Where is the Phinney Canyon Road?
Usa, north-america
18.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic desert adventure, Phinney Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park (southern Nevada) is calling your name!
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about an 11.7-mile trek north of Beatty that starts out pretty tame but quickly demands respect. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars if you've got four-wheel drive with low-range capability. Trust me, there's a section where you'll need it!
But the challenge is SO worth it! This road winds through gorgeous pinyon pine woodlands as you climb into the Grapevine Mountains high country. The views alone are worth the dust and bumps. Be sure to check the Death Valley National Park website for the latest conditions before you go. Happy trails!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhy is it called Geiger Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Geiger Grade Road (Nevada State Route 341) in Washoe County, Nevada, headed up to a cool 6,811 feet above sea level at Geiger Summit. This paved, but super twisty, 13.2-mile stretch climbs from US-395 south of Reno all the way to historic Virginia City. The road’s named after Dr. Davison M. Geiger, the guy who put up the cash to build the original road way back in the 1860s. Back then, it was all about connecting Virginia City's booming silver mines to the Truckee Meadows. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is stunning – think rugged landscapes dotted with junipers. Plus, there are plenty of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap some killer photos. You'll even find Geiger Lookout Wayside Park along the way. It's a great way to experience a slice of Nevada's mining history with a view.
hardDriving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Wyoming is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it in Carbon County, about 7 miles from the town of Elk Mountain (named after a Sioux chief, how cool is that?). Now, here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking totally unpaved, so your trusty 4x4 is a must. Starting near Rattlesnake Pass, the 8-mile trek to the top is STEEP – we're talking a maximum 15% gradient in places! Get ready to climb over 3,500 feet, with an average incline of 8.41%. The views from the top? Totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from late October until almost July, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and there's a radio station broadcaster (KBDY) at the summit, for some extra interesting scenery. Happy trails!
moderateSquaw Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, gear up for Squaw Pass! You'll find this beauty straddling the Idaho-Montana border in the Centennial Mountains, clocking in at 7,280 feet above sea level. The road itself is National Forest Development Road 056 Trail, and let's just say it's an "unimproved gravel road," which is code for bumpy! After you pass the low point, the road climbs to 7,942 feet. Night driving or tackling it in bad weather is a definite no-go unless you're super familiar with the terrain. But if you're up for a bit of an adventure, the views are totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Hardscrabble Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to check out Hardscrabble Mountain in Colorado's Eagle County. Nestled south of Eagle in the White River National Forest, this beast tops out at a cool 10,698 feet! Forget the pavement – you're in for a 20.7-mile off-road rumble on Forest Road 413 (aka Hardscrabble Mountain Road). Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! Some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10%. The views, though? Unreal. Think panoramic vistas of the Sawatch and Gore Mountain Ranges. Just be warned: this is a summer-only kind of trip. Winter? Nope. But trust me, those summer views are worth the wait!