The high Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

The high Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

268 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! You HAVE to experience the Hoover Dam Bypass, officially known as the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Seriously, if heights aren't your thing, maybe grab a friend to drive! This baby soars 880 feet above the Colorado River, making it the second-highest bridge in the US and the tallest concrete arch bridge on the planet.

Spanning between Arizona and Nevada, this architectural marvel is just over 1900 feet long and opened in 2010. You'll find it on U.S. 93, right over the Black Canyon. Fun fact: It took a whopping 30,000 cubic yards of concrete and 16 million pounds of steel to build this thing! This bridge doesn't just look awesome; it creates a much faster route across the river. The name honors Mike O’Callaghan, a Nevada governor, and Pat Tillman, the football player who became a soldier. Just a heads up, officials are working on safety measures due to some tragic events. Otherwise, enjoy the view!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
268 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Pearl Pass?hard

Where is Pearl Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Pearl Pass, Colorado, clocks in at a whopping 12,723 feet above sea level! This high-altitude pass straddles the Pitkin and Gunnison county line, offering a wild ride between Crested Butte and Aspen. Pearl Pass Road (#102) is a 16.9-mile unpaved beast of a former mining road. Forget your sedan – you NEED a seriously capable 4x4 to conquer this one. Think boulder fields, steep climbs that'll make your engine scream, water crossings, and nail-bitingly narrow shelf roads. Be warned: one particularly gnarly half-mile stretch boasts a 25%+ grade. Even past that, expect plenty of rocky sections, occasional rock slides, and hold on tight—seatbelts are a must! There's even a marshy section to keep you on your toes. Because it's tucked away in the Rockies, Pearl Pass is often snowed in until late July (or even later some years!). It's typically only open for a few precious weeks in late summer. The south side of the pass is notorious for snowdrifts that can block the trail for the entire year. Snow and ice are real possibilities even in late summer. Give yourself 5-6 hours to soak in the unmatched variety of landscapes. This route crosses the Continental Divide, treating you to views that are simply spectacular. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, between Aspen and Crested Butte, Pearl Pass promises an unforgettable adventure.

Garcia Peakhard

Garcia Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Garcia Peak in Colfax County, New Mexico, is calling your name! We're talking about a gnarly climb to 10,935 feet in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Seriously, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say "rough," "tippy," and "bumpy" are understatements. We're talking high-clearance vehicle required—mandatory! It's crazy steep in places, and super narrow with limited passing spots, so hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way! Forget about winter; this road is snowed in, often until well past the Fourth of July. But if you're an experienced off-roader craving a challenge and stunning scenery, Garcia Peak is where it's at! Just be prepared for a wild ride!

A scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregoneasy

A scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregon

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to experience Santiam Pass! Perched at 4,826 feet, this beauty straddles Linn and Jefferson counties and offers a serious dose of Cascade Mountain magic. Locals sometimes call it Lakes Pass, Minto Pass, or even Hogg Pass, but whatever you call it, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is paved from start to finish. The 18.1-mile stretch winds from Santiam Junction in the west to Black Butte Ranch in the east. You'll likely be able to drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – those winter months can bring short, but intense closures. Heads up, snow bunnies! As you climb, you'll spot the turnoff for Hoodoo Ski Area, perfect for downhill and cross-country thrills from December to March. Hoodoo's been around since the 40s, so you KNOW it's a local favorite. Get ready for some incredible views!

Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Coloradoeasy

Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Fremont Pass in Colorado! This beauty straddles Lake and Summit counties, hitting a whopping 11,335 feet above sea level. We're talking serious Rocky Mountain high! You'll find it right in the heart of Colorado, not too far from Leadville. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax molybdenum mine, which used to be a HUGE deal for the world's molybdenum supply. The pass itself is named after the legendary explorer John C. Frémont. State Highway 91, also known as the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway," will take you right to the top on a fully paved road. And get this – it's surprisingly straight for a mountain pass! Just a few switchbacks near the summit. The whole shebang stretches for about 21.7 miles between Copper Mountain and Leadville, running north to south. Don't get fooled – there are a couple of false summits on the way up! Generally, Fremont Pass is open year-round, but be warned – winter weather can throw a wrench in your plans and cause temporary closures. While most of the road is pretty tame, keep an eye out for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%.