Can I drive through Maclaren Summit in AK?

Can I drive through Maclaren Summit in AK?

Usa, north-america

Length

217 km

Elevation

1,250 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

MacLaren Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.250m (4,101ft) above the sea level, in the US state of Alaska. It’s one of the

highest roads in Alaska

Can I drive through Maclaren Summit in AK?

Tucked away on the central part of Alaska,

the road to the summit is mostly unpaved.

Denali Highway (Alaska Route 8)

Conditions of the road vary from well maintained to rough and bumpy. Many rental car companies will prohibit driving the Denali Highway, but a number of companies do allow travelers to take their cars on this road.

The road is 135 miles (217 km) long. It’s mostly unpaved and runs from Paxson on the Richardson Highway to Cantwell on the Parks Highway.

Is Maclaren Summit in AK open?

Set high in the mighty Alaska Range,

the road is usually impassable from late October through late May. The road was opened in 1957 and it’s lightly traveled

. The pass offers stunning views and easy access to alpine tundra.

The Ultimate Road Trip To Aquarius Plateau in UT

Usery Pass in Arizona is an absolute must for road lovers

Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our

to discover the most spectacular roads of the world

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click

 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
217 km
Max Elevation
1,250 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

When was the Chain of Craters Road opened?moderate

When was the Chain of Craters Road opened?

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Chain of Craters Road, a 19-mile stretch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This baby opened in '65, but a lava flow rerouted it in '79, so you're driving on relatively "new" (40-year-old) lava. The road starts at a cool 4,000 feet near Kīlauea Summit, winding down – steeply, I might add, losing 3700 feet – to the coast where lava meets the ocean. There's even a hairpin turn to keep things interesting! Word to the wise: drive slow, especially if it's wet, as the road can get slick. Volcanic activity is unpredictable, so check the daily conditions report before you go. Pack for anything: hot sun, strong winds, or rain. And bring flashlights if you're staying after dark! No gas, food, or water along the way, so fill up and stock up. Give yourself at least 2.5 hours for the round trip, but you'll probably want longer to soak it all in. This drive showcases the raw power and ongoing creation of the Big Island, with craters galore, incredible lava formations, petroglyphs, and maybe even active lava flows. Plus, there are awesome hikes and views along the way. You'll be amazed!

The road to Hart’s Pass in Washington will take your breath awayextreme

The road to Hart’s Pass in Washington will take your breath away

🇺🇸 Usa

# Hart's Pass: Washington's Sky-High Adventure Want to say you've driven to the highest point in Washington State? Hart's Pass is calling your name. Perched at 6,204 feet on the border between Okanogan and Whatcom counties, this legendary route is basically the only place where you can reach that claim in a regular passenger car. ## The Road Itself We're talking about NF-5400—a totally unpaved, seriously narrow gravel road that hugs cliff walls like it's holding on for dear life. The views are absolutely stunning, but yeah, those same cliffs drop steeply to the valley floor with zero guardrails, so this isn't a Sunday cruise. The 18.7-mile stretch from Mazama climbs 1,244 meters with an average grade of 4.14%, meaning your car's working hard the entire time. Passing oncoming traffic? Good luck—it's doable in a sedan, but don't expect much room to spare. Fair warning: leave the trailer and motorhome at home. The road's too narrow and the turns too tight for anything bigger than a standard passenger car. ## When to Go The window is narrow—typically July through October—depending on when the snow melts and when it returns. Check conditions before heading out. ## The Experience Built back in 1893 to access gold and silver mines, this road sits smack in the heart of the North Cascades. As you climb toward timberline above 6,000 feet, the landscape transforms into something otherworldly. If you time it for sunset, bring a jacket—temperatures plummet to the low 40s even on warm days. It's genuinely one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Methow Valley. Just respect what you're driving and you'll have an unforgettable adventure.

Browns Passextreme

Browns Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're in Gunnison County, Colorado and itching for an adventure? Browns Pass is calling your name! We're talking a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 11,325 feet. This isn't your Sunday drive, though. Located inside the Gunnison National Forest, the road is a gravel 4x4 track. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. This route can get dicey quick with avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – and those aren't just theoretical, expect ice. It's a bit rocky and muddy in spots too. But, the scenery? Absolutely worth it! The pass gets its name from a prospector named Brown, who worked some claims up there. Just imagine the views he had!

Supercarretera Tehuantepec-Oaxacamoderate

Supercarretera Tehuantepec-Oaxaca

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, buckle up for Mexico 135D, the Supercarretera Tehuantepec-Oaxaca! This is *the* road if you're heading from Oaxaca to Mexico City. Forget boring drives – this one throws you right into the heart of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Clocking in with significant elevation changes – we're talking a high point near San Bartolo Soyaltepec at 2,400 meters and dipping down to 1,160 meters near Miahuatlán. It packs a punch, twisting and turning like a rollercoaster. Be warned, it's a popular route, so you'll be sharing the two lanes with plenty of other vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for curves and, ahem, *spirited* local drivers. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. You'll cruise through everything from cactus deserts to lush oak forests and even rainforest. The scenery alone makes it an unforgettable Mexican adventure.