How long is the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Usa, north-america
80.46 km
2 m
extreme
Year-round
Going-to-the-Sun Road is THE highlight of Glacier National Park, Montana. Seriously, this 50-mile stretch nestled way up in the Rockies is an engineering masterpiece and arguably one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
Starting in West Glacier and winding all the way to St. Mary, this "crown jewel of scenic drives" is entirely paved, but don't let that fool you – it's narrow! Think two lanes, hairpin turns, and seriously stunning views paired with twisty sections and cliff edges.
Heads up: oversized vehicles aren't allowed in certain sections. Anything wider than 8 feet is a no-go between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun picnic area. Also, taller vehicles (over 10 feet) might scrape the rocks heading west from Logan Pass.
Construction started way back in 1921, and it finally opened in 1933. This is the only road that crosses the entire park, so it's a must-do! Budget at least 2 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop.
You'll cruise through incredible landscapes, from glacial lakes and forests in the valleys to alpine tundra up at the pass. The views change dramatically depending on which way you're driving.
The road's usually open from mid-June to mid-October, but snow can shut things down early. They get up to 80 feet of snow at Logan Pass! Speaking of Logan Pass, that's the highest point at 6,646 feet.
One major heads up: During peak summer (usually late May to early September), you NEED a timed entry reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You'll have to snag a permit in advance through the National Park Service. No permit, no entry during restricted times. Always check the park's official website for the latest details.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 80.46 km
- Max Elevation
- 2 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the Lost Coast Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Lost Coast Scenic Drive, aka Mattole Road. Tucked away in Humboldt County, California, this 65-mile stretch is the real deal when it comes to raw, untamed beauty. We're talking hidden beaches, towering redwoods, and the highest coastal mountains in the continental US. Seriously epic! The road itself? Mostly paved, but don't expect a smooth ride the whole way. There are a few short unpaved sections to keep things interesting. Plus, it climbs to a max elevation of 2,434 feet, so expect some steep stretches. Word to the wise: skip it if it's raining or dark. Cell service is basically nonexistent, and you'll definitely encounter potholes and maybe even some partially washed-out areas. Oh, and this is earthquake country, so keep an eye out for tsunami warnings. The road is mostly two lanes, but they can be super narrow with lots of curves and switchbacks. But trust me, it's all worth it for those incredible ocean views! Give yourself about two hours to soak it all in. You're cruising along the longest undeveloped shoreline in California, according to National Geographic. It’s been named one of the most scenic drives in the whole USA. This is a drive you won't forget!
hardRobbs Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Robbs Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.039m (6,689ft) above the sea level, located in El Dorado County, California, in USA. The road to the summit, located within El Dorado National Forest, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s called Robbs Road. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Winter conditions can occur from September through June and may provide visitors with challenging weather in addition to affecting access and amenities. At the summit there’s a lookout tower constructed in 1937. Expect a trail pretty steep. During the summer, most passenger vehicles can access the hut on the dirt road. Deep snow conditions can be exhausting and roads can become impassable to all vehicles including 4WD. A narrow shelf road to Gold Strike Pass in NV Houston Road Safety: Analyzing Accident Causality and Response Protocols 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.
moderateIs the road to Pikes Peak paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Colorado, ready to tackle "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak! Originally named "El Capitan" by Spanish settlers, it was renamed to honor explorer Zebulon Pike. The Pikes Peak Highway, a fully paved toll road, stretches 19 miles from Cascade up to a staggering 14,115 feet above sea level. Be warned, though – this beauty is STEEP, gaining over 6,700 feet with an average gradient of 6.70% and packing in 156 turns! Construction on this scenic route started way back in 1915, opening as a gravel climb, with paving coming later. The road's usually open year-round, "weather permitting," but closures are common when the snow gets heavy. Keep an eye on conditions before you go. And hey, if you’ve got heart or breathing issues, or you’re traveling with a baby under 4 months, maybe skip this one. Trust me, the scenery is worth it! Lakes, mountains, wildlife – it’s all there. Stop often to soak it in *and* adjust to the altitude. Up above timberline, the landscape shifts to something almost Martian, all red rock and boulders. Bring a jacket, even in summer – it gets cold and windy up there. The drive is winding and can be intense. The rangers will be checking the brakes of descending vehicles for overheating. The view from the top is insane, but oxygen is thin, so take it easy. Just remember: 25 mph is the speed limit. Uphill traffic always has the right-of-way. Use low gears to save your brakes on the way down. And fill up your gas tank – there are no stations along the way. Oh, and if you’re into racing, the Pikes Peak Hillclimb is legendary!
hardHow to get to Baru Volcano by car?
🌍 Panama
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Volcán Barú! This dormant volcano soars to 3,474m (11,398ft) in Panama's Chiriquí Province, and the drive up? Totally epic. We're talking Volcancito Road, or Camino Volcán Barú— a mostly unpaved beast that'll test your 4x4 and your nerves. Starting from David, the Chiriquí capital, you've got 58.8km (36.53 miles) of twists, turns, and white-knuckle moments with wheels flirting with the edge. The pavement teases you at the start, then BAM! Pure, unadulterated dirt road all the way up. But the payoff? Insane. On a clear day from the summit (antennas and all), you can supposedly see *both* the Pacific and Caribbean. And yeah, it gets COLD up there. Think below-freezing temps, frost, and maybe even some hail. The last time this bad boy blew was way back in the 1500s, but still, adds to the thrill, right? Get ready for an unforgettable climb!