
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
moderateWhere is Cameron Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? You HAVE to check out Cameron Pass! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 10,291 feet, straddling Jackson and Larimer Counties. It's named after Robert Cameron, a pioneer who founded Fort Collins. You'll be cruising on State Highway 14, also known as Poudre Canyon Road, and yes, it's paved the whole way. The drive stretches for about 88 miles from Walden to Ted's Place. The climb isn't too brutal, mostly gradual, but watch out for a few spots where the gradient kicks up to 12%. It's a bit steeper coming from the west, easier from the east. The views? Seriously epic. Plus, there's tons of parking at the top. This area is steeped in Colorado mining history, so soak it all in. Heads up: Cameron Pass is usually open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs. Expect short-term closures because of snow and avalanche danger. Seriously, this pass gets dumped on. You might even see snow sticking around as late as July or August!
extremeRailroad Ridge is the highest road in Idaho
🇺🇸 Usa
# Railroad Ridge: Idaho's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Nestled in the heart of Idaho's stunning White Cloud Mountains, Railroad Ridge sits at a breathtaking 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) and holds the title of Idaho's highest road accessible by full-size vehicles. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The journey up FR 669 from Clayton spans 27.8 miles and climbs a serious 5,049 feet—and every single mile earns its reputation as one of the most intense driving experiences in the state. You're looking at narrow, unpaved switchbacks with virtually no room to pull over, steep rocky sections that'll test your suspension, and views that drop off in ways that'll make your stomach do backflips. High-clearance and four-wheel drive aren't suggestions here—they're requirements. And if heights aren't your thing? Yeah, maybe skip this one. The payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramic views that stretch for miles on clear days. It's the kind of landscape that makes you forget how white-knuckled your grip on the steering wheel has been. A few essential things to know: Cell service disappears as you approach Livingston Mine, so download your maps and use offline GPS navigation. The road is generally snow-locked from late October through June or early July, and hitting this stretch in bad weather is a no-go—avalanches, landslides, and heavy snow are real hazards. Drive slow, watch for rocks and ruts, and take your time. This isn't a road for everyone, but for those with the right vehicle and adventurous spirit? It's genuinely unforgettable.
hardWhere is Taylor Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high – like, 11,948 feet high! – right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. There’s even a creek crossing that can be tricky – scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and you’re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!
extremeA rough road to the beautiful Goose Lake in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a seriously stunning high-altitude lake in Taos County, New Mexico, called Goose Lake. Getting there is no walk in the park, but trust me, the views are worth every bump and swerve. You'll find this gem nestled in the Carson National Forest, just south of Gold Hill peak, in northern New Mexico. Forget pavement, the only way up is Forest Road 486 (Goose Lake Road), a completely unpaved path. Now, let's talk about the road itself. It's STEEP and rough, like, really rough in places. It's a bit of a challenge, with a water crossing that can get pretty deep and a short, narrow section with a serious drop-off. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not comfortable with heights. Keep your eyes peeled for an old goldmine, general store, and other relics of past mining operations along the way! Full-size pickups might have some trouble squeezing through the tighter spots. A proper 4x4 is a MUST, and I wouldn't recommend attempting it in a stock SUV. Leave the camper trailers at home, there are narrow one-way sections and steep drop-offs. This high mountain road, tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is usually snowed in during the winter months. Starting from the resort town of Red River, the road stretches for about 7.2 miles. In that short distance, you'll climb over 3,000 feet! The road ends at a spacious parking lot near Goose Lake, but it fills up fast on summer weekends, so get there early! Summer and fall are the best times to visit. Get ready for an epic drive to a truly unforgettable destination!