an 18% gradient. You'll gain a whopping 3,218 feet from Crested Butte, averaging an 8.24% incline. Gunsight Pass is a Colorado classic that demands respect and rewards you with views you won't soon forget!

Where is the road to Maverick Mountain?extreme

Where is the road to Maverick Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Reaching an elevation of over 8,000 feet, Maverick Mountain is a real hidden gem inside the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona. This ain't your typical Sunday drive – it's a proper off-road pilgrimage culminating at a historic fire lookout. Road facts: Maverick Mountain Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona, USA 30.2 miles (from Fort Apache) 4x4 High Clearance Only The adventure begins near the historic town of Fort Apache, diving headfirst into the tribal lands of the White Mountain Apache. You're in for a long haul, clocking in at 30+ miles through dense ponderosa pine forests and over gnarly volcanic terrain. Forget the tourist traps, this is the Arizona back country at its finest, a sweet spot between desert and alpine peaks. Yep, you guessed it – this road is unpaved. Think rough gravel, deep ruts, and plenty of rocks to keep you on your toes. There are some super steep sections and you'll be climbing over 3,000 feet in total! This isn't a road for the faint of heart, you'll need a proper 4x4 beast with high clearance. If heights make you sweat or you're new to off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Hold up! You can't just roll into the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. You'll need a special permit to drive here. Since Maverick Mountain is on tribal land, get your permit from the Tribal Game and Fish department before you even think about hitting the dirt. It's not optional – it's considered trespassing if you're caught without one. Double check with the local tribal authorities in Whiteriver or Fort Apache for the latest rules and road conditions. At the summit, you'll find a seriously cool historic fire lookout tower, built way back in 1934. This 60-foot steel giant has been watching over these forests for decades. The views from the top are absolutely insane, stretching all the way across the Mogollon Rim and into the deep canyons of the reservation. Heads up though, the lookout might not always be open, and remember you're in prime elk and bear country. Don't even think about it! The road's totally impassable during the winter. At over 8,000 feet, expect heavy snow that sticks around until late spring. The road turns into a muddy, slushy mess. The sweet spot is late June through early October, but even then, summer monsoons can cause flash floods and washouts. The main hazards? Isolation and steepness. This 30-mile stretch has zero services, and cell service is virtually non-existent. A breakdown here means a long, lonely walk through bear territory. Weather can change in a heartbeat, and fallen trees are a real possibility. So, pack extra water, fuel, a full-size spare, and your wits! This adventure is all about being self-sufficient.

Where is Gates Pass?hard

Where is Gates Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising west of Tucson, Arizona? You NEED to hit Gates Pass! This scenic route punches right through the Tucson Mountains at a lofty 3,179 feet. Built way back in 1883 and named after local legend Thomas Gates, it's a local fave for good reason. Clocking in at just under 5 miles, Gates Pass Road connects Tucson to Kinney Road. But don't let the short distance fool you! This drive is an experience. Be warned: it's narrow, winding, and steep, with gradients hitting a max of 13% in spots! You're hugging the edge of the mountain, so keep your eyes on the road. Big rigs (over 40-50 feet) aren't allowed, and some folks prefer the Ajo Road route to avoid the thrills. But oh, those views! Gates Pass is famous for its breathtaking desert scenery. Picture saguaros dotting the slopes and panoramic vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. And the sunsets? Legendary! Pack your camera, find a scenic overlook, and prepare to be amazed. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon or catch a summer thunderstorm rolling across the valley. Trust me, Gates Pass is worth every twist and turn!