A paved road to Targhee Pass in the Henrys Lake Mountains

A paved road to Targhee Pass in the Henrys Lake Mountains

Usa, north-america

Length

45 km

Elevation

2,161 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising along the Targhee Pass Highway (that's U.S. Highway 20 to you map lovers!) is an experience, folks. Straddling the Idaho-Montana border at a cool 7,089 feet, this pass runs right along the Continental Divide. Named after a Bannack Indian chief, it's steeped in history and natural beauty.

The whole 28-mile stretch, linking West Yellowstone, Montana, with Island Park, Idaho, is paved, so no need for a Jeep unless you want one! Most of the road is pretty mellow, but keep an eye out for a few ramps that hit an 8% grade to keep things interesting. Oh, and speaking of eyes, scan the roadside for small, white markers—somber reminders.

Nestled in the Henrys Lake Mountains, within the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, the scenery is stunning. This pass is open year-round, even in winter, with regular plowing and sanding. Only a full-blown blizzard could shut this route down.

Factor in about 30 minutes to drive it straight through, but let's be real, you'll want to stop! This area's a major wildlife corridor – elk, deer, moose, and even bears love to roam here. Plus, it's the quickest way to get to Yellowstone Park from southern Idaho. So, take your time, enjoy the views, and keep those cameras ready!

Where is it?

A paved road to Targhee Pass in the Henrys Lake Mountains is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.1874, -99.6478

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
45 km
Max Elevation
2,161 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
40.1874, -99.6478

Related Roads in north-america

How to drive the scenic Mexico 175 (Tuxtepec Road)?moderate

How to drive the scenic Mexico 175 (Tuxtepec Road)?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico's Tuxtepec road is a legend, and for good reason: think every landscape imaginable crammed into one epic drive. We're talking mountains, desert vibes, fragrant pine forests, dense jungle, cacti standing tall, serene mountain lakes, twisty curves that'll make you grin, unreal views, hairpin turns that demand respect, rushing rivers, and dramatic canyons. Seriously, the only thing missing is snow! Starting high in Oaxaca City at 1,600m (5,249 ft), you'll immediately climb a series of switchbacks up to a 2,730m (8,957 ft) mountain pass near Ixtepeji. Then, hold on tight as you plunge into the Rio Grande canyon, dropping to 1,530m (5,022 ft) near Gualatao de Juarez. But the fun isn't over yet! You'll then ascend again into the Sierra de Juárez mountains (part of the Sierra Madre del Sur), hitting a peak of 2,970m (9,744 ft) near Humo Chico mountain. From there, it's a loooong and winding descent, full of endless curves, all the way down to near sea level. If you're prone to motion sickness, maybe pack some ginger! The views are phenomenal, though – witness the mountain flora morphing from pine forests to lush tropical jungle as you approach Tuxtepec (30m / 98 ft). Near El Punto, at 2,750m (9,022 ft), the road skyrockets from Oaxaca City (1,600m/5,249 ft) to 2,750m (9,022 ft) in only 18 km! The road transitions from Oaxaca's semi-arid region to a pine forest wonderland. There's a scenic detour to San Miguel del Río, which has 6 paved hairpin curves to access the town. The access point sits at 1,850m (6,070 ft), descending to the river at 1,460m (4,790 ft). Careful -- the road here has a steep grade and tight curves. You’ll find yourself in a popular tourist spot near Guelatao de Juárez, named after Benito Juárez, the former president of Mexico. The road rises from the canyon floor (1,520m/5,019 ft) of Rio Grande de Juárez to Guelatao (1,760m/5,774 ft), continuing to the town of Ixtlán (2,000m/6,561 ft), and eventually reaching 2,990m (9,809 ft) near Llano de Las Flores. Ixtlan de Juárez, Guelatao, and Capulálpan cater to tourists with restaurants, hotels, historic churches, and museums about Benito Juárez. There are also natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls. The road cuts through a resource-rich area of towering pine trees, broad meadows, and canyon vistas. The mountain pass to Humo Chico Pass sits at 2,970m (9,744 ft), the highest point on Mexico 175. You can find a restaurant, observation point, and cabins here. There's also the small dirt road to Humo Chico, starting near the pass of Humo Chico (Mexico 175) at 2,950m (9,678 ft), abruptly ascending into the mountain at a maximum elevation of 3,140m (10,302 ft), the highest accessible point by car in Oaxaca state. This road offers spectacular 360° views in all directions of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains from the top of Humo Chico mountain at 3,230m (10,597 ft). Finally, from Humo Chico Pass (2,970m/9,744 ft), the road gently descends to 90m (295 ft) in Valle Nacional. Keep an eye out for sudden floods and fog; this segment can be challenging due to slippery road surfaces. The changing landscape from pine forest to tropical rainforest is especially interesting. Given the high density of flora, there aren't many panoramic views of the mountains, but it's an engaging drive!

Moki Dugway is a breathtaking Utah off-road adventurehard

Moki Dugway is a breathtaking Utah off-road adventure

🇺🇸 Usa

# Moki Dugway: Utah's Most Dramatic Switchback Adventure If you're cruising through southeastern Utah near Mexican Hat and want to experience something truly unforgettable, the Moki Dugway is calling your name. This 3-mile stretch of the legendary Route 261 is basically a roller coaster carved straight into the face of Cedar Mesa—and trust me, it delivers. The Numbers: You're looking at dropping 1,200 feet from the mesa top to the valley floor below on a steep 11% grade of well-maintained gravel. It's not technically difficult to drive, but if you're the passenger glued to the window while your driver casually admires the scenery, buckle up. The State of Utah politely suggests keeping your vehicle under 28 feet long and 10,000 pounds—basically, leave the massive RV at home. There are no guardrails, which adds to the whole "you're perched on the edge of a cliff" vibe. **The History & the Name** Built back in 1958 to haul ore from the Happy Jack Mine, the road carries a name rooted in history. "Mokee" comes from the Spanish word "moqui," used by 18th-century explorers to describe the Pueblo Indians and their ancient ruins. Settlers loved it, and the name stuck. **Why You Need to Go** Every switchback reveals jaw-dropping views of Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley stretching across the horizon. Grab the pullout near the top—seriously, your camera will thank you. This is the kind of drive that makes for legendary road trip stories. **The Catch: Weather Matters** The dugway is typically open year-round, but here's the deal: after rain, this road can go from manageable to sketchy fast. Mud transforms the gravel into a slippery challenge even for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Always check the forecast before heading out, and come prepared. No facilities means you're on your own once you commit to the drive.

Is Kolob Reservoir road paved?moderate

Is Kolob Reservoir road paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near southern Utah, you HAVE to check out Kolob Terrace Road. It's a total hidden gem in Zion National Park. Yep, it's paved the whole way! This 40.5-mile beauty runs from Virgin (Washington County) up to Cedar City (Iron County) and gives you serious bang for your buck when it comes to scenery. What's cool is that it's super chill – probably the least crowded main road in Zion. So, you can really soak in the views without fighting hordes of tourists. Speaking of views, expect classic Zion landscapes, with those towering red rock formations and dramatic vistas that will blow your mind. Keep an eye out – some scenes from *Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid* were filmed here! Give yourself about 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This road winds and climbs – and I mean *climbs*! – from Virgin, gaining serious elevation (we're talking over 8,000 feet!) up to the Kolob Terrace. Get ready for some steep sections – up to almost 12% grade in some spots! Just a heads up: if you're planning a winter trip, the road usually isn't plowed past Maloney Hill (just north of the Hop Valley Trailhead). Above 6,000 feet, you might hit some snow, but usually below that, you're good to go. The very top peaks at 8,162 feet above sea level, near Kolob Reservoir.

Where is Government Wash Road?moderate

Where is Government Wash Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Government Wash Road, your sandy ticket to the awesome Lake Mead, nestled in Clark County, Nevada. This gem is just east of the dazzling Las Vegas, inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The first 1.3 miles are smooth sailing on pavement, leading to a spacious parking lot – formerly a boat launch, back when the lake was higher. But the real fun starts where the pavement ends! As the water receded, 4x4 enthusiasts carved out a new path to the shore. The whole shebang, starting from State Route 41A, stretches 2.4 miles. Picture this: you, the sun, and a sweet sandy beach waiting at the end. Heads up: coyotes are pretty common here. Don't forget your bug spray. Weekends can get a bit crowded, too. Now, a little heads up: as of August 1, 2024, the National Park Service temporarily closed Government Wash to motor vehicles and overnight camping. You can still hike, bike, or boat in, but the roads are blocked off. It sounds like they're planning some community meetings later this year to figure out how to manage it better in the future, so stay tuned!