Rainbow Point

Rainbow Point

Usa, north-america

Length

33.15 km

Elevation

2,781 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, heading towards Rainbow Point. This isn't just any drive; it's the furthest south you can go by car in the park, and trust me, it's worth every mile.

We're talking about UT-63 S, a paved road that climbs pretty steeply up to 9,124 feet above sea level. The views? Absolutely unreal. The road itself is a blast to drive—think twists, turns, and stunning panoramas of the entire National Park.

Starting from UT-12, the journey is about 20.6 miles to the top, where you'll find a huge parking lot and views that stretch on for days. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with unbelievable vistas of Bryce Canyon's famous rock formations and the Pink Cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for both the official viewpoints and those little unofficial spots that offer a unique perspective. It's a driving experience that will leave you breathless, in the best way possible.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
33.15 km
Max Elevation
2,781 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

North La Veta Pass is a challenging paved road of Coloradomoderate

North La Veta Pass is a challenging paved road of Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising through southern Colorado? You absolutely HAVE to experience North La Veta Pass! Perched way up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at a cool 9,413 feet, this paved beauty (also known as New La Veta Pass) straddles Costilla and Huerfano counties. Think of it as U.S. Highway 160's stylish upgrade – a smooth, two-lane highway that gracefully sidesteps the old, gnarlier La Veta Pass. It's now the main way through this part of the mountains. This road stretches for about 48 miles, connecting Fort Garland to Walsenburg. The views? Seriously stunning! But be warned: those steep drop-offs on the side can be a little intense in daylight. Some say it's best to hit it at night, when the drama is hidden. Even though the road is well-maintained and avoids crazy sharp turns, you'll feel like you're adventuring in a place roads weren't really meant to be! It's located southeast of the Sangre de Cristo Pass.

How to get to the scenic Athabasca Pass Lookout in Alberta?moderate

How to get to the scenic Athabasca Pass Lookout in Alberta?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, so you're cruising through the Canadian Rockies, right? You absolutely HAVE to hit up the Athabasca Pass Lookout! We're talking Jasper National Park vibes, east of majestic Mount Edith Cavell, with a super convenient, big ol' parking lot. The lookout itself sits pretty at 1,277m (that's 4,189ft for my imperial system friends), and yeah, the views are LEGIT. Towering mountains, icy glaciers, lakes so blue they look photoshopped — it's the perfect place to just soak it all in. Now, heads up: a big fire ripped through the area in 2024. It changed things, for sure. While it's sad to see some of the greenery gone, the burned landscape has its own kind of haunting beauty. It's a different perspective, and honestly, a powerful one. You'll see the resilience of nature firsthand. Getting there is a breeze. Just hop on the AB-93 (aka the Icefields Parkway), a fully paved road in great condition. It's a 151km (94 mile) stretch running north-south from Jasper to Saskatchewan River Crossing. Trust me, it's a road trip you won't forget!

When did Route 66 start?easy

When did Route 66 start?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: Route 66, the "Mother Road," stretching over 2,000 miles of pure Americana from the Windy City all the way to sunny Santa Monica. This legendary highway cuts a diagonal path through the heart of the US, taking you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The highest point sits at 3,550 feet above sea level. Now, give yourself around 13 days to soak it all in. Don't expect an easy ride — signage can be sparse and it's not on your standard map. You'll be cruising on the same road that Easy Rider made famous. Get ready for an epic adventure!

How long is the Sierra Vista Byway?moderate

How long is the Sierra Vista Byway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Wanna experience California's Sierra Nevada like never before? Hop in your car and cruise the Sierra Vista Byway! This 83-mile loop is pure magic, winding through the Sierra National Forest with views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll climb from gentle foothills to awesome alpine forests, topping out at 7,326 feet. Picture this: the Sierra Nevada crest stretching out before you, unique rock formations popping up along the way, granite domes gleaming in the sun, and mountain streams babbling alongside the road. Heads up: this beauty is seasonal! It's usually open from June to October, because winter snows shut it down. Some sections are paved, others are unpaved (think slow and bumpy, but still doable in a regular car). Give yourself 4-5 hours to enjoy the drive without rushing. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank before you start! There's only one gas station along the way (Wagner's Store at Mammoth Pool), and it's not cheap. Seriously, pack your camera. The views of the Sierra Crest are unreal. This byway is an amazing way to explore the Sierra backcountry from the comfort of your car!