
A memorable road trip to McKays Peak in AZ
Usa, north-america
20.27 km
2,793 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path thrill in Arizona, McKays Peak is calling your name. We're talking seriously high—9,163 feet above sea level in Navajo County, putting it up there with Arizona's tallest drives.
You'll find it nestled in the Fort Apache-White Mountain Indian Reservation, and fair warning: this ain't a Sunday drive. The road to the top, where a cool fire lookout tower built way back in 1932 awaits, is mostly unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must.
Starting from the AZ-260 (east of McNary), you've got about 12.6 miles of steep climbing ahead of you. Seriously steep! Be prepared for some sections hitting a 14% gradient. But hey, the views? Totally worth the white-knuckle ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.27 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,793 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving through the Stacey Road Bridges
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! Ever heard of Stacey Road up in Ontario, Canada? It's a bit of a hidden gem, mostly gravel, but with a couple of seriously cool (and slightly sketchy!) old plank bridges that cross over the CNR and CPR railways. We're talking seriously old-school vibes. The bridges themselves aren't huge - one's about 25 meters and the other is 33 meters - but be warned, there's a 5-ton weight limit. So, maybe leave the RV at home for this one! But seriously, the views of the old railways? Totally worth it.
hardDriving the scenic road to Batopilas, the Magic Town of Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Deep in the Western Sierra Madre of Chihuahua, Mexico, lies the enchanting town of Batopilas de Manuel Gómez Morín, a hidden gem at 501m (1,643ft). Getting there is half the adventure! The 62.5 km (38.8 miles) paved road from Huasarorare isn't for the faint of heart – or stomach! Prepare for a wild ride through one of the world's deepest canyons, complete with over a hundred curves and a whopping 34 hairpin turns. Trust me, it's an unforgettable experience! This road is STEEP, reaching gradients of up to 15% in places. Budget around 2-3 hours for the drive, but trust me, the scenery is worth every twist and turn. Batopilas itself is a tiny town nestled at the base of towering cliffs, brimming with stories. Think charming plazas, rustic bridges made of rope and river rocks, and a stunning 19th-century aqueduct that will take your breath away. It’s truly a place where time seems to stand still!
moderateWhat is Pride of the West Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to the Pride of the West Mine in Colorado's Chaffee County! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a staggering 12,014 feet above sea level. You'll find the Pride of the West Tunnel, also known as the Billings Tunnel, up there. The tunnel entrance is super cool, with an 1880 keystone marking its start. Apparently, it was built to cut through Pomeroy Peak, but who knows how far it actually goes? Legend has it, there was even a two-story hotel nearby back in the day. The tunnel's still there, but watch out – it's full of water! Some say the whole thing was just a fancy facade to lure investors. Who knows for sure? The 11.6-mile (18.66 km) journey starts from Maysville and is entirely unpaved. Get ready for a bumpy ride with plenty of rocks on Forest Road 240! High clearance is a must, but most stock 4x4s should be able to handle it. Be warned: the last section narrows down to a single lane. Trust me, though, the scenery is SO worth it. Think incredible views and a truly unforgettable experience. Keep in mind, this is Colorado, so winter closures are a thing. Plan your trip accordingly!
hardIs the Beartooth Highway paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! The Beartooth Highway (U.S. 212) is calling your name! This incredible stretch of asphalt straddles the Montana/Wyoming border, carving its way through the stunning Beartooth Mountains. Think seriously epic views of the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges as you climb to a whopping 10,964 feet—that's some serious altitude! This fully paved road is a photographer's dream, winding 67 glorious miles from Red Lodge, Montana, all the way to Cooke City, Montana, right near Yellowstone's northeast entrance. Budget about 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but honestly, give yourself half a day to soak it all in. You'll want to stop...a lot! Expect hairpin turns and steep switchbacks as you conquer this beast, but trust me, the views are worth every single twist and turn. Officially opened in 1936, this "most beautiful drive in America," delivers a crazy-cool transition from lush forests to stark alpine tundra in a matter of minutes. Expect to be blown away by shimmering glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls, and maybe even some wildlife sightings. Keep in mind, the Beartooth is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting. And speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Snowstorms in summer? Yep. Strong winds? You bet. Thunderstorms? Could happen. Basically, pack for all seasons!