
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
hardSchnebly Hill Road is an amusement ride in Sedona
🇺🇸 Usa
If you're anywhere near Sedona, Arizona, you HAVE to check out Schnebly Hill Road. Tucked away in the Coconino National Forest, just east of Sedona, this 12-mile dirt track (also known as FS Road 153) connects AZ-179 to Interstate-17. Heads up though — this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously bumpy, steep, and twisty. Think of it more like an off-road adventure than a leisurely cruise! You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, and honestly, four-wheel drive is your best friend here. But trust me, the challenge is SO worth it! As you climb to its peak (almost 6,515 feet!), the views are insane. Narrow turnouts along the way give you the perfect excuse to stop and soak it all in. Schnebly Hill Vista overlooks the Verde Valley and Sedona, with Steamboat Rock and the Mingus Mountains painting a perfect landscape. The overlook at the top of the road is legendary, especially at sunrise. Just be prepared for the rough ride! Oh, and this road is closed in the winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
hardNeedles Eye in South Dakota is a nerve-racking tunnel if you have a big vehicle
🇺🇸 Usa
# Needles Eye: A Granite Adventure in South Dakota Want to experience one of South Dakota's most unforgettable drives? Head to Custer County and tackle Needles Highway—a stunning 14-mile stretch of scenic road that winds through the Black Hills' iconic granite formations. This section of Highway 87 is part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The main attraction? The Needles Eye tunnel itself, a one-lane passage carved straight through solid granite with dimensions of just 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It's genuinely the narrowest tunnel in South Dakota, making it equal parts thrilling and claustrophobic (though totally manageable if you're not severely phobic). You'll share the road with other tourists and the occasional charter bus, so confidence in your vehicle's size is key. RV and large trailer owners? This might not be your jam. For details on tunnel specs and current conditions, swing by the visitor center. Fair warning: this isn't a speedy drive. Budget 45 minutes to over an hour for the full journey—and honestly, you'll probably find yourself crawling along at 20 mph just to soak in the scenery. The narrow, winding road with hairpin turns and granite needle formations means you'll want to pause frequently at pullouts rather than rush through. The asphalt is well-maintained, and nearly all traffic consists of leisurely sightseers. Nestled in Custer State Park, this road was meticulously planned by former Governor Peter Norbeck, who actually mapped the entire route on foot and horseback. It was finished in 1922, and it's been drawing visitors ever since. Keep in mind: the road typically closes from mid-October through early April due to snow, so plan your visit for warmer months. There's an entrance fee for the park, but trust us—it's worth every penny.
hardYellow Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Yellow Peak in northwestern Nevada! This bad boy sits at a lofty 7,185 feet in the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge. Forget the pavement, we're talking gravel and rock on State Rte 34A. Translation? You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Winter? Nope, she's closed. And if you're not comfy with steep, unpaved mountain roads, maybe grab a postcard instead. Heights a problem? This ain't your happy place. The trail is a real climb! But hey, the reward? A fire lookout tower rebuilt in '81 with views for days. Just a heads up: check that weather forecast! Lightning and lookout towers? Not a great mix.
moderateDriving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're hitting Cajon Pass! This epic mountain pass, sitting at a cool 3,891 feet in sunny Southern California's San Bernardino County, is a must-see. Find it just east of Cajon Junction, nestled between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. This route, carved out by the infamous San Andreas Fault (history, people!), has been used for centuries. The road? Paved perfection! We're talking about a nearly 20-mile stretch of California State Route 138 that winds its way from Cajon Junction to Crestline. Open year-round, this pass can get a bit wild. Expect high winds, swirling fog, and the occasional snow dusting that might shut things down temporarily. The weather can flip from pea-soup fog to crystal-clear skies in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything. Now, let's keep it real: this road demands respect. Vegas dreams (or nightmares) can be distracting, and the mix of speedy cars and governed trucks creates a bit of a frenzy. Plus, those steep ramps can hit a gradient of 15%! Still, the views are killer, and the thrill of conquering this iconic pass is totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road, and enjoy the ride!