Cape Royal

Cape Royal

Usa, north-america

Length

30.6 km

Elevation

2,412 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for an epic drive to Cape Royal! Perched way up high at 7,913 feet in Arizona's Grand Canyon, this South Rim peak will blow your mind.

The road itself, Cape Royal Road, is a pure joy. Think smooth asphalt, but keep it real—it gets pretty narrow and twisty in spots, with lots of tight turns. Slow down and enjoy the ride! You'll find a big gravel parking area at the top, but heads up, the road's usually closed from October to May.

Trust me, this isn't just a drive, it’s an experience. The views are absolutely unreal, and you’ll find viewpoints galore, both marked and hidden, along the 19-mile stretch. Every twist and turn brings a new, stunning panorama of the canyon. Cape Royal gives you the ultimate 360-degree view!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
30.6 km
Max Elevation
2,412 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Tincup Pass?hard

Where is Tincup Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Tincup Pass in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high at 12,171 feet, straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties just west of the St. Elmo ghost town. The whole thing's unpaved – we're talking good ol' County Road 267 stretching 12.7 miles from Tincup to St. Elmo. You can usually hit it from mid-June to early autumn, weather permitting. Snow can hang around 'til July, so keep an eye on those avalanche reports! You'll definitely want a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive SUV with low-range gearing. Most folks say the east side is a bit easier. The trail's generally in decent shape, but expect some eroded bits and exposed rocks, especially on the steeper parts. The west side is known to be pretty rough. Be ready for some narrow sections where passing can get interesting, plus a few steep spots. Nearing the top, it gets even narrower with some cliffside driving requiring your full attention. This road was originally built way back in the 1880s as a wagon road. You'll actually be on the Continental Divide at the pass itself. The pass is named after a prospector who carried his gold in his tin cup, cool huh? Give yourself 2-3 hours for the whole experience, including photo stops. Trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are absolutely stunning, with high alpine vistas that'll blow your mind. The lower sections wind through gorgeous aspen forests. Keep an eye out for marmots chilling among the rocks. Plus, you can take a detour to see the beautiful Mirror Lake!

Dillon Road is a dangerous drive through the open desert of Californiamoderate

Dillon Road is a dangerous drive through the open desert of California

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Dillon Road, a total hidden gem in Riverside County, California. Think wide-open desert vibes in the Coachella Valley, that southern part of California everyone raves about. Fun fact: you'll actually be cruising right over the San Andreas Fault! This baby's fully paved and stretches for about 34 miles (or 55 km for you metric folks) from Indio, where it kicks off from Highway 86, all the way to Twentynine Palms Highway near Palm Springs. Now, a little heads up: this road can be a bit of a wild card. It's super straight, which is awesome for views, but it means people tend to *really* put the pedal to the metal. There have been quite a few fender-benders, so keep your eyes peeled and stick to the speed limit (even if everyone else is ignoring it). But, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure with stunning desert scenery and minimal traffic, Dillon Road is calling your name!

Pennock Pass is a great drive in Coloradoeasy

Pennock Pass is a great drive in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, let's talk Pennock Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 9,163 feet in Larimer County, Colorado, and it’s a real treat. The route, also known as Larimer County Road 44H or Buckhorn Road, stretches for about 28.5 miles between Pingree Park Road and Masonville. The road's generally in good shape, so most vehicles can make it, but be warned: after rain or snow, you'll definitely want 4WD or AWD. Beefy tires (32mm or wider) are also a smart move. The climb is steady, with long, sweeping switchbacks leading to the top. The lower section has some old pavement peeking through a layer of loose gravel and a few tight turns. As you climb, it transitions to mostly gravel and eventually dirt. Watch out for some steep sections that max out around a 9% gradient! Nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest, Pennock Pass offers epic views of the Mummy Range and Stormy Peaks. It's usually closed from December to mid-June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. You might even find a fallen tree or two blocking your path! Overall, it's a twisty, well-maintained dirt road that’s perfect for hitting the trails or just enjoying a scenic drive through the woods.

Kendall Mountainhard

Kendall Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Silverton, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for a high-altitude thrill, County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road) is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking seven miles of rugged, rocky unpaved road climbing up to a whopping 13,061 feet! Think serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that will test your driving skills (and maybe your nerves). Beginner off-roaders, you might want to sit this one out. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this adventure. And make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape, because it's a long, slow grind to the top. Expect a gravelly, bumpy surface and tight spots where passing is…unadvisable. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – this high up, snow can shut things down from October to June, and even summer days can bring thick fog. But if you're up for the challenge? The views are INSANE. Think panoramic vistas of Silverton, the legendary Route 550, and a sea of majestic peaks. At around 12,800 feet, most vehicles will need to park it, but a trail continues to the tippy-top. This road is a true test of your vehicle, your nerve, and your sense of adventure!