
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Stevens Pass in WA
Usa, north-america
58.25 km
1,243 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let’s talk about Stevens Pass in Washington State! Perched way up high in the Cascade Mountains at over 4,000 feet, this baby straddles King and Chelan counties and offers a stunning drive.
Yup, you can totally drive it! Highway 2, also known as the Stevens Pass Highway, will take you right over the top. The whole route is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but keep your eyes peeled because you're cruising through serious mountain country – think Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests. Avalanche territory, folks!
The pass stretches for about 36 miles from Skykomish to Coles Corner. If you're just driving straight through, plan on about 45 minutes to an hour to soak in the views. And the best part? It's open all year round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season! Just remember to check road conditions, especially in winter.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 58.25 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,243 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardAdventure along the wild road to Little White Mountain in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Little White Mountain in British Columbia is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of peak. We're talking a 2,142m (7,027ft) climb into the Canadian wild. Found perched near the Okanagan Valley, overlooking the eastern side of Okanagan Lake, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. Forget pavement – this is a pure off-road experience. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. The last 5km are no joke, think narrow ledges and boulder fields right beside some serious drop-offs. Starting from Kelowna, you've got a 25.1 km (15.59 miles) trek ahead of you, with some sections hitting a crazy steep 18% gradient! Keep in mind, this is a summer/early fall kind of trip – usually open from July to October, weather permitting. But trust me, the views are worth it! Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with 360-degree panoramas of the lake and valley. The mountain itself? It's named after some guy named Thomas White, but honestly, the views are the real stars here. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateThe wild road to the abandoned Albergue Tlamacas
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Mexico, in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, ready for an adventure. We're heading to Albergue Tlamacas, an abandoned hotel perched way up at almost 13,000 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road starts at Paso de Cortés (Tlamacaxco) and stretches for just under 3 miles. It's paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. This place has a story to tell, built in the '70s, it was a hotspot until the Popocatepetl volcano started acting up in '94, forcing everyone to leave. It was a fave for climbers and tourists wanting a peek at the volcano. Now, hold on tight, because this road is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% in places! You'll climb almost 900 feet in elevation, making for an average gradient of almost 6%. The views are insane, but keep your eyes on the road—this drive demands respect! Get ready for an unforgettable (and slightly eerie) experience.
moderateDriving through Camino a Rayones (Nuevo Leon state route 7)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Camino a Rayones! Nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Nuevo León, Mexico, this asphalt ribbon connects Rayones and Galeana, offering a stunning alternative to the busy Mexico 57. Think of it as your own secret passage between Mexico City and Monterrey, but way more scenic! The real magic starts near Bio Parque Estrella, where you'll begin your ascent from around 500 meters above sea level. You'll hug the Pilon River at about 800 meters, then wind your way up to a mountain pass at a cool 1340 meters. This 30-kilometer stretch is pure driving bliss: think hairpin curves, breathtaking canyon views, and majestic mountains at every turn. Seriously, get ready for some serious photo ops as you wind along rivers and through the rugged landscape. It's a visual feast you won't soon forget!
hardEl Chorro
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, amigos, because La Carbonera (Mexico 57D, the Saltillo-Matehuala highway) is a real rollercoaster! This stretch of road, also called El Chorro, winds its way through the Sierra Madre Oriental, treating you to incredible views of desert canyons and patches of pine forest. You'll be climbing high, peaking at around 7,150 feet (2,180 m) near the turnoff for San Antonio de las Alazanas – and close to Mexico's only ski resort, Monterreal! Then, it's a thrilling descent to Ramos Arizpe, way down at 4,265 feet (1300 m). The road itself? Think tight, twisty curves that demand your attention, especially since this is known as the trickiest part of the Matehuala-Saltillo route. Keep your eyes peeled not just for the scenery, but also for potential weather woes: floods, mudslides, and fog can roll in. So drive smart and enjoy the ride!