Is the road to Powder River Pass in WY paved?
Usa, north-america
74.67 km
2,946 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Powder River Pass in Wyoming, a sky-high spot chilling at 9,666 feet! You'll find this gem in Johnson County, nestled in the north-central part of the state.
The route? It's all smooth sailing on US Highway 16, totally paved and generally pretty quiet.
Don't expect a wild, white-knuckle ride. While you’ll gain some serious altitude, the road's not crazy steep – think a max of 8% gradient on some ramps. It's twisty, though, so keep an eye on those speed limits!
You can usually hit this pass year-round, but remember, it's high in the Bighorn Mountains, so winter weather can throw a curveball and cause temporary closures.
The stretch itself? You're looking at about 46.4 miles (74.67 km) of gorgeousness, running from Meadowlark Lake to Buffalo, right through the heart of the Bighorn National Forest.
And the scenery? Oh, it’s epic! Picture this: towering rocky cliffs, lush pine forests, and sparkling rivers winding alongside you. Plus, the summit has a massive parking area where you can soak it all in. Road trip gold!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 74.67 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,946 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Sonora Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Sonora Pass in California? Epic! This high-altitude pass hits a whopping 9,642 feet, straddling Mono, Tuolumne, and Alpine counties in the heart of east-central California. Highway 108, a fully paved road that’s about 30 miles, takes you from Dardanelle to Sonora Junction. Get ready for unreal views, but fair warning: this beauty's got a bit of a wild side. Think narrow roads, steep climbs, blind spots, and hairpin turns so tight you'll practically come to a standstill. We're talking an average 8% gradient with sections maxing out at a lung-busting 26%! Seriously, leave your oversized vehicles at home. Heads up: you can usually only drive it during the summer months. The snow typically shuts it down in early November and reopens around mid-May, but keep an eye on the weather because surprise snowstorms can happen. When it’s open, though? Prepare for some of the most mind-blowing scenery you've ever seen. Think alpine meadows, light traffic, and views that just don't quit. It's a true mountain road experience, guaranteed to leave you breathless.
hardDriving to the Lookout at Mount Buchanan in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia, about an hour and a half from Nelson, you'll find the legendary Mount Buchanan. At a whopping 1,910 meters (6,266 feet), this peak isn't just high – it's got history! Back in the day, Buchanan Lookout was a crucial fire watch spot. You can still check out the lookout tower, climb the stairs, and stroll the catwalk for killer views, but the tower itself is closed. Getting there? Buckle up, because the 10.9 km (6.77 miles) road is a wild ride! It's completely unpaved, seriously rough, super narrow, and brutally steep, gaining 1,167m with an average gradient of 10.7%. Think switchbacks galore, and be prepared to share the road – pull-outs are scarce. High-clearance 2WD vehicles are your best bet. And pro tip: give those brakes a break on the way down! Trust me, though, the views are worth the white knuckles. From the summit, you'll be treated to mind-blowing vistas of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park, and the majestic Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.
moderateThe scenic yet remote Kimsey Mountain Highway in Tennessee
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, you HAVE to check out Kimsey Mountain Highway in Polk County, Tennessee. Tucked away in the Cherokee National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.6-mile, unpaved, single-track Jeep road (aka Forest Service Road 68) that winds through some seriously stunning wilderness. Think slow and steady wins the race, because this baby offers a unique, intimate view of the forest. Since you are riding along the top of the ridge, the views are amazing! Picture this: a road built almost a century ago, untouched by modern paving, still rocking its original, rugged charm. But fair warning: at a peak elevation of 3,070 feet in the Southern Appalachians, you might find the path blocked by fallen trees (chainsaw, anyone?) and the occasional washout. Starting from either TN-30 or TN-68 (your choice, east or west!), this trek is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is pure, unfiltered Appalachian beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeWhere is Rogers Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're headed to Rogers Peak in Inyo County, California, nestled within Death Valley National Park. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 10.7-mile journey to 10,003 feet above sea level! The road starts paved for about 3.8 miles, but then it turns into a proper unpaved adventure. You'll cruise past the eerie Charcoal Kilns, relics from the late 1800s. Keep an eye out, though – flash floods can change the road on a dime. How tough is it? Let's just say 4WD might be your best friend, especially after Thorndike Campground. Think steep climbs, ruts, and a generally rough and narrow gravel track. The last 2.75 miles are a leg-burner, hitting a 12% gradient to reach the communication tower at the summit. No RVs or trailers allowed. Plus, be prepared for winter and spring closures due to snow and ice. Before you conquer the peak, you'll hit Mahogany Flat Parking at 8,135 feet. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. This is one of those Death Valley backcountry roads that'll test your mettle – and reward you handsomely.