Wildhorse Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,913 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wildhorse Peak in Idaho's Custer County is calling your name. This ain't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a climb to 9,557 feet on a gravel road that gets pretty rocky and bumpy. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 with high clearance for this adventure.
This road is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Once you're on your way, expect some serious steep sections and potential pucker-factor moments if you're not a fan of heights. The views? Totally worth it.
Up top, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower with insane panoramic views of the Lost River Range and the Pioneer Mountains. Seriously, bring your camera. But hey, safety first! Check that weather forecast and avoid this spot if there's any sign of a thunderstorm. It's a stunning location, giving you a vantage point of what seems like all of Idaho.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,913 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeA challenging 4wd trail to Webster Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Webster Pass: buckle up for an epic Colorado adventure! This high-altitude pass tops out at a whopping 12,103 feet! You'll find it nestled on the border between Summit and Park counties, right in the heart of the White River National Forest, smack-dab on the Continental Divide. The 9.14-mile road (aka Webster Pass Road #285) runs north-south, connecting Montezuma Road to County Road 60. Coming from I-70? Take Exit 205 for Silverthorne/Dillon, head east on HWY 6 towards Keystone, then turn right onto Montezuma Road (County Road 5) just past Keystone. Cruise for 7 miles to Montezuma, and Webster Pass Road will be on your left. Heads up, the summit also serves as the starting point for the infamous Red Cone trail! Originally a toll road built way back in the 1870s, Webster Pass usually opens around late May (depending on snowmelt) and closes around late November with the first snows. Prime time for a snow-free trip? Late August or early September. FYI, full-size vehicles need not apply. This totally unpaved road is a wild ride. Think super-narrow sections, river crossings, and super-steep switchbacks! A high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is a MUST. Even when conditions are good, towing a trailer is not recommended. Allow about 45 minutes each way for the trip. At the summit, you’ll hit the Red Cone and Handcart Gulch trails. That Red Cone descent is seriously steep – experts only! Otherwise, turn around and head back down Webster Pass. The views? Incredible! You'll wind through open alpine terrain with stunning Continental Divide scenery. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to explore other 4WD roads nearby. It’s a thrilling ride with breathtaking scenery all along the Snake River. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateWhere is Tunnel Mountain Drive?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising just outside the charming town of Banff, Alberta, right in the heart of Banff National Park. You're on Tunnel Mountain Drive, an 8.1 km (5.03 mile) paved ribbon of road that starts near Surprise Corner on Buffalo Street and ends up back on Banff Avenue. This isn't just any drive; it hugs Tunnel Mountain itself, giving you amazing views as it twists and turns. Fair warning: this beauty is closed in the winter – it turns into a cross-country ski and snowshoe haven. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Bow Valley are incredible, with pristine fir and pine forests all around. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot some wildlife like deer, elk, or even a bear! Plan for plenty of stops, especially for snapping photos. The downhill views are a cyclist's dream. Now, a heads-up: Tunnel Mountain Drive gets steep in sections, with some ramps hitting an 11% gradient. It tops out at 1,518m (4,980ft) above sea level. It’s a slower road, popular with cyclists and hikers heading to the trails, so keep an eye out and share the road!
hardGrassy Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Montana, southwest of Deer Lodge County, itching for an off-road adventure. Grassy Mountain is calling your name, topping out at almost 8,000 feet! Keep your eyes peeled – elk, deer, even bears roam these parts. Now, the road up is where things get interesting. Think gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy, tippy ride. This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive; it's a playground for experienced off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Trust me, 4x4 is your friend here. It gets steep, and if it's wet, that mud can get seriously slick. Heights make you nervous? Maybe skip this one, too. At the summit, once upon a time, stood a fire lookout tower. Built back in the 30s, it had its last hurrah in 1970. Sadly, the cab's since collapsed, but the views? Still epic. Just a heads up: check that weather forecast before you head up! Lightning and mountaintops don't mix.
moderateSan Juan Skyway travels through the San Juan Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the "Road to the Sky," aka the San Juan Skyway, one of the most epic drives in the USA! We're talking southwestern Colorado, people, winding from around 6,200 feet near Cortez all the way up to a staggering 11,018 feet at Red Mountain Pass. This isn't just a road trip; it's an adventure. This entirely paved loop hugs the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains, diving right into the heart of the San Juan National Forest, and brushing against Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. Clocking in at 233 miles (375 km), the highlight reel is definitely the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray – challenging, yes, but oh-so-worth it. Imagine mountains, adorable towns, and ancient Native American ruins whizzing by. We're talking alpine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open cattle ranges, and prehistoric Indian sites. Overlooks abound, practically begging for you to pull over and soak it all in. You *could* do the loop in five hours, but why rush? Take a couple of days, explore those charming towns! There are cliffs, forests, campgrounds, mountain biking, hiking, skiing – you name it. Plus, you'll cruise through mountain hotspots like Durango, Silverton, Telluride, and Ouray. This beauty is usually open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes throw a curveball. Picture peaks soaring up to 14,000 feet – breathtaking! Spring brings waterfalls galore as the snow melts. Summer explodes with wildflowers. Fall? Prepare for a symphony of bronze and gold leaves. And winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland for skiers and snowboarders. Just a heads-up: weather can change in a heartbeat up here. Check the forecast, especially for summer thunderstorms, and ask about road conditions in winter. Some sections have serious drop-offs without guardrails, plus plenty of switchbacks and steep grades. Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!