Driving the scenic Saddle Road in Hawaii
Usa, north-america
84.8 km
2,062 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Hawaiian adventure on Saddle Road! This 52.7-mile stretch of highway (also known as Hawaii State Highway 200 or Ala Mauna Saddle Road) cuts right through the heart of the Big Island, linking Hilo with the junction to Hawaii Route 190 near Waimea.
Prepare for some serious elevation! You'll climb to a breathtaking 6,765 feet (2,062 meters) above sea level at Humuula Saddle. Near mile 28, around 6,632 feet (2,021m) above sea level, you'll find the turnoffs for the Mauna Loa Observatory Road to the south, and the Mauna Kea Summit Road to the north.
Originally carved from lava by the U.S. Army, this road offers stunning scenery, though there's a portion of windy, narrow two-lane road near mile marker 11.
While the drive might take between 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and stops, Saddle Road is now a smooth, paved highway. Be prepared for quickly changing weather, though! Visibility can drop to near zero in bad weather or heavy cloud cover. Watch out for wildlife darting across the road, and be aware that one section gets incredibly foggy after dark. There are even tales of ghost lights, if you're into that sort of thing.
Cell service is spotty, but call boxes are available. And remember, there are no gas stations or stores along the way, so come prepared! Despite improvements, rough pavement edges and head-on collisions are still concerns, so stay alert. But with extra lanes for trucks on the uphill sections and smoother surfaces, Saddle Road is a must-do for any Big Island road trip!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Saddle Road in Hawaii is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.2486, -94.5025
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 84.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,062 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.2486, -94.5025
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Wilkerson Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Wilkerson Pass! You'll find this scenic beauty perched high up in the heart of Colorado. We're talking serious elevation here, so get ready for those incredible panoramic views. This pass cuts right through the central part of the state. Plus, at the summit, there's a visitor center that opens in the summer. Fun fact: it’s named after a local Civil War vet! You'll be cruising along U.S. Route 24, a completely paved road stretching miles. Expect a smooth ride from the west or east, with gentle slopes that won't have your engine screaming, even with an RV. The best part? You can usually hit this road year-round! Sure, snow might cause a brief closure now and then during winter, but otherwise, it's good to go. Get your camera ready!
hardWhere is Daylight Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Daylight Pass! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty high up in California's Inyo County, clocking in at 4,317 feet above sea level. We're talking eastern California, nestled between the Funeral and Grapevine Mountains, practically waving to Arizona, all inside the incredible Death Valley National Park. The drive? Forget about it! Every single bend in Daylight Pass Road (aka Highway 374) serves up a different, ridiculously gorgeous view. And the best part? Tons of spots to pull over, soak it all in, and snap those Insta-worthy pics. The road itself is paved, a narrow two-laner with practically zero shoulder. So, cruise slow and steady, especially on those curves. Speaking of tough stuff, parts of this 33.8-mile route get a bit steep, hitting a 7.4% gradient, so be prepared for that. Oh, and pro tip: if you're heading there between May and September, remember it's going to be HOT – think average temps of 101-116 degrees! The pass connects Beatty, Nevada (a cute little town along the Amargosa River) to Stovepipe Wells, California. It's a drive you won't soon forget.
moderateWhere is Redondo Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, picture this: you're cruising through New Mexico, about an hour west of Santa Fe, smack-dab in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. You're headed toward Redondo Peak, which tops out at a cool 11,289 feet – seriously, some of the highest roads in the whole state! Now, I won't lie, getting to the very tippy-top requires some off-road gusto. You'll find yourself on an unpaved road, but that’s part of the fun. Just imagine the views: wide-open valleys, maybe some wildlife sightings, and that incredible feeling of being on top of the world. Keep your eyes peeled for bumps and turns, but mostly, soak it all in! It’s a New Mexico experience you won't forget.
hardLas Adjuntas Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a drive that’ll test your skills and reward you with jaw-dropping scenery, you HAVE to check out Mexican Federal Highway 120 in Querétaro state. This 22.3km stretch is a wild ride, dropping a whopping 1,550 meters as it plunges from 2,500 meters above sea level down to 950 meters. We're talking serious descent! Expect steep sections that hit over 20° in some spots, plus a never-ending series of hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. You'll also encounter bridges and even a tunnel along the way! But trust me, the challenge is worth it. You'll be cruising through incredible mountain and desert landscapes that are perfect for soaking in the beauty of Mexico. Get ready to explore, contemplate, and create some unforgettable memories on this epic road trip!