
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
extremeSourdough Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sourdough Peak in Idaho County, Idaho, is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of spot; we're talking a seriously awesome gravel 4x4 track called NF-492 snaking up to a lofty 6,811 feet. Located deep in the Nez Perce National Forest, this route throws some serious challenges your way, so pay attention to the weather! We're talking potential avalanches, mega snowfalls, and landslides that can strike anytime – plus, ice patches love to hang out here. Expect a rocky, muddy good time in sections. The real prize? The Sourdough Peak Lookout at the top! Built way back in 1927, this abandoned fire lookout (closed in '69) offers absolutely breathtaking views. But pro tip: check that forecast! Lightning and mountaintops? Not a great mix. Get ready for some epic scenery!
easyIs High Park Road in Colorado Paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for High Park Road, aka County Road 11, snaking through the gorgeous Fremont and Teller counties in southern Colorado! This beauty is totally paved and part of the historic Gold Belt Scenic Byway. It used to be a simple trail connecting ranches and farms to Cañon City, but now it's a smooth ride through some amazing scenery. Perched high in the Rockies, High Park Road summits at a cool 8,366 feet above sea level. Good news: it’s usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter, as those mountain conditions can cause temporary closures. This 18.5-mile stretch runs north-south from CO-9 to County Road 112. Budget about 30 minutes for the drive if you're not stopping to soak in the views (but trust me, you’ll WANT to!). Get ready for an unforgettable journey.
moderateDriving the scenic Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Chain of Craters Road! Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this epic 19-mile drive will take you on a wild ride from the 4,000-foot Kīlauea Summit all the way down to sea level and back up again. Opened in '65, this road has a bit of a history with the fiery landscape. It was even partially buried back in '69 by the Maunaulu eruption! Don't worry, it was realigned and reopened in '79. You can even spot remnants of the old road in places where the lava flows from about 40 years ago covered it. Since '68, the road ends where it's been swallowed by more recent flows. Located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this paved, winding road is accessible to all 2WD vehicles. The views are mind-blowing, but be prepared for some steep sections as you descend over 3,700 feet – that's over 1,100 meters! There's even a hairpin turn thrown in for good measure, but generally, the drive is pretty manageable. Just take it slow, especially if it's foggy or raining, as the road can get slippery. Speaking of rain, always check conditions before heading out, as volcanic activity can be unpredictable and hazardous. Pack for anything – hot sun, strong winds, or sudden showers. Flashlights are a must if you're out after dark. And be aware that volcanic fumes are often present. While it’s only about a 45-minute drive if you go straight through, plan for at least 2.5 hours to really soak it all in. This road is like a front-row seat to the Big Island's ongoing creation! Expect to see craters, lava flows, petroglyphs, and maybe even some active lava. There are also some great hikes and incredible overlooks along the way. Important note: There are no services along this road, so fill up your gas tank and pack plenty of water before you go. Trust me, the views are worth it, but preparation is key!
extremeWhat’s the Old Cascade Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky spot! Just east of Everett, Washington, in King County, lurks the Old Cascade Tunnel. We're talking major creep factor. This abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, hidden away in the Cascades, was built way back in 1900 to ditch some gnarly switchbacks. Clocking in at 2.6 miles long with a 1.7% grade, this tunnel, also known as the Stevens Pass Tunnel, is NOT your average scenic route. Forget exploring! This place is collapsing and seriously unstable. I'm talking major cave-in potential. A huge failure occurred in 2006, creating a debris dam and a creepy little lake inside. The lining is cracked, and another collapse could happen any minute. Seriously, DO NOT ENTER. They've built a safe viewpoint at the west end so you can peek, but that's it. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Legend says the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington avalanche, which tragically killed 96 people, still roam these tunnels. So, you know, extra spooky vibes.