Is the road to Powder River Pass in WY paved?

Is the road to Powder River Pass in WY paved?

Usa, north-america

Length

74.67 km

Elevation

2,946 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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 youโ€™ll gain some serious altitude, the road's not crazy steep โ€“ 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, itโ€™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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
74.67 km
Max Elevation
2,946 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Black Mountain is the highest road of Kentuckymoderate

Black Mountain is the highest road of Kentucky

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're ever cruising through Kentucky, you HAVE to check out Black Mountain in Harlan County. This isn't just any hill; it's the tallest peak in the whole state, clocking in at 4,145 feet! Locals sometimes call it Katahrin's Mountain, and you'll find it chilling near the Virginia border, right by the town of Lynch. The main road up, Kentucky Route 160, is paved and winding, so get ready for some fun curves! Heads up though โ€“ it can get pretty icy in the winter. Once you hit the state line at the crest, the real adventure begins! A 1.7-mile gravel road called Black Mountain Ridge Road leads to the actual summit. The peak itself is kind of quirky โ€“ you'll find radio towers, an old fire lookout tower, and some transmitter buildings up there, plus an FAA Radar station lower down. The whole drive, stretching 19.5 miles from Cumberland, Kentucky, to Appalachia, Virginia, is gorgeous. Get ready for some killer views! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guideeasy

Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Brazos Summit in northern New Mexico! At a whopping 10,528 feet, this is one of the highest roads you can find in the state! You'll find this gem in the Carson National Forest, and it's an easy cruise โ€“ fully paved as US Route 64. No white-knuckle hairpin turns or scary drop-offs here, just a smooth, steady climb with a max gradient of 7%. Snaking through the San Juan Range (aka the Tusas Mountains), this almost 50-mile (77.73km) beauty connects Tierra Amarilla to Tres Piedras. Give yourself an hour of driving, but honestly, you'll want longer โ€“ it's THAT scenic. If you're chasing mountain views and some serious solitude, this is your road. Picture this: miles and miles of aspen groves, making it a fall foliage paradise. Late September and early October is the sweet spot. But even in summer, itโ€™s the perfect escape from the heat. Seriously, the aspens in autumn are like nature's own fireworks display.

How long is the Manchac Swamp Bridge?hard

How long is the Manchac Swamp Bridge?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Louisiana, right? Suddenly, you find yourself on the I-55, soaring over the wild and mysterious Lake Maurepas. This is the Manchac Swamp Bridge, and trust me, it's an experience. Clocking in at around 22 miles (35 kilometers), this concrete beauty is seriously long โ€“ one of the longest in the US, actually. They finished building it back in '79, and it's been a game-changer for getting around these parts ever since. But here's the cool part: this ain't just any bridge. You're floating over a swamp steeped in folklore. Locals whisper about a Rougarou (a Cajun werewolf, seriously!) and a voodoo princess hanging around. Driving over it is totally safe, but maybe think twice about swimming below โ€“ gators are definitely real in these waters. All in all, it's a drive with a healthy dose of natural beauty and intriguing stories.

Where is Yellow Mountain?extreme

Where is Yellow Mountain?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just discovered Yellow Mountain, tucked away in the far northeast corner of California, practically kissing the Oregon border in Modoc County. This peak punches way up, clocking in at a cool 8,087 feet! Getting there? Oh, it's a *journey*. We're talking a completely unpaved road that winds its way up through the Warner Mountains. Picture this: narrow, steep, and definitely requiring a 4x4 beast. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it without one. It's gorgeous, but can be treacherous. The road itself isn't crazy long, only about 1.24 miles after you hop off County Road 2 (aka The Highgrade Trail). But those miles are packed with a punch! Think incredible views, challenging terrain, and a real sense of accomplishment when you finally reach that summit. Just be prepared for a wild ride!