Highway 14A is one of the Wyoming's top drives
Usa, north-america
157 km
2,882 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a seriously stunning drive on U.S. Highway 14 Alternate, also known as the Medicine Wheel Passage! This 98-mile (157km) stretch of road winds its way through Wyoming's Park and Sheridan counties, offering views you won't believe.
You'll climb high into the Bighorn Mountains, reaching a peak of 9,455 feet (2,882m) near Beaver Creek Overlook. Heads up, though – this road closes down for the winter, so plan your trip accordingly!
This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive, though. The road can get pretty steep with grades reaching 10 percent, so oversized vehicles should probably sit this one out, and even experienced drivers should be cautious with big rigs. Expect hairpin turns, blind corners, and a generally challenging route.
But trust me, the views are worth it! The Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway offers wildlife sightings and panoramic vistas stretching over 200 miles in some spots. Just allow around 2 hours to soak it all in without stops. And if you're in a motorhome, remember to gear down to save your brakes on those steep descents. It's remote, it's beautiful, and it's an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Highway 14A is one of the Wyoming's top drives is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.8782, -102.5734
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 157 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,882 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 37.8782, -102.5734
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Weston Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits on Weston Pass! This high-altitude dirt road straddles Park and Lake counties in central Colorado, topping out at a cool 11,938 feet. Country Road 22 (aka Co Rte 7) stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285, offering a scenic, though sometimes bumpy, ride. Heads up: the eastern approach (from Highway 285) is generally easier and doable in most cars with a bit of care to avoid the rough patches. The western side, accessed via Highway 24, gets a bit more intense. High clearance and 4WD are your friends here, especially if you plan to tackle the entire pass. Be prepared for some steep sections too, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Keep in mind, this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. But the views? Totally worth it! Built in 1860 and once dubbed "The Road to Riches" back in the silver and gold rush days, this route winds through stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. Expect incredible mountain vistas, remnants of old cabins, lots of beaver dams, and if you're up for a challenging detour on the west side, a 4x4 trail leading to an old gold mine. And near the top, you'll find the Weston Pass Hut, Colorado's highest backcountry lodging of its kind. Get ready for an unforgettable high-country adventure!
hardDriving the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in California is quite an adventure
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in Monterey County, California, is calling your name! This 24.2-mile stretch winds its way through the Los Padres National Forest, hugging the Santa Lucia range like a long-lost friend. Built back in '37, this beauty is well-maintained but definitely cozy – think two lanes and no center stripe, with steep banks on either side. Give yourself an hour to an hour and a half to soak it all in. While it's usually pretty quiet, keep an eye out for fellow adventurers. The eastern side is all lush forest with peeks of views, so be sure to take advantage of the pull-outs for those Insta-worthy shots. You'll climb to a cool 2,759 feet, crossing the Old Coast Road about seven miles from Highway 1. Heads up – it can get dicey in winter, and the road sometimes closes for military exercises. Landslides happen, so be aware. Now, for the real talk: this road isn't playing around. Expect serious drop-offs and zero guardrails. Take your time, hug those curves, and keep your eyes peeled. The last section? Prepare for over 100 turns! Blind corners are a thing, so stay sharp on the way up. If you're cool with driving on the edge (literally), the views are insane. Pro tip: skip this one at night, and don't rely on your cell service. Trust me, it's worth it for the bragging rights!
moderateForest Road 140 is a drive worth taking in UT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a high-altitude adventure on Forest Road 140! This gem sits way up in Utah's Garfield County, deep in the Dixie National Forest. We're talking seriously high – topping out at a cool 10,620 feet! Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. It's unpaved the whole way, and usually buried in snow from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly. There are some steep sections too, hitting a 10% grade in places. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and definitely avoid it when wet. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you wind your way along 22.5 miles (36.21km) from Forest Road 154 to Forest Highway 17. It's a moderately challenging drive, but the scenery is absolutely stunning. This is what Utah road trips are all about!
hardWhat's the Most Dangerous Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
**Monarch Pass:** This one's a bit of a wild card. Perched high between Gunnison and Salida, this pass is known for its steep grades and unfortunately, a higher-than-average wreck rate. **Red Mountain Pass:** Get ready for some serious switchbacks! Cruising between Silverton and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway means tackling around 15 hairpin turns. You'll be changing direction more than the wind! **Vail Pass:** On a ski weekend? Prepare for company. Vail Pass, part of the Interstate system, can feel like you're stuck behind endless cars. Still, it is a fairly easy pass to traverse. **Wolf Creek Pass:** If you're chasing powder, this is your spot! Wolf Creek Ski Area is famous for its epic snowfall, and naturally, the road leading there gets its fair share too. **Loveland Pass:** Talk about high! Loveland Pass crests the Continental Divide at just under 12,000 feet. It's scenic beyond belief, but also the reason they built the Eisenhower Tunnel underneath it! **Cameron and Cochetopa Passes:** Craving solitude? These are your escapes. Cameron Pass winds out of Fort Collins into the remote North Park area, while Cochetopa stretches from the San Luis Valley to Gunnison. **Slumgullion Pass:** Time to put your car in low gear! With grades hitting almost 10%, this pass between Lake City and Creede will test your engine. The scenery is pretty and the road is generally well maintained.