Snowy Range Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in Wyoming
Usa, north-america
42.16 km
3,310 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Snowy Range Pass in Wyoming! This beauty sits way up high at 10,859 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it straddling Albany and Carbon counties in southern Wyoming, and the name is no joke – expect snow, even in summer!
Originally built as a wagon road back in the 1870s (can you imagine?!), it got paved in the 30s and was dubbed the "Great Skyroad." Now it’s Wyoming Highway 130, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, and it's a fabulously scenic alternative to boring old I-80.
This two-lane paved road is good to go for any vehicle. The route stretches for about 26 miles between Ryan Park and Centennial.
Keep in mind it does get steep in sections, with some ramps hitting almost 10% grades.
Winding through the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, this road is a seasonal superstar. It usually shuts down around mid-November and doesn't reopen until Memorial Day weekend, thanks to the heavy snow. They don’t plow it during the winter.
Give yourself about an hour to enjoy this drive. Trust me, you’ll want to stop. The Snowy Range Mountains offer views galore, and there are tons of picnic spots, campgrounds, and places to just soak it all in. Lakes are everywhere for fishing or just chilling by the water. And remember to watch out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk! Prepare for deep, glacial lakes, meadows that look like paintings, rushing mountain streams, and peaks that will absolutely blow you away.
Where is it?
Snowy Range Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in Wyoming is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.7414, -102.6937
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.16 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,310 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.7414, -102.6937
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow to get to Yaki Point by car?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in Arizona, smack-dab in Coconino County, ready for some seriously breathtaking views. Head to Grand Canyon National Park and find Yaki Point Road. This little gem of a road clocks in at just a mile long and is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. Now, here's the cool part: Yaki Point, sitting pretty at 7,262 feet, is a bit exclusive. You can't just roll up in your own car. Instead, hop on the free Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) Shuttle Bus from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center – it's worth it! Trust me, Yaki Point is where you want to be for sunrise or sunset. It’s super peaceful, and the views are unreal. We're talking postcard-perfect scenes as the sun paints the canyon in crazy vibrant colors. Grab your camera, because you're going to want to remember this.
moderateThe road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you know I'm always hunting for those hidden gems, and I just found a crazy one: Raíces in the State of Mexico! This place is seriously sky-high, the highest town in the whole country at a whopping 11,919 feet. We're talking one of the highest drivable towns on the planet! The road up, Ruta 10, is totally paved and winds up the side of the Nevado de Toluca volcano. Think incredible views and lush forest scenery, but be warned, there are some serious curves along the way! The adventure kicks off from México 134, and it's only about 4.28 miles to Raíces, but don't let the short distance fool you. This climb is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% on some of those ramps! Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable drive.
extremeCerro Rubio
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Cerro Rubio, a beast of a peak in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking 9,849 feet above sea level, people! The road up? Think gravel, think rocks, think "maybe I should have brought a tank." Seriously, this is strictly a 4x4 kinda trip, and only when it's bone dry. The weather here is a total wildcard, shifting from sunny to OMG-where-did-the-world-go in minutes. Closures are common, so check before you go. And a word to the wise: if you're not friends with high altitudes, maybe skip this one. The air is thin, the wind howls like a banshee year-round, and it can be brutal. But, oh man, the views! If you're up for a challenge and are properly prepared, the scenery is absolutely worth it. Just remember to breathe and take it slow!
moderateHow long is Staircase Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, fellow adventurers, because I'm about to tell you about Staircase Road in Washington state! Picture this: you're cruising along Highway 101 near Hoodsport and decide to venture off the beaten path. That's where the fun begins! Staircase Road, or Forest Service Road 24, is waiting for you, a mostly unpaved beauty stretching for 16 glorious miles into the heart of Olympic National Park. Seriously, this road is a gateway to some serious natural wonders. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your best bet here. You'll be winding your way along the shores of Lake Cushman, with views that'll make your jaw drop. Keep in mind, though, that this road plays by its own rules. It can be closed unexpectedly due to snow or other weather nastiness, so always check conditions before you go. If you make it to the end, you'll be rewarded with a campground and a ranger station, the perfect basecamp for exploring even further. Trust me, this drive is worth it for the scenery alone!