Where is Vermont Street?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Ever heard of Vermont Street in San Francisco's Potrero Hill? Forget Lombard Street, this unassuming little stretch between Division and Cesar Chavez is the real deal when it comes to crookedness! This one-way (downhill, thankfully!) concrete-paved road is a hidden gem of tight turns that most tourists – and even some locals – miss.
Located near McKinley Square, the most famous part sits between 20th and 22nd Streets. Vermont Street boasts seven seriously sharp turns in just one block, making it technically "more crooked" than its flowery cousin.
Don’t expect a leisurely cruise. Parking's at the top, and from there, you're in for a 14.3% grade drop, with five full turns and two half-turns. The paving can be a bit slick, and the turns are tight enough that you might be praying you don’t scrape your bumper, especially in a larger vehicle! You’ll get a yellow squiggly arrow sign before you start, but after that, you’re on your own to navigate uneven pavement and avoid those unforgiving concrete walls.
Despite the challenge, Vermont Street is a popular spot. Pedestrians love strolling and soaking in the city views. Around a million cars make the trip down this iconic San Francisco landmark every year.
Keep an eye out for movie magic, too! Vermont Street's appeared in films like "Magnum Force" (Dirty Harry!) and "Bullitt" (Steve McQueen!), so you might just feel like you're in an action flick as you tackle those turns.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Obstruction Point Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Clallam County, Washington, and you're feeling brave? Obstruction Point Road might just be your ticket to a little adrenaline rush! Locals whisper it's Washington's "scariest road," so buckle up, buttercup! This 7.6-mile dirt track claws its way west-to-east from a starting point to the Obstruction Point Trailhead, nestled deep within the Olympic Mountains. Now, let's be real – "road" might be a generous term. It's a well-maintained, unpaved path, totally doable in your average car, but it's skinny! We're talking a backcountry 1.5-lane situation with some seriously steep drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to squeeze by oncoming traffic. Leave the RVs, trailers, and motorhomes at home. Trust me. This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers. It's narrow with blind corners galore. Rain helps keep the dust down, but too much turns it into a slick, treacherous beast. Reaching a lofty 6,135 feet, Obstruction Point Road is Olympic National Park's highest drivable point. Typically, it's open from mid-July to October, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snow can shut it down anytime. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just allocate about an hour without stops. The scenery is mind-blowing. After cruising through trees, the road bursts open, hugging a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains that'll leave you breathless. Fair warning: weekends, especially sunny ones, are packed! Get there early or hit it on a weekday. The parking lot at the end fills up fast. But that view? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive. You'll be gazing out over the rugged interior of Olympic National Park. Pure magic!
extremeWhen was the road to Darland Mountain built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Yakima County, Washington, itching for an adventure. I've got just the thing – Darland Mountain! This beauty clocks in at a whopping 6,984 feet, making it one of Washington's highest roads. The first road here was built in the roaring twenties, and there was even a lookout tower until '66. To get to the summit, you've got two options: a 31.9-mile trek from Rimrock or a 39-mile haul from Union Gap. Either way, get ready for an off-road experience! This isn't your typical Sunday drive; the entire road is unpaved. It’s mostly smooth sailing, but the last few miles are seriously rocky, so a 4x4 is a must. You'll want to grab a Forest Service map before you go, too. Keep in mind, Darland Mountain plays hard to get. This road is usually snowed in from October to June. Word on the street is that it's the highest point you can reach by car in Yakima County, so you know the views are gonna be epic. And trust me, they are! You'll be treated to killer views and some of the best panoramas of the Cascade Range. It's a photographer's dream! On a clear day, you can spot Darland Mountain, plus Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, the Goat Rocks, and the Yakima Valley all in one glance! They say on a really clear day, you can see the whole Cascade chain from Oregon to the Canadian border. Seriously, don't miss this one!
extremeMuddy Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Muddy Mountain in Wyoming's Albany County is calling your name! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a wild ride up to 9,461 feet above sea level in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Forest Service Road 575A is your path, but fair warning: it's a gravelly, 4WD-only kinda road. Keep an eye on the weather, because Mother Nature can throw some serious curveballs here – think avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. You'll find some rocky and muddy spots along the way, and ice patches can pop up when you least expect them. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely epic!
hardWhere is Summit Camp?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an adventure on Forest Road 140 in northern New Mexico! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 2.48-mile climb to Summit Camp in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Get ready for some seriously steep grades that'll test your mettle (and probably your brakes!). We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 10,282 feet! While you won't be able to drive all the way to the summit, as it's closed to private vehicles, a chairlift awaits to whisk you to the very top. Keep in mind this road is no joke and becomes impassable during winter. But when it's open, expect stunning views and an unforgettable, high-altitude experience in Carson National Forest!