Highest paved roads in the USA
Usa, north-america
3.2 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Beartooth Highway (US 212) right at the Wyoming state line. This isn't just any drive; it's an experience! You're tackling serious elevation, so expect some thinner air. The road winds and climbs, but the views? Absolutely epic! Think wide-open skies and a real sense of being on top of the world. Keep an eye on the weather, though – mountain conditions can change in a heartbeat.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.2 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Rich Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Rich Mountain Road, nestled away in Blount County, Tennessee, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state near the North Carolina line. It's hiding within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and feels like a total secret. This gem was carved out way back in the 1920s, and still feels wonderfully secluded. The road stretches for about 6.9 miles, taking you on a one-way adventure from south to north until you pop out onto Old Cades Cove Road. Budget around an hour to really soak it all in. Now, fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth ride. It's a twisty, unpaved path that winds its way through a peaceful forest. You'll find some tight uphill turns with loose gravel, and keep an eye out because sections can get washed out. It's narrow, steep in spots, and climbs several miles up through Rich Mountain Gap. Most cars can handle it, but after heavy rain, some parts might be impassable. Anything bigger than a truck might struggle with the turns. And leave the buses, RVs, vans over 25 feet, and trailers at home – they're not allowed. But trust me, the drive is worth it. You'll be treated to incredible photo ops and it’s one of the most remote spots in the Smokies you can reach by car! Watch for white-tailed deer as you climb to the top at 2,650 feet. Just a heads-up: Rich Mountain Road is typically closed from November to May due to winter weather. Plus, heavy rains can cause closures at other times of the year, too. So, plan accordingly!
hardWhere is Sawmill Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Sawmill Pass in New Mexico! This beauty sits high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, clocking in at a cool 10,344 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in New Mexico. Find it north of Ranchos de Taos, nestled in the northern part of the state near the Carson National Forest. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday cruise kind of road. We're talking nine miles of unpaved glory, also known as Forest Road 597, that stays entirely above 8,858 feet. Expect some seriously steep sections—maximum gradient!—as you climb from Talpa heading south to north. Keep in mind, Old Man Winter has his say here. Sawmill Pass is usually closed from late fall due to snow. Even when it's open, watch out for unstable conditions. But, if you're up for a rugged drive and breathtaking scenery, Sawmill Pass is calling your name!
extremeDriving the challenging Forest Road 120 in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Forest Road 120 in Wyoming's Park County is calling your name—if you're up for a real backcountry experience. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 15.5-mile (24.94km) shortcut off the US-212 Beartooth Highway that climbs to a whopping 10,183 feet (3.104m) in the Northern Rockies. Now, here's the deal: this road is unpaved, rough around the edges, and can be seriously treacherous. Weather? Expect the unexpected—conditions can change on a dime, and closures are common. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Only tackle this beauty when it's dry. Oh, and a word to the wise: altitude is a serious factor here. If you've got respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. But, if you're prepared for a rugged ride with stunning scenery, and you're ready to share the landscape with the local grizzlies, Forest Road 120 is an unforgettable detour. Just be sure to check conditions before you go!
easyWhere is North Fork Pass Summit?
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the North Fork Pass Summit, sitting pretty high up in the Yukon, Canada at 4,356 feet. We're talking northwest Canada here, close to the Alaska border, right in the heart of Tombstone Territorial Park. Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit? All gravel, baby! It's part of the legendary Dempster Highway, a well-maintained mix of gravel and crushed stone. You'll need to be prepared because amenities are few and far between. This epic journey stretches for 457 miles, taking you from the Klondike Highway (just east of Dawson City) all the way to Inuvik up in the Northwest Territories, near the Mackenzie River delta. Heads up, this road is seasonal. You can usually hit it between June 10th and October 14th, or if you're feeling a winter adventure, from December 15th to April 30th. As the highest point on the Dempster Highway, North Fork Pass offers breathtaking scenery.