How long is the Sterling Highway?
Usa, north-america
222 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Cruising the Sterling Highway in south-central Alaska is an absolute must-do! This beauty, part of Alaska Highway 1, carves its way for 138 miles through the western Kenai Peninsula.
Starting from the Seward Highway at Tern Lake Junction (south of Anchorage), it winds down to Homer, a cool little town on Kachemak Bay. And get this – it's named after Hawley Sterling, an engineer who worked on the Alaska Road Commission back in the day.
This paved two-lane road opened in 1950 and is generally open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to the weather. The curves can be tricky when it’s wet or snowy. Summer is super busy, so plan accordingly.
Trust me, though, it's worth it! The views are insane – think epic mountains, shimmering lakes, rivers fed by glaciers, and those incredible coastal inlets. Prepare to be wowed!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 222 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Lizard Head Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lizard Head Pass in Colorado? Oh, you HAVE to go! This beauty is right on the border of Dolores and San Miguel counties in southwest Colorado, nestled in the Lizard Head Wilderness. They even call it "The Most Beautiful Drive in America," and honestly, they might be right. Why the name? Just look around! About 10 miles south of Telluride, you'll spot a peak that totally looks like a lizard's head. The San Juan Scenic Byway (Highway 145) takes you right over the pass. It's all paved, so no worries about needing a special vehicle! This is a smooth ride for everyone. From the town of Dolores to Placerville, you're cruising for about 73 miles. This high-altitude pass in the San Juan Mountains is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – it can close briefly if things get rough. Don't stress too much about danger. The road is well-maintained, and the grades are gentle (maxing out around 7.8%). That said, Colorado weather is WILD. Be ready for anything, especially in winter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so hitting it early is a good call. And remember you're at over 10,000 feet, so altitude sickness is a real thing. Hypothermia can be a risk year-round too, and watch out for early snowstorms in September! Is it worth it? 100% YES. Plan about 1.5 hours without stops to soak it all in. Mid-July to early August is prime time, but honestly, any time is gorgeous. You'll wind through the San Juan, Uncompahgre, Wilson, and Sneffels Ranges, with waterfalls in spring, wildflowers in summer, golden aspens in fall, or a winter wonderland if you time it right! Expect meadows bursting with wildflowers, spruce and aspen forests, and jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks. This is Colorado at its finest.
extremeWhere is Deadman Pass Oregon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Deadman Pass in Oregon! This mountain pass sits pretty high up there, offering some killer views... if you can keep your eyes on the road! Located in Umatilla County, Oregon, it's named after a wild west incident involving a teamster and some not-so-friendly locals. The whole route, nicknamed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, is paved, so no need for off-road tires. It stretches for about six miles from Pendleton up to the summit. But don't let the pavement fool you – this pass is a beast! Heading southeast, you'll be climbing a serious grade. Going northwest? Get ready to test those brakes! You'll be dropping over 2,000 feet in just six miles, so make sure those brakes are in tip-top shape! Speaking of challenges, the weather here is totally unpredictable. It's notorious for sudden shifts and extreme conditions. Think snow, fog, and winds that'll make your rig dance. Winter is especially rough, with frequent storms, packed ice, and visibility that can disappear in a flash. This stretch of I-84 is known for being super treacherous, especially heading westbound, thanks to steep, double-hairpin downgrades. Truckers, take note: this pass is a notorious spot for brake failures. Watch for the variable message signs giving speed recommendations. Chain up in the winter, and always descend in the correct gear. Definitely use extreme caution, especially through the downgrade after milepost 227. The word on the street is to check your brakes at the weigh station before you head down!
moderateHow long is Phillips Mine Road in Arizona?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a short but sweet escape into Arizona's forgotten mining past. We're talking about Phillips Mine Road, kicking off near an old campground in the Seneca Lake Recreation Area. This isn't a super long haul, clocking in at just under 9 miles. You'll wind your way to a historic homestead near what used to be an asbestos mine. Now, for the road itself. Most of it's unpaved, so it's a bit bumpy, but nothing too crazy. Most SUVs should be able to handle it. If you want to get all the way to the abandoned buildings, you might want something a little more rugged. Keep in mind, this road climbs! You'll be cruising above 5,000 feet. One thing to watch out for: if it's been raining hard, the creeks you cross might be flooded and impassable. Is it worth it? Totally. This drive is tucked away in central Arizona, and the scenery is unreal. Think incredible views, deep canyons, and those iconic Arizona colors. And when you finally roll up to the old mining area? Get ready for some seriously spooky abandoned buildings. It's like stepping onto the set of a horror movie. Definitely a trip for the adventurous soul!
extremeCarretera Escenica (Acapulco)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the coast in Acapulco, Mexico, and the views of Acapulco Bay – they call it the "most beautiful bay in the world" – are seriously stunning. You've got Puerto Marques bay shimmering to one side, and Diamante's luxury resorts glittering in the distance. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, reality check. This 7-kilometer stretch is the *only* road connecting Acapulco to Diamante, so traffic is absolutely insane. Like, an hour to go just 7km insane. Add in constant road repairs and a few too many fender benders (and, yikes, whispers of more serious trouble), and it's definitely an *experience* to drive. This place is no joke — it's got a reputation as one of Mexico's most dangerous cities. It's a wild ride, but those coastal views *are* pretty epic.