
Oatman Highway in Arizona: winding, with hairpin turns and scenic views
Usa, north-america
77 km
1,096 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! If you're cruising through Mohave County, Arizona, and fancy a drive that'll get your heart pumping, then the Oatman Highway is calling your name!
This stretch of Historic U.S. 66 W isn't your average Sunday drive. Think fully paved but seriously narrow roads, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs. You'll hit the peak at Sitgreaves Pass, a cool 3,595 feet above sea level.
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Arizona, south of Kingman, this road hugs the mountainside near the summit. We're talking zero shoulder, minimal guardrails, and serious exposure. Not a fan of heights? Maybe grab a passenger seat for this one!
But oh, the views! They are absolutely worth the white knuckles. Expect varied and spectacular scenery, plus the bonus of light traffic and plenty of pull-offs to snag that perfect photo. Seriously, don't try to snap pics while you're driving! The Old West vibe is strong here, so strong in fact that it has served as a set for several Western movies.
Clocking in at 48 miles, this baby winds from McConnico, Arizona, near Highway 95, all the way towards the California border, near Catfish Paradise. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Oatman Highway in Arizona: winding, with hairpin turns and scenic views is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.1884, -96.6153
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 77 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,096 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.1884, -96.6153
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Waunita Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Waunita Pass, nestled high in Gunnison County, Colorado, is a must-see. We're talking serious altitude here! Find it south of Pitkin, deep in the Gunnison National Forest. The road? Totally unpaved, baby! But fear not, most 2WD vehicles can handle it in dry weather. Just be warned, it can get dicey when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. It's called Waunita Pass Road (County Road 763), and it winds through the forest like a charm, though it does get pretty steep in spots. This isn't some modern highway, either. This road dates way back to the late 1800s/early 1900s! Heads up: winter slams the door shut. Heavy snow makes it a no-go zone. The drive is about long, stretching from Pitkin to County Road 887. Expect absolutely magnificent views and scenery—trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
hardWhere is Lucky Strike Mine?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay adventurers, listen up! Tucked away in the San Rafael Swell of east-central Utah, near Moore, lies the ghost town of Lucky Strike Mine. This isn't your typical Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a journey to an elevation of 5,810 feet! You'll be about 0.9 miles off Reds Canyon Road. The road itself is unpaved and graded, but high clearance is definitely recommended if you're planning a visit. I wouldn't even think about bringing your low-rider. The whole area is remote, and there are hazards to be aware of: radiation, flash floods and a total lack of services and cell signal! This place was once a uranium and vanadium mine, born from the dreams of four prospectors back in the day. You can still see the remnants of their hard work scattered about—decaying cabins, shacks, the whole shebang. Bring plenty of fuel for off road driving, at least enough for 100 miles worth. And, of course, with great adventure comes great responsibility. This place is isolated, so come prepared with extra food, water, and supplies. And for goodness' sake, stay out of the mine shafts unless you know what you're doing! Steer clear after heavy rain, and keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out.
moderateCancun Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're heading to San José del PacÃfico, the mushroom mecca, and the drive itself is part of the adventure! We're talking about Puerto San Luis, winding through the Sierra Madre Occidental. It's not just a road; it's a 15-mile rollercoaster of pavement, climbing from around 6,500 feet to over 8,500 feet. Now, heads up! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect tight curves, sheer drop-offs, and maybe a rock or two deciding to chill in the road. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! Think panoramic vistas of the mountains, valleys shrouded in mist, and that feeling of being on top of the world. Just take it slow, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for some serious scenery. This road is an adventure in itself, and totally worth the white knuckles.
moderateSan Joaquin Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! San JoaquÃn, a charming mountain town nestled deep within Mexico's Sierra Gorda mountains, is calling your name. Think ancient ruins, mystical caves, and views that'll make your jaw drop – we're talking cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and maybe even a tunnel or two! But the real star of the show? The road that gets you there. Buckle up as you leave Highway 120 and climb from a desert canyon at 1,470 meters above sea level into a lush, forested wonderland, topping out at 2,450 meters in San JoaquÃn. That's a whopping 1,000-meter elevation gain in just 43 kilometers! Get ready to witness landscapes morph from arid desert to towering, scenic mountains. This drive is a total feast for the eyes!