Where is the Old Spiral Highway?
Usa, north-america
11.74 km
272 m
easy
Year-round
Old Spiral Highway is said to be one of the best motorcycle roads in the US state of Idaho. The very twisty road, with 64 curves, is short, curvy, smooth, and most definitely sweet.
Where is the Old Spiral Highway?
The road is located on the north side of the Clearwater River in Lewiston, the county seat of Nez Perce County, in the northern-central part of Idaho, near the border of Washington state.
How long is Old Spiral Highway?
The Old Spiral Highway is only 11.74km (7.3 miles) long.
When was the Old Spiral Highway built?
Originally constructed in 1917, this historic road, also known as the Old Lewiston Grade, takes 64 turns to traverse 2000 feet of elevation change. This road served as the only route for traffic until 1977 when US-95 was constructed.
It was considered a huge feat in engineering and a breakthrough at the time. The road was the subject of the 1950s rock n' roll song called "Hot Rod Lincoln".
Where does Old Spiral Highway start and end?
The road runs south-north from ID-128 road at 272m above sea level to US-95 road at 822m above sea level. The elevation gain is 550 meters. The average gradient is 4.68%. The road hits a 13% maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
What is the curviest road in Idaho?
Old Spiral Highway is fully paved. Nicknamed Idaho’s windiest road, it’s not an easy drive, with uncountable turns and twists. This old 2-lane alignment of US Route 95 heads up the breathtaking 2000 ft tall grade in a very short 8 miles.
The road is loaded with twists and turns and dramatic switchbacks. It is also freshly repaved - too good to be true. This short and technical motorcycle route is certainly one of the best rides in the area.
With over 60 curves and a steadily steep elevation grade, this road is for drivers who are up for a bit of a challenge. It’s best attempted by those who don't get dizzy very easily.
Weston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches
Old Cascade Tunnel in Washington is haunted by ghosts
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.74 km
- Max Elevation
- 272 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Genoa Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a Tahoe adventure with a side of off-roading? Let me tell you about Genoa Peak, nestled in Nevada's Toiyabe National Forest, overlooking the east side of Lake Tahoe. This isn't your Sunday drive – think rugged beauty! Genoa Peak Road (aka 14N32) is a 19 km (11.8 miles) dirt track that'll test your mettle. Starting from Highway 50 south of , it winds north to NV-207 (Kingsbury Grade Road) east of . Heads up – the southern part is definitely rougher than the northern entry. We're talking major bumps, large rocks galore, and a skinny trail where passing is a real challenge. Seriously, bring a buddy – not just for company, but because getting lost is surprisingly easy out there. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4. Trust me, those steep sections with loose, rocky terrain demand it. But the reward? Unbelievable views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley from an elevation of 2,745m (9,005ft). Oh, and there's some cool electrical equipment at the summit – because why not? Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
hardWhere is Clear Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to southwestern Colorado, near Silverton, for an adventure? Clear Lake needs to be on your list, but listen up, this ain't your Sunday drive! We're talking about Forest Road 815 – Clear Lake Road – and it's a 4.4-mile unpaved, rocky climb from Forest Road 585 near South Mineral Campground. First off, the lake sits way up high at almost 12,000 feet in the San Juan National Forest, so the views are insane. But getting there? You'll absolutely need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 vehicle. This road is NARROW, like seriously narrow, with some incredibly steep sections (up to 16% gradient!) and hairpin switchbacks. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Yeah, they're pretty epic…and potentially terrifying if you're not used to this kind of thing. The road climbs over 2,000 feet, so be prepared for an average gradient of over 9%! The road's usually open from late May to late November. Along the way, keep an eye out for signs of old mining operations. But really, the big draw is the scenery – wildflowers galore and waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. Once you reach the top, there's designated parking, so please use it. The turquoise water of the alpine lake is totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be warned, this route is steep! It’s a hairy ascent to a magical, rewarding spot.
hardDeer Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real Montana gem? Check out Deer Mountain in Ravalli County. We're talking about a climb to 7,286 feet (2,221m) that'll leave you breathless – both from the altitude and the views! Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Expect a gravel surface that gets pretty rocky, bumpy, and downright tippy in spots. You're heading into the Bitterroot National Forest, so be prepared for some wilderness! Word to the wise: this road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this trip. Trust me on this one. But if you're up for the challenge, the reward is massive! At the summit, you'll find a cool old lookout tower built way back in 1960. The panoramic views? Absolutely epic!
moderateA lonely scenic drive to Chilkat Pass in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Chilkat Pass! This beauty sits at a cool 3,480 feet above sea level in British Columbia, Canada, practically waving hello to Alaska. You'll find it nestled in the Stikine Region, way up in the northeast. FYI, "Chilkat" comes from the local Tlingit people. The road? It's the Haines Highway, a solid, two-lane paved path that winds like a ribbon through the coastal mountains. The whole shebang stretches for about 174 kilometers (that's a good chunk!) as it runs from the US border up to Haines Junction in the Yukon. At the summit is a small parking lot that will allow you to pause, rest, and soak it all in. Heads up: while they keep the road in good shape year-round, Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable between mid-September and the start of June. Always peep at the weather forecast before you hit the road during that time. Enjoy the ride!