
How long is U.S. Highway 14 Alternate?
Usa, north-america
157 km
2,882 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading through Wyoming and want a scenic detour? Check out US14-A, the Medicine Wheel Passage! This baby winds for 98 miles between Cody and Burgess Junction, taking you right through the Bighorn Mountains.
Word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive for just anyone. We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 9,455 feet! Translation? It's closed in winter, and even in summer, it's a challenge. Expect some seriously steep grades (up to 10%!), hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, and plenty of blind corners. If you're in an 18-wheeler or an oversized vehicle, maybe sit this one out. Motorhome drivers, gear down and save your brakes!
But oh, the views! This drive is drop-dead gorgeous. Think wildlife, endless vistas stretching over 200 miles in some spots, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over every five minutes (and you probably will!). Allow about 2 hours to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Just be prepared for a remote and challenging, but ultimately rewarding, experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 157 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,882 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardCan you drive through La Veta Pass in CO?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Then check out La Veta Pass! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,396 feet, straddling Costilla and Huerfano counties. Can you drive it? Absolutely, if you're prepared! We're talking about the *original* La Veta Pass, aka County Road 443, and it's a totally unpaved gem. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, but the payoff is a seriously uncrowded drive. How long is this slice of off-road heaven? It's a sweet 5.6 miles snaking off Highway 160 in south-central Colorado. Back in the day, there was even a narrow-gauge railroad chugging through here! It later became a wagon road and finally a highway in the early '20s. Just a heads-up: being nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains means this road is a no-go in winter. And if you make it to the top, keep an eye out for the Uptop Historic District, a legit ghost town!
extremeBarillas Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Nestled in the heart of San Miguel County, New Mexico, you'll find Barillas Peak, a sky-high gem towering at 9,340 feet. This beauty resides within the Santa Fe National Forest, but getting there is half the fun (and the challenge!). The road is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, so a trusty 4x4 is definitely your best friend. Be warned, this isn't your Sunday drive route! Keep a close eye on the weather – it can turn on a dime. Road closures are common, so check before you go. But trust me, the views are worth it. At the summit, you'll discover a cool lookout tower built way back in 1959. Get your camera ready!
moderateIs the road to Black Mountain in Jeff Davis County unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Texas, in Jeff Davis County, lies Black Mountain. Forget your fancy sports cars, you're gonna need a 4x4 for this one. The road to the summit is a solid 6.2 miles of unpaved goodness, climbing to a cool 6,587 feet. Expect stunning West Texas scenery, but also be prepared for some rugged conditions. Keep an eye out for the radio tower at the top – you've made it! This isn't your typical Sunday drive, but the views are so worth it.
extremeHow to drive the Hidalgo State Route 53 to San Clemente?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly wild ride, you NEED to experience Hidalgo State Route 53, aka the Road to San Clemente, deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the heart of the Sierra OtomÃ-Tepehua, connecting the heights of La Victoria with the plunging depths of the RÃo Pantepec canyons. Think drastic elevation shifts, hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and maybe your stomach!), and a landscape that morphs before your eyes. Be warned: this route is a beast. Prepare for steep inclines, unbanked curves that demand respect, and road conditions that can change in a heartbeat, especially when the rains come. Landslides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled! The reward? Absolutely breathtaking views as you climb from high-altitude pine forests at over 7,200 feet and descend into a tropical paradise near the canyon floor. Heads up! When you hit Tenango de Doria, the road gets a little… quirky. You'll need to wind your way through the town's streets to pick up the descent again towards the Rio Pantepec canyon. Trust your instincts, and you'll find your way. Get ready for the ride of your life!