Beautiful turnouts and scary gradients on the road to Teton Pass in Wyoming
Usa, north-america
28 km
2,571 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Teton Pass in Wyoming is calling your name! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a cool 8,435 feet, so be prepared for some serious views.
You'll find it snuggled in western Wyoming, practically kissing the Idaho border, right inside Bridger-Teton National Forest. Wanna go even higher? A little gravel path near the summit will take you to Teton Peak at 8,671 feet!
Wyoming Highway 22, also known as Teton Pass Highway (and Idaho State Highway 33 once you cross the border), is a twisty-turny paved adventure. This road, which first appeared in 1913, stretches for about 17.4 miles between Wilson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho.
Heads up: this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with winter weather. Expect possible closures and be aware of avalanche zones like the infamous Glory Bowl. Winter travelers, remember that trailers aren't allowed.
Don't underestimate this road! With gradients reaching 10%, it can be a real challenge, especially for big rigs. Steep inclines and sharp curves mean overweight trucks might have a tough time. And let's just say, driving it at night adds a whole new level of excitement!
Where is it?
Beautiful turnouts and scary gradients on the road to Teton Pass in Wyoming is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.2622, -98.6386
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,571 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.2622, -98.6386
Related Roads in north-america
hardMonument Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Monument Hill in southwest Montana is calling your name. We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 9,465 feet in the Gravelly Range. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Forest Road #290, aka Gravelly Range Road, is a rugged gravel track that gets rocky, bumpy, and downright tippy in spots. Definitely not for the faint of heart! Think 4x4 is optional? Think again. This baby is STEEP, and wet weather turns the whole thing into a muddy slip-n-slide. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. But here's the payoff: jaw-dropping views for days. If you're an experienced off-roader craving a challenge and aren't afraid of heights, Monument Hill will deliver. Just remember, respect the mountain!
extremeWhy is it called Raton Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Raton Pass! You'll find this high-altitude beauty straddling the Colorado-New Mexico border, clocking in at a whopping 7,841 feet above sea level. Fun fact: "Raton" is Spanish for "mouse." This pass was part of the old Santa Fe Trail. The road, which is Interstate 25, stretches for about 22 miles, linking Raton, New Mexico, with Trinidad, Colorado. The road is paved, so no need for off-road tires here, but hold on tight because there are some steep sections! Good news: Raton Pass is generally open year-round. But, pro tip, winter can throw some curveballs. We're talking extreme winds, ice rinks disguised as roads, and snowstorms that'll test your driving skills. Starting from Raton, you'll climb 11.6 miles, gaining 1,089 feet with an average gradient of 1.77%. From Trinidad, it’s a bit steeper: 13.9 miles, gaining 1,831 feet at an average gradient of 2.49%, with some sections hitting a max of 6%. Keep those winter tires handy!
moderateIs the road to White Pass in Alaska difficult to drive?
🇨🇦 Canada
White Pass: Alaska meets Canada in an epic drive! Way up high, straddling the border between Alaska and British Columbia, sits White Pass, a legendary route etched into history by the Klondike Gold Rush. This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride through some of Southeast Alaska's most breathtaking scenery. Forget muddy trails; today, it's the Klondike Highway (Route 98), a well-maintained but still demanding 34.4 km (21.37 miles) stretch through the Boundary Ranges. Don't let the smooth surface fool you. This pass is STEEP, with grades that will test your brakes on the descent and your engine on the climb. The real kicker? The WEATHER. Even in summer, fog, snow, and crazy winds can roll in fast. Ever heard of a whiteout? This is where White Pass got its name. Visibility can disappear in seconds. Starting near Skagway at sea level, you'll climb to 1,010m (3,313ft) before reaching the Canadian customs station at Fraser, British Columbia. Get ready for an eco-zone buffet as you ascend from coastal rainforest to windswept alpine tundra. Pro-tip: Don't forget your passport – this IS an international border crossing! The views are insane! Keep an eye out for the Moore Bridge (a suspension bridge with killer gorge views) and overlooks where you can spot the remnants of the infamous "Dead Horse Trail" from 1898. And of course, the parallel tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad. Just remember to focus on the road – between the tour buses and the seriously steep drop-offs, you'll need your wits about you!
moderateA graded dirt road to Jefferson Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Jefferson Lake in Colorado? Awesome choice! It's tucked away northwest of Jefferson, just off US Highway 285, and sits at a whopping 10,731 feet! The road in, Jefferson Lake Road (or County Road 37 if you're looking at a map), is a dirt road, but nothing too crazy – most cars should be fine. Just be aware, it can get pretty popular up there on summer weekends. From Jefferson, you've got about 7.3 miles to go, climbing around 1,200 feet. It's a pretty steady climb, so nothing too strenuous. The lake itself is known for great trout fishing, so pack your gear. Oh, and a heads up: this is bear country, so keep your snacks locked up tight! Keep in mind, being that high, the lake freezes over pretty early in the season. The road isn't plowed in winter, so plan accordingly. Also, afternoon winds can be intense, followed by evening rain, so be prepared for all kinds of weather! Enjoy the views of those 12,000-foot peaks!