Where is Trinity Mountain?
Usa, north-america
3.54 km
2,868 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Trinity Mountain in Idaho! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,409 feet in Elmore County, smack-dab in the Boise National Forest. Prepare for some serious views!
The road, known as Trinity Mountain Road (129A), is totally unpaved and seriously steep. We're talking a 2.2-mile climb with an average gradient of 8.30% – you'll gain 294 meters in elevation! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must.
Keep an eye on the calendar because snow can block access well into July. Once you get near the top, remember the final stretch to the fire lookout is for official vehicles only, so park and enjoy the last bit on foot. Speaking of the lookout, it's still in use, so if a thunderstorm rolls in, maybe save your visit for another day. But trust me, the panoramic views of those subalpine lakes and surrounding Boise Range mountains are worth the trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.54 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,868 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is Ashton Flagg Ranch Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're itching for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road. We're talking a wild ride between the northern end of the Tetons and Yellowstone's Pitchstone Plateau, stretching across Wyoming and Idaho. Clocking in at about 49 miles (79 km), this isn't your Sunday cruise. Starting near Ashton, Idaho (off US-20) and winding east to US191 (John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway), be prepared for a mix of terrain. Some pavement exists, but most of it’s a gravel road. The east side gets spicy with narrow, rough, muddy, and rutted sections. Forget your low-rider! Seriously, a high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4x4 is highly recommended. This mountain road climbs to a whopping 7,424 feet (2,263 m), so expect snow to linger well into June, making it usually impassable from late October to late June/early July. Check conditions before you commit! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Allot about 3.5 hours for the drive *without* stops (but who can resist stopping?). You’ll be treated to incredible scenery and access to a string of gorgeous lakes: Indian Lake, Lake of the Woods, Moose Lake, Loon Lake, and Grassy Reservoir. Think primitive camping, fewer crowds than Yellowstone, and amazing opportunities for wildlife spotting. Seriously, the remoteness and ruggedness of the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road will make you feel like a true explorer. Just be prepared for an adventure! The route combines sections of Ashton/Flagg Ranch Road, Grass Lake Road, Flagg Ranch Road, or Reclamation Road.
hardWindy Gap
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Windy Gap! This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up in Montezuma County, Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,004 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled within the stunning La Plata Mountains. Heads up: Road 350 isn't your average scenic cruise. Expect gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps along the way. Seriously, one wrong move and you could be in trouble. The road conditions are always changing, and winter likes to hang around here, so aim for a mid-summer adventure if you can. Word to the wise: scout ahead! Don't commit to anything until you're sure you can handle it – things can quickly go from tricky to terrifying. A 4x4 is a MUST. You'll need mad driving skills, patience, and a strong stomach for heights. Keep an eye out for places to pull over, because you might meet oncoming traffic in some seriously inconvenient spots. Trust me, this ain't your typical Sunday drive!
moderateForest Road 514
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk about FR514, a hidden gem nestled high in Utah's Piute County. Seriously, this road is way up there – one of the highest in the whole state! We're talking a roughly 2.3-mile stretch of well-maintained gravel that climbs to a dizzying 10,564 feet above sea level. The views? Epic! Think panoramic vistas and that "top of the world" feeling. Now, a word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can shut this beauty down in winter, so always check conditions before you go. And while the gravel's generally good, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. You'll want to be comfortable navigating unpaved surfaces. But trust me, the reward is worth it!
hardNeedles Eye in South Dakota is a nerve-racking tunnel if you have a big vehicle
🇺🇸 Usa
# Needles Eye: A Granite Adventure in South Dakota Want to experience one of South Dakota's most unforgettable drives? Head to Custer County and tackle Needles Highway—a stunning 14-mile stretch of scenic road that winds through the Black Hills' iconic granite formations. This section of Highway 87 is part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The main attraction? The Needles Eye tunnel itself, a one-lane passage carved straight through solid granite with dimensions of just 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It's genuinely the narrowest tunnel in South Dakota, making it equal parts thrilling and claustrophobic (though totally manageable if you're not severely phobic). You'll share the road with other tourists and the occasional charter bus, so confidence in your vehicle's size is key. RV and large trailer owners? This might not be your jam. For details on tunnel specs and current conditions, swing by the visitor center. Fair warning: this isn't a speedy drive. Budget 45 minutes to over an hour for the full journey—and honestly, you'll probably find yourself crawling along at 20 mph just to soak in the scenery. The narrow, winding road with hairpin turns and granite needle formations means you'll want to pause frequently at pullouts rather than rush through. The asphalt is well-maintained, and nearly all traffic consists of leisurely sightseers. Nestled in Custer State Park, this road was meticulously planned by former Governor Peter Norbeck, who actually mapped the entire route on foot and horseback. It was finished in 1922, and it's been drawing visitors ever since. Keep in mind: the road typically closes from mid-October through early April due to snow, so plan your visit for warmer months. There's an entrance fee for the park, but trust us—it's worth every penny.