How long is the road to Pat Knoll?
Usa, north-america
8.04 km
2,859 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Pat Knoll in Arizona! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 9,379 feet above sea level in Apache County, making it one of the highest drives in the state.
You'll find it nestled deep in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Getting there is half the fun, but be warned: pavement? Nope! You're looking at about 5 miles of unadulterated dirt road action, starting from the paved AZ-261, taking Forest Road 90 and Route 60. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Oh, and pro-tip: skip this one in the winter, as it's closed.
The views from the top? Totally worth the rugged journey. Just imagine the bragging rights!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.04 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,859 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeConquer the Ultimate Road Trip: Driving Alaska's Remote and Treacherous Dalton Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Dalton Highway: Alaska's Ultimate Road Trip Want to drive one of the most isolated roads on the planet? Welcome to the Dalton Highway, where you'll discover America's last true wilderness—if your vehicle and nerves can handle it. This is the kind of road that separates the casual road trippers from the real adventurers. Built back in 1974 as a supply route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Dalton (officially Alaska Route 11) stretches 414 miles from just north of Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean—roughly the same distance as Washington DC to Boston. Named after engineer James Dalton who oversaw its construction, this mostly gravel road runs parallel to the pipeline and has earned the nickname "the Haul Road" among locals. Only about 109 miles are paved, so expect primitive conditions and be prepared for anything. Here's the reality: this road was designed for massive tractor-trailers, not your average sedan. Those huge trucks are a constant presence (expect 30-50 daily), throwing up clouds of dust and gravel that can zero out your visibility in seconds. Windshield damage is basically guaranteed. Small cars and motorcycles? Highly discouraged. You'll want a pickup, SUV, or high-clearance AWD vehicle with serious suspension. The journey takes you through incredible scenery—dense forest, sprawling tundra, the Yukon River crossing, and the dramatic Brooks Range. Atigun Pass, the highway's highest point at 4,739 feet, offers stunning views but demands respect with grades up to 16%. The landscape has earned some colorful local names for its most notorious sections: "Avalanche Alley," "Oh Shit Corner," and "The Roller Coaster" among them. Now for the sobering part: this is legitimately one of the world's deadliest roads. Crosses mark the spots where drivers have lost their lives. Between the massive potholes, unpredictable Arctic weather, avalanche zones, and virtually zero visibility during dust storms, this highway demands your full attention and respect. **Survival essentials are non-negotiable.** Gas is available at only three spots along the entire route (Coldfoot at Mile 175, Wiseman at Mile 188, and Deadhorse at Mile 414), and those tiny towns have a combined population of about 60 people. There's no cell service—seriously, none—so a CB radio isn't optional, it's mandatory. Most of the road lacks emergency services; the nearest help is at Coldfoot or Deadhorse. Pack extra food, water, spare parts, jumper cables, and a full tank of gas before you leave Fairbanks. Winter temperatures can plummet to -80°F. **When to go:** June through mid-July offers the best conditions with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures (highs around 50-70°F, lows around 35-50°F). The road stays open year-round, but winter transforms it into a white-knuckle challenge. Weather can change on a dime at higher elevations, and avalanches are a real threat in winter. **The rules are simple:** drive with headlights on at all times, give the big rigs plenty of space, keep your speed at 50 mph, and don't underestimate the isolation. This is a road that separates the prepared from the stranded, the experienced from the lost. Some call it the loneliest road on Earth. Others call it the ultimate road trip. One thing's for certain: if you can handle the Dalton Highway, you can handle almost anything.
moderateWhere is Marshall Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Marshall Pass, perched way up in Colorado's Saguache County at a cool 10,842 feet. It's just south of Poncha Springs, smack-dab in central-southern Colorado. Back in '73, a Lieutenant William L. Marshall found it, and boom, it got his name! So, the road? It's a bit of a blast from the past. They basically followed the old Denver & Rio Grande railroad tracks from like, forever ago. That means it's not crazy steep, but it does kinda meander all over the place to gain altitude. This toll road was finished way back in 1878. Heads up: this isn't your smooth highway drive. It's all unpaved – think Marshall Pass Road. Most of the time, it's not too gnarly, and a regular car can totally handle it if you take it slow. If you're rocking a super low-rider, watch out for a few bumps, especially on the west side. Since it's high in the Rockies, this pass is a no-go in winter. Snowed in! But when things thaw out? Epic. Seriously, the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are insane. Summer and late fall are prime time for a visit. There are tons of awesome, rugged campsites near the pass. The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles, going from Sargents on US-50 all the way to Mears Junction on Highway 285. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateRattlesnake Pass is the road less traveled in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Rattlesnake Pass in Carbon County, Wyoming! We're talking a high-altitude thrill ride here, topping out at 7,532 feet. You'll find this beauty east of Rawlins, snaking through southern Wyoming. Now, heads up – this isn't your typical smooth asphalt. Rattlesnake Pass Road is a 20.2-mile stretch of glorious unpaved road connecting WY-130 (near Walcott) with WY-72 (near Elk Mountain). Most cars can handle it when the weather's playing nice, so no need for a monster truck. Speaking of weather, Wyoming can be a bit of a mood swing. Think freezing winters and surprisingly warm summers. Winter can make things tricky with snow and ice, but summertime? Perfect for exploring! Running alongside the superhighway, this pass is a scenic slice of Wyoming history. If you're craving solitude and a real taste of the wild west, this remote route is calling your name. Get ready for some serious views!
moderateDriving the Wild 4x4 Road to the Lookout at Cornwall Hills in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a seriously epic mountain road in British Columbia, Canada? Cornwall Hills is calling your name! This beast tops out at a whopping 2,037m (6,683ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country. You'll find it nestled in the Thompson–Nicola Regional District, within Cornwall Hills Provincial Park. The summit? It's legendary! Hang gliders launch themselves into the wild blue yonder, and a vintage lookout tower (built way back in the 50s!) watches over everything. Now, here's the lowdown: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved, rough as guts, and downright rocky. Seriously, a high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. We’re talking a 21.8 km (13.54 miles) climb from the Trans-Canada Highway, gaining 1,575m in elevation – that's an average gradient of 7.22%! Perched high in the Clear Range, Cornwall Hills is usually snowed in until at least the first week of June. And even then, watch out for deep mud holes – rainy days turn this road into a slippery, slidy mess. But hey, the views? Absolutely unbeatable. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!