The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries

The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries

China, asia

Length

30 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hidden away in Shawan County, China, is the mind-blowing Anjihai Grand Canyon, also known as the Hongshan (Red Mountain) Grand Canyon. Seriously, this place is a photographer's dream!

Picture this: you're in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, staring down into a canyon carved by the Anjihai River. We're talking about a 30-kilometer-long gash in the earth, plunging a staggering 400 meters deep. At points, it’s only two or three meters wide! Expect sheer cliffs, jagged rocks, and stones bursting with color.

Getting there is an adventure in itself. This unpaved road snakes along the northern base of the Tianshan Mountains and it is NOT for the faint of heart. I'm talking precipices, hanging cliffs, and a max speed of 40 km/h. Newbies, maybe sit this one out.

The views from the top of the canyon are insane! But heads up, it’s a serious drop. And just to keep things interesting, the road dead-ends at the edge of the mountain, right above a mine. This one is for those who like to live life on the edge!

Where is it?

The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.8576, 106.0838

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
30 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
34.8576, 106.0838

Related Roads in asia

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Erkeshtam Passmoderate

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Erkeshtam Pass

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China

Welcome to Erkeshtam Pass, a thrilling border crossing nestled high in the mountains at 2,838m (9,311ft) above sea level where Kyrgyzstan shakes hands with China! This legendary pass connects Sary-Tash, Kyrgyzstan to Ulugqat, China, carving its way through the heart of Central Asia. You'll be cruising on smooth, paved roads (A371 in Kyrgyzstan, S309 in China). The road's in great shape on both sides, assuming the weather cooperates, and the Chinese side is freshly rebuilt. This pass is a bustling hub year-round. Be warned: the Kyrgyz and Chinese border posts are almost 10 km apart, and strolling between them is a no-go. Remember, Kyrgyz vehicles aren't allowed to cross, so you'll need to switch to a Chinese ride at the border. The border is only open during the day, and it slams shut on weekends and holidays, so time your trip wisely. Expect anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to clear customs, and prepare for potentially gruff immigration officials.

Kotal-e Palpihard

Kotal-e Palpi

🌍 Afghanistan

Hey adventure junkies! Let me tell you about the wild ride that is Palphi Pass in northeastern Afghanistan's Baghlan Province. We're talking serious altitude here - 2,885m (9,465ft) above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive. This gravel, rocky, and super bumpy path connects the tiny villages of Godri and Gozar-e Langar. Picture this: hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside with crazy drop-offs, so you'll want to keep your eyes on the road. A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Speaking of the road, it's a beast! Starting from Gozar-e Langar, you'll climb 1,556 meters in just 11.3 km, averaging a steep 9.74% grade (with some spots hitting 15%!). Oh, and did I mention the 33 hairpin turns? Keep an eye on the weather, too, as this area is prone to heavy mist and winter snowfalls can make it totally impassable. And definitely check current conditions and the security situation before you go. You might even contact your embassy in Kabul as they have really the best info about terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, risk of kidnapping and high crime rate. Stay safe out there!

Discovering the unpaved road from Chitral to Parsan is a terrifying adventure on wheelsextreme

Discovering the unpaved road from Chitral to Parsan is a terrifying adventure on wheels

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° Pakistan

Hold on to your hats, folks, because the road from Chitral to Parsan in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is WILD. Forget paved paradise – this is a 15-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated mountain road blasted straight out of the cliffside. Locals built this thing the old-fashioned way, without heavy machinery, which adds to its, uh, charm. You'll be hugging the Lutkho River, winding your way through Garam Chashma, and clinging to a route that makes "unstable" an understatement. Picture this: a narrow dirt track, sheer cliffs above, and a dizzying drop to the river below. Oncoming traffic? Prepare for some serious reversing skills – sometimes up to a kilometer! The notorious "Parsan's tunnel of death" is a particularly tight squeeze, demanding a 4x4 and nerves of steel. But hey, the views! You'll climb from 4,000 feet to a breathtaking 10,000 feet in just a few miles. The inclines are intense, but the scenery is epic. Just remember, this adventure isn't for the faint of heart!

Supat Gali is one of the gnarliest roads of Pakistanextreme

Supat Gali is one of the gnarliest roads of Pakistan

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° Pakistan

Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Supat Gali in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Perched at a staggering 14,058 feet, this mountain pass is not for the faint of heart! We're talking serious 4x4 territory here, people. The road? Completely unpaved. And fair warning: from late October to late June (or even early July!), Mother Nature might shut it down with snow. But trust me, the views are worth braving the conditions! Imagine stunning vistas, a sense of total freedom, and lungfuls of crisp mountain air. The roughly 31-mile route hugs the Supat Valley, snaking its way from Batakundi to Maheen Village. Be prepared for some seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients of up to 23%! This area is steeped in history, having been a crossroads between Central and South Asia. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!