Where is the Old Spiral Highway?

Where is the Old Spiral Highway?

Usa, north-america

Length

11.74 km

Elevation

272 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
11.74 km
Max Elevation
272 m
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in north-america

Travel guide to the top of Grey Creek Pass in Canadaextreme

Travel guide to the top of Grey Creek Pass in Canada

🇨🇦 Canada

Wanna tackle one of Canada's highest roads? Head to British Columbia's East Kootenay region and find Grey Creek Pass, sitting pretty at 2,083m (6,833ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive – the entire 53.6 km (33.3 miles) route, known as Gray Creek Forest Service Road, is unpaved, connecting Gray Creek to St Marys River Road. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure! Built in the late 80s and opened in 1990 after a powerline went through in the 50s, this route offers stunning Kootenay range views. But be warned, it's typically closed from mid/late October to late June/early July due to snow. Road conditions are seriously variable. Expect it to be rough, narrow, and seriously steep in sections (up to 16% grades!). Lower gears are a must, and watch those brakes! While the signs might suggest high clearance, you can probably manage with most vehicles. But, when it's wet, it's DANGEROUS – think slippery mud on steep inclines. There are tons of corners, and no emergency services are available. Logging trucks frequent the road, and heavy rain can cause washouts, so keep your eyes peeled and drive carefully. This isn't a fast track; it's all about soaking in the scenery.

Promontory Dividemoderate

Promontory Divide

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you guys HAVE to check out Promontory Divide in southern Colorado! This asphalt ribbon of Colorado State Highway 69 straddles Custer and Huerfano counties, clocking in at a seriously lofty 8,599 feet. Talk about breathtaking views! But heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Being up so high in the Wet Mountain Valley, you're totally exposed to the elements. Think fierce winds and crazy-fast weather changes. Seriously, pack layers! You might be basking in sunshine one minute and bundled up against a chilly gale the next. Trust me, the views are worth it, just be prepared for a bit of an adventure!

How long is the Sierra Vista Byway?moderate

How long is the Sierra Vista Byway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Wanna experience California's Sierra Nevada like never before? Hop in your car and cruise the Sierra Vista Byway! This 83-mile loop is pure magic, winding through the Sierra National Forest with views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll climb from gentle foothills to awesome alpine forests, topping out at 7,326 feet. Picture this: the Sierra Nevada crest stretching out before you, unique rock formations popping up along the way, granite domes gleaming in the sun, and mountain streams babbling alongside the road. Heads up: this beauty is seasonal! It's usually open from June to October, because winter snows shut it down. Some sections are paved, others are unpaved (think slow and bumpy, but still doable in a regular car). Give yourself 4-5 hours to enjoy the drive without rushing. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you start! There's only one gas station along the way (Wagner's Store at Mammoth Pool), and it's not cheap. Seriously, pack your camera. The views of the Sierra Crest are unreal. This byway is an amazing way to explore the Sierra backcountry from the comfort of your car!

Where is The Morrison Jeep Trail?extreme

Where is The Morrison Jeep Trail?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a true off-road adventure, the Morrison Jeep Trail in Wyoming's Park County needs to be on your radar. Nestled in the Shoshone National Forest, northwest of Cody and southwest of Billings, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at 22 miles, this one-lane beast of a trail climbs from the Clarks Fork River valley up to the Beartooth Plateau. And when I say climb, I mean CLIMB. We're talking about topping out at 10,193 feet! Expect this journey to eat up about 7 hours of your day. But the views? Oh, the VIEWS! You'll be traversing some of the most remote and stunning landscapes Wyoming has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears (black AND grizzly!), mountain goats, and bobcats. Just remember, you're out there. Cell service? Forget about it. Now, let's talk about the challenge. This trail is NO JOKE. We're talking heavy rocks, deep ruts, and a whopping 27 switchbacks that'll test your driving skills (and your nerves!). You'll be hugging the edge with drop-offs of hundreds of feet. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute MUST. And those grades? Some hit a staggering 25 degrees! Keep in mind this road is usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And trust me, you DO NOT want to tackle this when it's wet or muddy. Those rocky climbs will become your worst nightmare. Speaking of climbs, the altitude up here is real! You'll feel the thinner air, especially on those long, straight grinder sections above 10,000 feet. So, are you ready to put your rig and your skills to the ultimate test? The Morrison Jeep Trail awaits!