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
hardHow is the drive to Sun Notch?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of Crater Lake in Oregon, high above the deepest lake in the USA. You're on the Rim Drive, heading towards Sun Notch, a gap in the caldera wall that gives you knockout views. "Notch" is the perfect name, because it was carved by a massive glacier that flowed down Mount Mazama ages ago. When the volcano blew and the summit caved in, the glacier was basically chopped off, leaving this epic, U-shaped valley behind. Talk about a geological rollercoaster! Now, the road to Sun Notch is paved, but hold on tight. It hugs the caldera's edge, meaning it's narrow with some serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, this can be a bit intense, especially when you're sharing the road with RVs and cyclists. Watch out for rocks on the road, and if you're in a bigger rig, take it slow — this section of the Rim Drive is pretty mountainous, with elevation changes and tight turns galore. Luckily, there are plenty of turnouts, and Sun Notch itself has a parking area where you can start the short walk to the rim. Why make the trek? Because Sun Notch is *the* spot for photographing Phantom Ship Island. This ancient, jagged island looks like a ghostly galleon floating in the impossibly blue water. The view from Sun Notch is a total game-changer. A heads up: Sun Notch is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. This area gets buried under *tons* of snow, sometimes over 60 feet deep! They have to work like crazy to clear the East Rim Drive, and Sun Notch is usually one of the last sections to open up. Always check the park's conditions before you go, because early storms can bring ice as early as October.
moderateKolob Terrace Road is a very scenic drive into the mountains of Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Kolob Terrace Road in Utah, a hidden gem snaking through Zion National Park. Forget the crowds, this 40.5-mile paved road is the park's best-kept secret, linking Virgin (yes, that's the town's name!) with Cedar City. Give yourself about an hour and a half for a non-stop adventure. You'll wind in and out of the park, feasting your eyes on views that most visitors miss. Be warned: this road climbs steeply from Virgin into the forested Kolob Terrace, so your car will work for its views! You'll be soaring over 8,000 feet! At its highest point, near Kolob Reservoir, you'll hit 8,162 feet above sea level. Heads up if you're visiting in winter, the upper stretches past Hop Valley Trailhead might be snowed in. Below 6,000 feet, you should be clear. But the real star of the show? The scenery! This drive is a feast for the eyes, with classic Zion vistas unfolding at every turn. Fun fact: Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, as some scenes from "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid" were filmed here!
hardCamino del Aguila
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! You HAVE to check out Camino del Aguila in sunny San Diego County. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this is a 1.6-mile asphalt rollercoaster that'll get your heart pumping! Think tight hairpin turns and seriously steep inclines—we're talking an average gradient of 9.4%! You'll climb a whopping 254 meters, topping out at 500 meters above sea level. The views? Totally worth the white knuckles. Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe a passenger to soak in the scenery!)
moderateA beautiful road with lots of historical sights to Hancock Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hancock Pass in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up at 12,145 feet, this isn't just a drive, it's a trip back in time, loaded with mining history and jaw-dropping scenery. Seriously, it's one of Colorado's highest roads! You'll find it straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties, right in western Colorado. Picture this: you're cruising along a totally unpaved path (Forest Road 839 to the south, Forest Road 299 to the north), originally carved out back in the 1880s for mining. The road starts out pretty mellow, following an old railroad grade, but don't get too comfy! Once you peel off the rail grade, things get a bit more challenging – rocky, slow going, but still manageable in a sturdy SUV with some grit. Skid plates? Definitely a plus. The road narrows, and bam, you're above the treeline! Heads up, though – Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, you can't even THINK about tackling this pass from late October to late June/early July (snow, duh!). And even then, keep an eye out – snow can stick around well into July. Don't even try it if there's snow. This epic 16.8-mile stretch runs from the ghost town of St. Elmo to Pitkin. Once you make it, you'll find plenty of room to park and soak it all in. Trust me, the views are insane, and they somehow get even better on the other side. You're in a high alpine wonderland, so pack smart – supplies, water, and warm clothes, even if it seems warm down below.