Wickiup Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,821 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Wickiup Pass! Nestled high in Utah's Garfield County, this beast of a pass tops out at a cool 9,255 feet.
We're talking about BLM 14635, a road that laughs in the face of pavement. Seriously, it's rough, rocky, steep, and a true test of your off-road skills. Expect a windy, twisty, single-lane experience where you'll be VERY grateful for that 4WD with high clearance. Winter? Forget about it. Wet conditions? Hard pass.
Heights aren't your thing? Maybe skip this one. But if you're brave enough to tackle it, Wickiup Pass carves right through the stunning Henry Mountains. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wicked sense of humor up here. Expect high winds, sudden weather changes, and even snow in summer! Basically, pack for anything and everything, and get ready for an unforgettable ride.
(Pic & video credit: AtomicGeo)
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,821 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardA rough 4x4 road to Taylor Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Taylor Pass, one of Colorado's highest roads at a whopping 11,948 feet! You'll find this beauty straddling Gunnison and Pitkin counties, west of Denver, deep in the heart of Colorado. Word has it that the pass is named after some old mining dude, Jim Taylor, who was chasing gold dreams way back in the 1860s. Now, heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking a full-on unpaved adventure on Express Creek Road (Forest Service Road 15C). From the paved Castle Creek Road, it's a 4.7-mile climb, and trust me, you'll want a serious 4x4 with high clearance. Regular cars need not apply. Seriously, this road is not for the faint of heart! It's rough and rocky, with at least one creek crossing that'll test your skills. Take it slow through the creek – there can be some tricky holes. And getting out with wet tires can be a challenge, so scout your line first! If you're scared of heights, parts of the north side might make you sweat. Gold Hill and Difficult Pass are accessed from the north side, too. Keep in mind, this area is usually snowed in from October to July. Prime time is late summer, but watch out for early snows in October. But the payoff is HUGE! We're talking killer alpine scenery in the Elk Range. This is a true 4x4 experience, super scenic. Plan on about 2 hours to make the drive. It's a real climb, but the views from the top are unreal – think Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges stretching out forever. Hit it in summer (June, July, August) and the alpine wildflowers are insane. Or go in early fall for aspen trees exploding with color in the hillsides and Castle Creek Valley. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, expect some seriously steep sections up to a 20% gradient. You'll climb 2,490 feet from Castle Creek Road, averaging about a 10% grade. Get ready for an adventure!
hardA Comprehensive Travel Guide to Hailstone Butte in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Hailstone Butte, a real hidden gem way up in Alberta, Canada! This peak soars to 2,326m (7,631ft), making it one of the highest drives you can find in the country. Locals just call it "the hump," and you'll find it nestled in the Highwood region of Kananaskis, right inside the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve. The summit's home to a fire lookout tower — apparently, the most southern one in Kananaskis Country! They've had a few iterations up there, and let's just say the wind is no joke. Trust me, you'll want to dress in layers because things can change fast at that altitude. Oh, and a word to the wise: keep your furry friends away from the lakes up there, as they might have some algae that's not good for them. The drive itself? You'll hop off Highway 22 and onto a well-maintained gravel road that twists and turns its way to the top. Get ready for some steep switchbacks, but the views? Totally worth it! Just a heads up, the road gets a little rougher as you climb, with some washboard sections and rocks to dodge. Watch out for logging trucks, mountain sheep, and blind corners! The road is typically closed from December to the end of April due to snow, and keep in mind that the weather can change in a heartbeat, and afternoons can get super windy!
hardWhy is it Called Mount Edith Cavell?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, because the drive to Mount Edith Cavell is a stunner! Located in the western reaches of the country, this road takes you on a wild ride up to a parking lot with breathtaking views. This paved beauty stretches for roughly miles, kicking off from the old parkway. Don't let the "fully paved" fool you – it's a workout! Expect some seriously steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of percent on some of those ramps. You'll climb feet, averaging a percent gradient along the way. Think tight turns and winding roads, perfect for a car but not so much for the big rigs. Trailers? Leave 'em behind at the drop-off zone. And motorhomes longer than feet? Probably best to skip this one. Keep in mind, this road is a fair-weather friend. Usually, it's closed from mid-October to mid-June, so plan your trip accordingly. Give yourself around hours to cruise to the parking lot without stopping – but trust me, you'll WANT to stop to soak in the unbelievable scenery!
moderateForest Road 697
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Forest Road 697, aka Casto Canyon Trail in Garfield County, Utah, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking high-altitude thrills, with the whole route hanging out above 8,000 feet. This 2.8-mile stretch of gravel is a real nail-biter in spots, squeezing down to widths that'll have you holding your breath if you meet another vehicle. Seriously, leave the minivan at home; you'll need a 4x4 for this one. Winter? Forget about it. This road is snowed in more often than not. Even in the good weather, conditions can change on a dime. Bone-dry one day, a muddy, slippery mess the next, especially after rain. But trust me, the juice is worth the squeeze. At the end of the line, you're rewarded with a mind-blowing 360º panorama. Get ready to say "WOW!"