
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% β 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
hardHow many miles is Mt Hamilton?
πΊπΈ Usa
Cruising through Santa Clara County? You HAVE to hit Mt. Hamilton Road! They say itβs got 365 curves β one for every day of the year! Seriously, prepare for some serious switchbacks (motion sickness pills might be a good idea!). This beauty is actually part of California State Route 130, and clocks in at around 19 miles of pure, paved driving bliss. You'll be climbing to a whopping 4,206 feet above sea level, where you'll find the Lick Observatory β the first mountaintop observatory. Cyclists love this route, so keep an eye out and share the road. Fun fact: this road was built way back in 1875β76 to haul equipment up to the observatory with horse-drawn wagons. So the grades are pretty gentle, but the road is narrow in spots and those curves are no joke. Being high up in the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton can get snow in the winter. It gets cooler as you climb, so pack a jacket. This mountain can be unpredictable, occasionally a cold, wet storm from the Gulf of Alaska or Canada, Mt. Hamilton gets significant snowfall. But is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The views of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even spot the Sierra Nevada way off in the distance. Heads up: there are no gas stations or restaurants on the road or at the summit, so fuel up and pack some snacks before you go. Mount Hamilton is 20 miles east of San Jose, and this journey has spectacular, even spine-tingling views.
extremeRed Grade Road is a beautiful drive with lots of wildlife in Wyoming
πΊπΈ Usa
Get ready for an epic Wyoming adventure on the wild Red Grade Road! Located in Sheridan County, this rough-and-tumble route (also known as County Route 26) winds from Big Horn (off US-87) westward up and over the Bighorn Mountains toward US-14. Clocking in at around 44.3 miles, it's a proper journey into the mountain backcountry. Prepare for some serious elevation gain! Starting from the valley floor, you'll climb a whopping 7,000 feet, eventually reaching a lofty 9,350 feet above sea level. Keep in mind, Red Grade Road is typically closed from December 15th to April 1st due to winter conditions. Word to the wise: this drive is STEEP! Expect no guardrails and a rugged surface with protruding rocks. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is definitely recommended. While itβs not an extreme off-road trail, there are challenging sections with steep ascents and descents, and unfortunately, some accidents have occurred here, probably from loose gravel. The good news? Once you reach the summit, the road becomes smoother gravel. Set aside 3-4 hours for this unforgettable trip through north-central Wyoming. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Powder River Basin, plus a stunning variety of trees like limber pine, ponderosa pine, aspen, and fir. It's a scenic adventure you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Yoho Valley Road?
π¨π¦ Canada
Cruising through Yoho National Park in British Columbia? You NEED to hit up Yoho Valley Road! Sadly, it's a no-go from October to June, so plan accordingly. This 13.7-kilometer (8.5-mile) stretch leads right to the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, and let me tell you, the views are insane! Picture this: you're winding your way up the western slope of the Continental Divide, surrounded by a deeply carved valley with crazy-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, raging rivers, and glaciers clinging to the mountainsides. Sunrise, mid-morning, or sunset β the light is always magical here. Now, a heads-up: this paved road isn't for the faint of heart. Get ready for some seriously intense hairpin switchbacks, with gradients hitting a max of 15%! There's a three-tiered S-curve with two super-tight 180-degree turns that can get a little hairy, especially if you're in a larger vehicle. Regular cars are fine, but if you're rocking a motorhome, brush up on your reverse skills, seriously. They even have a sign showing you how to do it! Honestly, vehicles over 24 feet long might want to reconsider. But trust me, it's all worth it! You'll find viewpoints galore along the way, plus the Whiskey Jack Hostel, Takakkaw Falls Campground, and the start of the hike to the mind-blowing Takakkaw Falls themselves. At 384 meters (1260 feet), they're the second-highest in Canada! Get ready for a road trip you won't forget!
hardWhere is Sedgwick Peak?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in Idaho? Sedgwick Peak is calling your name! Tucked away in Bannock County, inside the Caribou-Targhee National Forest south of Pocatello, this bad boy tops out at 9,156 feet. Word has it that it *might* be named after General John Sedgwick, but who really knows for sure? So, how do you get there? Road W, baby! It's a completely unpaved climb to the summit, with views for days. But hold your horses - this isn't a Sunday drive. Think steep sections, super rocky terrain, and the need for some serious grip. We're talking a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. Trust me, you'll thank me later. The climb starts from Thunder Mountain Road and stretches for about 6.6 miles. You'll gain a solid 2,683 feet in elevation, making for an average grade of around 7.7%. Once you reach the top you will find communication towers, a weather station, and radio equipment. Breathtaking views are your reward! Just remember, good tires and even better brakes are your best friends on the way down!