
Christmas Tree Pass is an enjoyable drive through the desert of Nevada
Usa, north-america
26.23 km
1,210 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Christmas Tree Pass in Nevada! This isn't your typical Vegas experience. We're talking about a 16.3-mile dirt road (NPS Road 20) snaking through the Newberry Mountains, hitting a peak of 3,969 feet. Find it by heading outside Laughlin off NV-163 or coming from Searchlight on US-93.
The views are seriously amazing – classic Nevada desert landscapes giving way to mountain scenery. You'll be cruising through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area so there are hiking and rock scrambling opportunities along the way! The road's generally in good shape but watch out for some steep and rough patches, especially on the east side just below the summit. High clearance is helpful in spots. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes!
The real highlight? The pass is named for *the* Christmas Tree – a local tradition of decorating a tree along the route with ornaments. Plus, don't miss Grapevine Canyon! Seriously cool ancient rock art is etched into the granite boulders. Allocate about an hour to drive, not including stops, along this route sacred to Native American tribes.
Where is it?
Christmas Tree Pass is an enjoyable drive through the desert of Nevada is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 35.8568, -99.6384
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 26.23 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,210 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 35.8568, -99.6384
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Webster Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk Webster Pass, a truly epic high-altitude route nestled in the heart of Colorado. You'll find it straddling Summit and Park counties, deep within the White River National Forest. This beauty, clocking in at just over 9 miles, takes you right over the Continental Divide at a staggering 12,103 feet. To get there, head toward Keystone from I-70, then hop onto Montezuma Road. Cruise through the town of Montezuma, and you'll find Webster Pass Road on your left. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here. The road's unpaved and super narrow, with a river crossing and some seriously steep switchbacks. Trailers? Leave 'em at home. You'll need high clearance to tackle this one. Open season is generally late May to late November, but snow can linger, so late August or early September is your best bet for a snow-free run. Be warned: If it's snowy, don't even think about it. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip - it's about 45 minutes each way. At the summit, you'll meet up with the Red Cone and Handcart Gulch trails. Unless you're a pro, stick to Webster Pass for the descent – Red Cone is notoriously gnarly! But oh, the views! Think wide-open alpine terrain and stunning scenery along the Snake River. This is a ride you won't soon forget, perfect for soaking in the Colorado wilderness and connecting to other 4WD trails.
moderateWhere is Hogan Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Hogan Pass in Sevier County, Utah, is calling your name! Nestled right in the heart of the state within the Fishlake National Forest, this mountain pass is a feast for the eyes. Get ready for panoramic views for days! Seriously, from the top, you can see for miles and miles. It's the kind of vista that'll make you feel like you're on top of the world. The road up, called [Road Name], is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. But hold on tight, because it gets pretty steep in sections, with grades hitting [Maximum Gradient] through some of the ramps. This scenic route is about [Length] long, stretching north to south from [Start Location] (the county seat of Wayne County). Heads up! While Hogan Pass is technically open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. At this altitude, it's frequently closed during [Winter Months] due to snow, so be sure to check conditions before you go.
moderateWhere is Crystal Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, adventurers! Wanna hit some serious heights in Washington state? Head south of Seattle to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and find Crystal Mountain. We're not talking about a gentle stroll, folks. You're climbing to a whopping 6,240 feet (1,902 m)! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from its taller sibling, Crystal Mountain North. So, how do you conquer this peak? Well, it's about 3.72 miles (6 km) from Crystal Mountain Resort. Keep in mind this is a chairlift access trail, not your average smooth ride! Heads up: don't even THINK about trying to drive it until late June or maybe even July, depending on the snow. But once you can? Get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop!
hardForest Road 225
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Utah's highest and wildest roads? Forest Road 225 in Duchesne County is calling your name! Clocking in at just under 9 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, serious inclines, and some seriously rugged terrain. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva up here, so expect sudden weather changes and potential closures. But oh, the views! Prepare for mile after mile of jaw-dropping scenery. Just be warned, this road gets super muddy and slick after it rains. And trust me, you do NOT want to be caught up here in the dark. Oh, and did I mention the elevation? You'll be cruising at over 11,400 feet, so maybe skip this one if you've got respiratory or heart issues. Bottom line: Forest Road 225 is a challenge, but with the right prep and a sense of adventure, it's an unforgettable experience. Just remember to check those road conditions before you head out!