Mount Constitution is the highest road in the San Juan Islands

Mount Constitution is the highest road in the San Juan Islands

Usa, north-america

Length

7.56 km

Elevation

735 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Orcas Island, Washington is home to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands! This peak clocks in at 2,411 feet, and getting there is half the fun.

Mount Constitution Road, entirely paved, winds its way to the top. It's about 4.7 miles from Olga Road, climbing 1,912 feet with an average gradient of 7.71% and some sections hitting 12%. Expect a few bridges and seven hairpin turns to keep things interesting! Watch out, the signs can be a bit tricky – small and sometimes not ideally placed – so take your time and soak in the views!

The road usually stays open year-round (snowfall can close it, so check conditions!), and the weather can definitely play a role. It'll take you around 15-25 minutes to drive to the top without stopping.

At the summit, the stone observation tower (Ellsworth Storey's Tower) built in the 1930s offers incredible 360° views of the San Juan Islands, Bellingham, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Anacortes, Port Townsend, and a bunch of cities in the US and Canada! Pack your own snacks and drinks, as there aren't any services up top. Mount Constitution is packed with trails, stunning views, and nearby camping. Plus, it's the second-tallest mountain on an island in the lower 48 states!

Where is it?

Mount Constitution is the highest road in the San Juan Islands is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 35.2764, -100.5451

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
7.56 km
Max Elevation
735 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.2764, -100.5451

Related Roads in north-america

How to get by car to Moraine Lake in Alberta?hard

How to get by car to Moraine Lake in Alberta?

🇨🇦 Canada

Moraine Lake is a blue-green water mountain lake at an elevation of 1.885m (6,183ft) above sea level, located in Alberta, in Canada. Located near the British Columbia border, the lake is located within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies and ringed by high peaks. The road to the lake is totally paved. It’s called Lake Louise Drive. As of 2023, personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is no longer permitted. The only way to access the lake is via shuttles, public transit and commercial operators allowed. Visitors can also bike the road. The road ends on a parking lot near the lake. Starting at Lake Louise, the winding road is 14.3 km (8.88 miles) long. The road can be very busy during the summer and in late September. Situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the views are stunning and the drive is extremely scenic. The lake is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. It’s a key area for grizzly bears in Banff National Park: Prepare - carry bear spray and know how to handle an encounter; Be aware - slow down, look ahead and watch for tracks, droppings, and diggings; Let bears know you’re there - travel in a group and make noise. The lake is only half the size of its nearby neighbour Lake Louise, but perhaps even more scenic. Due its beauty, the lake has been featured within all manner of backgrounds and adverts for Canada. The road to the lake is closed during the winter (open mid-June through mid-October) due to heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk. When the road first opens in late May or early June don’t expect to see the turquoise glacier water that Moraine Lake is famous for. The lake does not start to thaw until June, the water level usually crests by late June. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Where is El Capulín?moderate

Where is El Capulín?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Alright, adventurers, listen up! I've found a road that'll take your breath away - literally! We're heading to El Capulín, snuggled right on the edge of Morelos and Mexico City, deep in the heart of the country. This isn't just any drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the nation, topping out at a cool 3,627m (11,899ft) above sea level inside the beautiful Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. You'll be cruising the Xalatlaco-El Ajusco road for about 11.6 km (7.20 miles) until you arrive to the famous church. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. Low visibility can make this road a bit tricky. But with clear skies? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!

Where is Cerro Summit?hard

Where is Cerro Summit?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through western Colorado, right? The landscape is classic Colorado – rugged and beautiful, with those tough mountain shrubs clinging to the hillsides. Keep your eyes peeled, because you might even spot a deer or elk! You'll be driving on Cerro Summit Road, and the pavement is surprisingly smooth. Sure, there are a few spots where the grade gets a little spicy, but nothing your average car can't handle. This stretch is about 15 miles long, connecting Montrose (the main town in these parts) to the tiny community of Cimarron. Heads up: it’s usually open all year, but sometimes winter throws a tantrum and shuts things down for a bit. It tops out at 8,008 feet above sea level.

Where is Rattlesnake Pass?moderate

Where is Rattlesnake Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're craving a real Wyoming adventure? Then point your wheels toward Rattlesnake Pass! This beauty sits high in Carbon County, clocking in at a cool 7,532 feet above sea level. Find it east of Rawlins, winding through southern Wyoming. Heads up: Rattlesnake Pass Road is all dirt, all the time. But don't sweat it – most cars can handle it when the weather's good. We're talking about a 20.2-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated Wyoming, connecting WY-130 (south of Walcott) to WY-72 (north of Elk Mountain). Keep an eye on the forecast, though. Wyoming weather is no joke! Winters can bring serious snow and ice, making the pass a tough climb. Summer? That's your golden ticket for exploring. Why bother? Well, besides bragging rights, this scenic byway runs parallel to the main highway, but feels like a world away. If you're after wide-open spaces and a taste of the real, untamed Wyoming, Rattlesnake Pass is calling your name. Get ready for some epic views and a serious dose of freedom!