How is the drive to Sun Notch?
Usa, north-america
N/A
18 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of Crater Lake in Oregon, high above the deepest lake in the USA. You're on the Rim Drive, heading towards Sun Notch, a gap in the caldera wall that gives you knockout views.
"Notch" is the perfect name, because it was carved by a massive glacier that flowed down Mount Mazama ages ago. When the volcano blew and the summit caved in, the glacier was basically chopped off, leaving this epic, U-shaped valley behind. Talk about a geological rollercoaster!
Now, the road to Sun Notch is paved, but hold on tight. It hugs the caldera's edge, meaning it's narrow with some serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, this can be a bit intense, especially when you're sharing the road with RVs and cyclists. Watch out for rocks on the road, and if you're in a bigger rig, take it slow — this section of the Rim Drive is pretty mountainous, with elevation changes and tight turns galore. Luckily, there are plenty of turnouts, and Sun Notch itself has a parking area where you can start the short walk to the rim.
Why make the trek? Because Sun Notch is *the* spot for photographing Phantom Ship Island. This ancient, jagged island looks like a ghostly galleon floating in the impossibly blue water. The view from Sun Notch is a total game-changer.
A heads up: Sun Notch is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. This area gets buried under *tons* of snow, sometimes over 60 feet deep! They have to work like crazy to clear the East Rim Drive, and Sun Notch is usually one of the last sections to open up. Always check the park's conditions before you go, because early storms can bring ice as early as October.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 18 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Sierra Negra?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in Puebla, Mexico, itching for an adventure, and someone whispers about Sierra Negra. This extinct volcano, also called Cerro La Negra, is nestled near Veracruz in the Pico de Orizaba National Park. The views? Absolutely insane! But here's the catch: the road to the top, also known as Tliltépetl or Volcán Atlitzin, is not for the faint of heart. Forget smooth tarmac – it's all unpaved and seriously bumpy. You absolutely NEED a 4x4 to even think about tackling it. Speaking of tackling, this road is twistier than a pretzel! Hairpin turns galore as you wind your way up. And steep? Oh yeah, some sections hit a crazy 17% gradient. From the town of Atzitzintla, it's about 18.5 km (11.5 miles) to the summit, climbing a staggering 1,849 meters. That's an average gradient of almost 10%! Heads up though: this is serious altitude. We're talking 4,576m (15,013ft) above sea level! The air gets thin, and the weather can be unpredictable. Plus, this road isn't generally open to the public. You need special permission to drive it. But if you can pull it off, you'll be rewarded with views and bragging rights that are out of this world. Oh, and you can check out the Large Millimeter Telescope at the summit, the biggest of its kind!
extremeThe narrow road to Schofield Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
🇺🇸 Usa
Schofield Pass, nestled high in Colorado's Gunnison County near Crested Butte, hits a breathtaking 10,734 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about 13.9 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain known as FSR #317 (or Gothic Road). Named after a local silver miner, B. F. Schofield, the route connects Crystal Mill to Mt. Crested Butte, marking the high point between Marble and Crested Butte. Think serious 4x4 territory – this demands a skilled driver and a high-clearance vehicle. While recent improvements have made it *drivable*, don't underestimate the demanding sections. This old wagon route, dating back to 1873, delivers views that are worth the bumpy ride. Park up in the town of Crystal and hike the short distance to the trailhead, or even check out nearby Geneva Lake. Perched in the Sawatch Range, be prepared for frequent closures. This pass is usually impassable from October to July, and early snows or rockslides are a real possibility. Speaking of rockslides, check conditions before you go! Weather and rock conditions can shift quickly, making sections impassable. Word is, this is Colorado's deadliest pass. Serious accidents happen every year, especially on the descent from Schofield Park to the Devil's Punchbowl. One major hazard: brakes failing after a creek crossing. The Devil's Punchbowl features a nerve-wracking cliffside ledge with drops of up to 300 feet, meaning you might be reversing for *miles* to let someone pass. Keep an eye out for that warning sign: Last chance to turn around! Narrow road, steep drop-offs! Don't be fooled by the pretty sections luring you into the Crystal River gorge. With rutted, rocky tracks and massive potholes, if you're not in a 4x4, turn back now to save your car's undercarriage.
easyHow scenic is the road to Mesa del Nayar?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ixcatán-Jesús María Mexico 44 ) is a very scenic drive in ) and running to the coast at How scenic is the road to Mesa del Nayar? The road provides spectacular views of mountain mesa and canyons. Along the way, the road climbs up to a mountain pass of , offering stunning views of the Is the road to Mesa del Nayar paved? and winds through the mountains, going up and down in elevation. The curves are of good grade, but this road simply has too many of them. The road also includes ; it's highly recommended to use engine brakes on downhills. How long is the road to Mesa del Nayar? , there is a T-junction, where . In any direction, the road offers stunning views of the Sierra Madre Mountains Road suggested by: Eblem Torres The road to Cofre de Perote in Veracruz isn’t an easy one Driving the unpaved Bajada a Zirupa in Chihuahua Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyMirror Lake Highway: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Mirror Lake Highway! This beauty stretches from Kamas, Utah, all the way to Evanston, Wyoming, and it's a local and tourist hotspot for good reason. Yep, you guessed it, it’s named after the stunning Mirror Lake that you'll cruise right past. Officially known as State Route 150, this paved road rolls on for 77.2 miles (124.24km). The Utah section clocks in at about 56 miles, and then you'll cruise through Wyoming for the last 18 miles. Built back in 1933, this route meanders through the western Uinta Mountains, peaking at 10,734ft (3.272m) at Bald Mountain Pass - reportedly the highest paved road in Utah! Heads up, though: this road is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to early November. Outside of those dates, the highway is closed from the Soapstone Campground (15 miles past Kamas) to the East Fork Campground (33 miles from Evanston). Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it's one of the most popular mountain drives around. Set aside about two hours for the drive if you're planning a no-stop sprint, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time! You'll wind through farmland, climb into dense forests, and be surrounded by meadows and rugged mountain peaks. Plus, there are tons of spots to jump off into the High Uinta Wilderness. Trust me, the scenery is worth the pit stops!