A Road Trip to Powder River Pass in Wyoming
Usa, north-america
74.67 km
2,946 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for Powder River Pass! You'll find this beauty chilling at a cool 9,666 feet up in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, right in Johnson County. We're talking U.S. Highway 16, also known as Muddy Pass - a fully paved route that's generally in great shape with hardly any traffic.
Tucked away in north-central Wyoming within the Bighorn National Forest, this pass is the highest point on Highway 16. Though you'll gain a good bit of altitude on this 46.4-mile stretch between Meadowlark Lake and Buffalo, the road isn't crazy steep (maxing out at 8% in some spots). Get ready for curves though, meaning those speed limits stay nice and low.
Heads up: while Powder River Pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can throw a wrench in the plans, so be prepared for potential closures.
The views? Absolutely stunning. Think towering rocky cliffs, gorgeous pine forests, and rivers winding through the landscape. And the best part? A massive parking area awaits you at the summit, perfect for soaking it all in!
Where is it?
A Road Trip to Powder River Pass in Wyoming is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.5508, -101.3036
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 74.67 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,946 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.5508, -101.3036
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is White Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on White Mountain Road in California's Inyo County! This isn't just a drive, it's a climb to the top of the world (almost!). Located in the heart of the Inyo National Forest, this 28.3-mile stretch is a gateway to some seriously breathtaking scenery. You'll be winding your way up into the White Mountains, with unmatched views of the Eastern Sierra practically begging for a photo. Plus, you're super close to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest living trees on Earth! Now, a heads-up: the first 10.2 miles are paved, starting from CA-168, but after that, you'll be cruisin' on gravel. It’s doable in a 2-wheel drive if you take it easy, but be sure to watch out for sharp rocks. Heavy-duty tires are your friends here! Speaking of "up," this road is STEEP, averaging a 6% gradient. And the whole thing sits at over 3,000m above sea level! This trail definitely isn't for the faint of heart – there are some spots where you'll want to keep your eyes on the road! You can usually access this slice of heaven from mid-May to late November, weather depending. But keep in mind, the road ends at Barcroft Field Station, where a locked gate restricts the final 2 miles, sitting at 3,800m. If you are searching for a fun old mining road through Joshua Tree, you can also check out Old Dale Road!
extremeWhere is Bald Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Bald Mountain in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, unpaved adventure up Baldy Road (aka County Road 520). Tucked away north of Breckenridge in the Arapaho National Forest, this old mining trail is steep! You'll be crawling up a maximum 23.3% gradient in spots, so a 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Don't even think about it without one. The climb is worth it, though. In just over 3.5 miles, you’ll gain almost 2300 feet. The average gradient is 12.38% During your climb you might notice the solar-powered communications shack near the top. Once you pass the electrical hut with its radio antennas, you know you've reached the end of the line. Keep an eye on the weather. This road clings to the Front Range of the Rockies and is only typically open in the summer and early fall. Snow can linger, and those afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quick, so be prepared for exposure! The 360-degree views from the summit are absolutely incredible!
moderateWhere is Nevado de Toluca?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Nevado de Toluca, a dormant volcano in Estado de México, is a must-see! Just a short hop from Mexico City, you can find yourself driving up to an incredible 4,254m (13,956ft) – making it one of the highest roads around. Nestled in the Nevado de Toluca National Park, the road to the summit (also called Xinantécatl) is a bit rough and rugged, thanks to rain and volcanic rock. This unpaved road lets you get super close to the crater, but you can no longer drive all the way, as it's been gated 2 km before the lakes. You'll need to pay an access fee at a couple of checkpoints to get up there. Heads up: in winter, the upper parking area might be closed, so be prepared to park lower down. The road stretches for 20.5 km (12.73 miles), kicking off from RaÃces. Most 2-wheel drive vehicles can handle it when it's dry. Expect some steep sections with gradients up to 7%! You'll climb about 784 meters from RaÃces, with an average gradient of 3.82%. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the road without stops. The drive is stunning, winding through dense pine forests as the snow-capped volcano gets closer with every turn. You'll pass a few places to stay along the way. About six kilometers from the crater, there's a gate, a café, and a basic shelter if you need it. Thinking of visiting in winter? From November to March, the summit often gets snow, which is great if you love off-piste cross-country skiing. But keep in mind, the park might close during heavy snowstorms for safety.
moderateIs the road to Oatman AZ paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for Oatman Highway in Arizona's Mohave County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. As part of the legendary Historic U.S. 66 W, this fully paved route packs a punch. We're talking 48 miles (77km) snaking from McConnico near AZ-95 toward the California border and Catfish Paradise, all the way up to 3,595 feet (1,096m). Get ready for a wild ride through the Black Mountains – seriously narrow stretches, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs. Fair warning: near the top, the road clings to the mountainside with practically no shoulder and only a handful of guardrails. If heights aren't your thing, maybe grab a passenger seat and close your eyes! But, OH, the views! They're absolutely stunning, and thankfully, the road isn't usually too crowded. Plus, there are tons of pull-offs where you can safely stop and snap some photos. Trust me, you'll want to – this area practically screams "Old West." It's no wonder they filmed movies like "How the West Was Won" and "Edge of Eternity" here. It's a total blast from the past!