Rattlesnake Pass is the road less traveled in Wyoming
Usa, north-america
3,250 km
2,296 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Rattlesnake Pass in Carbon County, Wyoming! We're talking a high-altitude thrill ride here, topping out at 7,532 feet.
You'll find this beauty east of Rawlins, snaking through southern Wyoming. Now, heads up – this isn't your typical smooth asphalt. Rattlesnake Pass Road is a 20.2-mile stretch of glorious unpaved road connecting WY-130 (near Walcott) with WY-72 (near Elk Mountain). Most cars can handle it when the weather's playing nice, so no need for a monster truck.
Speaking of weather, Wyoming can be a bit of a mood swing. Think freezing winters and surprisingly warm summers. Winter can make things tricky with snow and ice, but summertime? Perfect for exploring!
Running alongside the superhighway, this pass is a scenic slice of Wyoming history. If you're craving solitude and a real taste of the wild west, this remote route is calling your name. Get ready for some serious views!
Where is it?
Rattlesnake Pass is the road less traveled in Wyoming is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.6115, -97.9076
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3,250 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,296 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.6115, -97.9076
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA scenic paved road to Vermilion Pass in the Canadian Rockies
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Banff-Windermere Highway (also known as British Columbia Highway 93), right on the border between Alberta and British Columbia. You're climbing to Vermilion Pass, a sweet spot at 1,647 meters (that's 5,403 feet!) above sea level. Nestled within Banff National Park and smack-dab on the Continental Divide, this pass has serious history. Think fur traders and early explorers – it’s been a vital route for ages! The name comes from those awesome iron oxide springs just a few kilometers away. The road itself? Smooth sailing – it's paved the whole way! The drive is about 105 km (or 65 miles) from Radium Hot Springs, over in BC's East Kootenay region, all the way to Castle Junction in Alberta's Banff National Park. Word to the wise: you're in the Canadian Rockies, which means subarctic vibes! Expect heavy snow in winter, so be prepared for icy conditions. But don't let that scare you – the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
hardFowler-Hilliard Hut
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a real off-road challenge in the heart of Colorado's Eagle County, point your rig toward Eiseman Hut. Perched way up high at 11,522 feet, accessing this mountain refuge is not for the faint of heart. The "road," and I use that term loosely, is a super steep, gravelly beast with switchbacks that'll make your head spin. Seriously, think twice about driving it unless you’re in a proper 4x4 and know what you're doing. This isn’t a Sunday drive, folks. Typically, you can expect the route to be clear of snow from June to October, but even in summer, be ready for some wild weather changes. Built back in '88, the hut itself is a tribute to mountaineers Ann Fowler and Ed Hilliard, so the views are incredible. Just remember, preparation is key if you want to conquer this one!
moderateRim of the World is a Scenic Byway in Southern California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a 110-mile (177 km) stretch of pure Southern California magic. Seriously, this drive lives up to its name, clinging to the ridgeline of the San Bernardino Mountains like it's the best-kept secret in the state. You'll be winding your way from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass, soaking in the views from Hwy 138 to Hwy 18 and finally Hwy 38. Budget around two hours for a one-way trip, but trust me, you'll want to factor in extra time for photo ops and maybe a picnic by one of the many lakes. The whole route is paved, so no need for a special vehicle, but be warned: it gets twisty and steep in places. Keep your eyes peeled for other drivers, especially on busy weekends, and make good use of those pullouts. Weekdays are your friend here, and rumor has it the local police like to keep an eye on things when the tourists are out in force. The scenery? Absolutely unreal. Think dramatic cliffs, sweeping desert and coastal valley views that give way to high-elevation forests, and those crystal-clear lakes. You're basically road-tripping through a postcard. Just be aware that summer smog can sometimes put a damper on those distant vistas. This road is generally open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with occasional closures due to snow and ice. Check conditions before you go, and be prepared to use chains if you're visiting during the snowy season.
extremeVermilion Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you want adventure? Check out Vermilion Pass in Montana's Sanders County. We're talking a rugged, gravel 4x4 track – NF-367, aka Graves Creek Road – that tops out at a cool 6,030 feet. Now, heads up: this isn’t a Sunday drive. Keep an eye on the weather. Seriously. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and slick ice patches can pop up out of nowhere. Expect a bit of rock and mud too, just to keep things interesting. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be rewarded with some killer scenery.