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
hardSunrise Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Have you heard about Sunrise Peak in northeastern Arizona? Nestled in Apache County, this baby clocks in at a whopping 10,656 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Now, fair warning, this ain't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking gravel and rocky terrain all the way to the top, and it's located within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Basically, it's a chairlift access road for the Sunrise Park Resort, so forget about it in winter. If unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. Seriously, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this climb. And if heights aren't your thing? Well, let's just say you'll be getting cozy with the clouds. It's a steep one, folks! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and heart-stopping moment.
moderateWhere is Mount Bross?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're in central Colorado, west of Denver, cruising through Pike National Forest, right? You're heading up this insane old mining road, County Road 787 (aka Windy Ridge Road), towards Mount Bross. This isn’t your average Sunday drive—we’re talking about one of the highest roads in the USA, topping out at a crazy 13,356 feet! The road’s totally unpaved, a rugged dirt track that winds its way up into the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Most of the way it's pretty chill, but as you get closer to the top, it gets narrow and rocky. Seriously, full-size rigs might wanna think twice about going all the way. Word of warning: the actual summit is private property, so respect the signs. Plus, this area is packed with old mines, remnants of Colorado's mining boom, which makes it super interesting to explore. Heads up, this road is usually only open in the summer. And trust me, you wanna get an early start. Thunderstorms roll in almost every afternoon, so aim to be off the peak by noon to avoid any lightning drama. But, the views? Totally worth it! This is one of those Colorado trails that has it all: challenging terrain, stunning scenery, a dose of history, and killer hiking and fishing spots nearby. From the top, you can scope out a bunch of other 14ers. And the old mines scattered along the way? So cool to see!
moderateWhere is Gates Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Gates Lake, nestled high in Utah's Fishlake National Forest (Sevier County, to be exact), is calling your name. This pristine mountain lake sits at a seriously impressive elevation, about 29 miles southeast of Salina. Think postcard-perfect scenery and total serenity. Now, getting there is half the fun, but it's not for the faint of heart. The road to the lake? Totally unpaved! We're talking a roughly 5.6-mile dirt track heading south-north from the main paved road. Leave the trailer at home, trust me. And honestly, low-clearance cars need not apply – this is strictly 4x4 territory. You'll likely have the whole place to yourself, though. Usually open from [insert season]. So, if you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, Gates Lake might just be your spot!
easyHow long is Camino Rivera del Pilón?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Camino Rivera del Pilón, a totally epic road trip that straddles Nuevo León and Coahuila, Mexico. It's about 75 km of pure driving bliss, linking the charming towns of Rayones and Casillas. And get this – you're gonna be scaling some serious heights! We're talking about a route that gives you access to the legendary Cerro San Rafael, which is the highest point in Coahuila at a whopping 3,710 meters above sea level! The best part? It's all smooth sailing thanks to a full paving job back in 2018. But wait, there's more! The views are absolutely insane. Think turquoise waters of the Pilon (or Casillas) river snaking through stunning canyons, lush flora, and mountain vistas that will blow your mind. You'll be gazing at giants like El Cuahuilon (3530 masl), El Tecolote (3480 masl), Minillas Peak, La Bandera (2750 masl), and, of course, the majestic San Rafael (3710 masl). And you'll be soaking it all in from a sweet vantage point of about 1350 masl. Trust me, this is one scenic road you absolutely don't want to miss!