This Haunted Road Close to a North Dakota Oil Field Devours Any Truck That Attempts It.

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      In North Dakota’s Bakken oil fields, there exists a seemingly ordinary dirt road that becomes nearly impossible to navigate when wet. Although it appears to be a regular route at first glance, Williston’s “Road of Shame,” also known as 135th Ave NW, is composed of some of the softest, loosest soil imaginable, swallowing even the most adept off-road vehicles without effort. Tacomas and Jeeps struggle against it, and even the equipment dispatched to assist stuck trucks is at risk.

      This old wagon trail has become a local legend, with a Facebook group dedicated to the daring yet ultimately misguided individuals who attempt the Road of Shame. Unfortunately, few manage to emerge without needing assistance. Admittedly, on dry days, it’s manageable, but any hint of moisture turns it into a muddy trap, ensnaring vehicles without any hope of escape. Although it's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the soil's softness, it’s known that the earth close to oil extraction sites experiences increased erosion from runoff.

      In any case, wet conditions make it akin to quicksand.

      Devin Davis

      As is the case with many challenging terrains, off-road enthusiasts attempt to conquer it solely for the thrill. Numerous social media and YouTube clips showcase this road, despite its remote location in North Dakota, as hopeful adventurers seek to achieve legendary status by overcoming the muddy challenge. Others simply watch and record the attempts, waiting for unsuspecting drivers to get stuck for some online entertainment. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately, depending on one's perspective—this source of amusement is abundant.

      One local, Devin Davis, has been observing vehicles become stranded on the Road of Shame for around ten years. He shared with The Drive that he has witnessed over 300 vehicles mired in the notorious mud during this period. A contributing factor is that Google and Apple Maps often guide travelers through this road, leading them to follow navigation without realizing the risks. It’s understandable, as it seems strange that Google would send anyone down an unpaved road. Even Apple Maps indicates vehicles trapped on it yet still directs traffic this way. With what Davis refers to as the “oil boom,” and the influx of newcomers driving for work, the road sees a continuous flow of stuck vehicles.

      However, the most frequent casualties in the mud are essential vehicles: UPS and FedEx trucks, semi-trucks, and various work-related vehicles that use the road out of necessity. Davis has even spotted tractors flipped on their sides in the mud. Although it’s a dead-end road, it provides access to several homes and businesses, necessitating its use by some trucks.

      Another major issue is the road’s subtle slope leading into deceptively deep ditches on either side. When drivers attempt to dodge the large mud puddles in the center, they often slide off and either get stuck or tip over.

      “Even those who know how to navigate in mud, as soon as it gets slightly wet, it becomes so slippery that people slide off the side,” Davis explained.

      So, if you’re in North Dakota or just passing through, be sure to steer clear of the Road of Shame. And if you think your vehicle can handle any challenge, it might be wise to reconsider.

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