Why is it called Elk Mountain?
Usa, north-america
11 km
3,405 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Carbon County, Wyoming, is calling your name. This beast tops out at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Fun fact: it gets its name from Sioux Chief Standing Elk.
The road itself? Eight miles of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or maybe hell, depending on your driving skills!). You absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this one, trust me. We're talking serious gradients here, with sections hitting a leg-burning 15% incline! You'll climb a staggering 3,589 feet over that short distance, averaging an 8.41% gradient.
The views from the top are epic, but be warned: this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July. So plan your adventure accordingly! Oh, and the summit's home to a radio station, KBDY. So, crank up the tunes and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,405 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Mount Lincoln?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of the highest roads in the USA? Head to Park County, Colorado, and hunt down Mt. Lincoln Road (aka Crest Drive) in Pike National Forest. This bad boy climbs to a whopping 14,097 feet, just shy of Mount Lincoln's peak – named after President Lincoln, a jab at the Dems for naming the neighboring mountain "Democrat." Forget pavement; this is a rugged, unpaved climb through the Mosquito Range. Think old wagon road vibes as you rumble past Quartzville's ruins all the way to the Present Help mine. Be warned: it's gated and buried under snow most of the year, so aim for a summer adventure, usually after July 4th. You'll need a 4x4 SUV with decent clearance. It's not for the faint of heart, but totally worth it for the incredible hiking, fishing, stunning views, and a healthy dose of Colorado history. Explore the remnants of old mines near the top – a real blast from the past! Just remember, it's rough and wild!
hardAn awe-inspiring road to Little Guard Peak in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Shoshone County, Idaho, you HAVE to check out Little Guard Peak. We're talking serious off-the-grid vibes here. First things first: this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Little Guard Peak Road is all dirt, all the time. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle and tires that can handle some rough stuff. Trust me, it's worth it. The road clocks in at about 10.5 miles, starting from Coeur D'Alene River Road, and let me tell you, it's a climb! We're talking an elevation gain of 1082 meters! Prepare for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 22% in places. The payoff? Unbelievable views from the fire lookout tower built right on the summit (elevation 6,026ft)! You'll be gazing out over the Coeur d'Alene River and the majestic Bitterroot Mountains. Just imagine the photos! Pack a picnic, take your time, and get ready for an unforgettable Idaho adventure.
moderateThe Matrix Reloaded Highway: How a Disused Naval Base Became a Hollywood Freeway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you know that crazy freeway chase in "The Matrix Reloaded"? It didn't happen on some regular stretch of highway. They built the whole thing! Picture this: a decommissioned naval air station in Alameda, California, transformed into a full-blown freeway set. We're talking 1.25 miles (2 km) of pristine pavement, three lanes in each direction, all surrounded by a 19ft wall to look like concrete. The builders even added little details: logos referencing Gulliver's Travels, the number 101 popping up everywhere, and a sneaky exit sign to Paterson Pass (a nod to the production designer, maybe?). They even put up distant images of the city to complete the illusion. After the cameras stopped rolling, the whole highway vanished. Poof! Gone. They tore it down, leaving nothing but memories of epic stunts and bullet-dodging mayhem. A few chase scenes were filmed in Oakland, too.
moderateCan you drive to the top of Mount Equinox?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Vermont, smack-dab in Bennington County, ready to tackle Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. This paved toll road, a little over 5 miles long, kicks off right from Route 7A in Sunderland and is owned by the Carthusian Order. Heads up – it's closed from November to April, and no buses, RVs, or vans carrying more than 8 people allowed. Bikes, canoes, and kayaks? Leave 'em at home. But from Memorial Day Weekend to the end of October, you can hit it up between 9 AM and 5 PM, weather permitting. Pro tip: pack a jacket – it's usually breezy up there! Now, let's talk about the climb. You're gaining over 3,100 feet in elevation, with some sections hitting a seriously steep 14%. It's known as one of the toughest bike climbs around! But don't worry, there are plenty of paved pull-offs where you can park up and soak in the views as you wind your way up the mountain, which sits inside the Green Mountain National Forest. Once you hit the summit, you're treated to a full 360-degree panorama. We're talking Vermont, the Adirondacks, New Hampshire, and on a clear day, you can see five states and even Canada. There are communication towers, an old Cold War-era radar station, and an unmanned info center to check out. And when you're heading back down, take it slow, give your brakes a break, and use that low gear to let the engine help you out. Trust me, you'll want to take your time and enjoy the ride!