What’s the Pan-American Highway?
Usa, north-america
30,000 km
3,451 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for the ultimate road trip? The Pan-American Highway is calling your name! This epic route stretches about 19,000 miles (30,000 km) from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the very tip of South America.
Picture this: you'll cruise through 14 countries, experiencing the most diverse landscapes on the planet. Towering mountains, dense jungles, arid deserts, and even glaciers await!
The highest point you'll reach is a staggering 11,322 feet (3,451m) above sea level.
While you *can* drive the majority of the way, there's one notorious gap: the Darién Gap. This 60-mile (96 km) stretch of undeveloped swampland and rainforest between Panama and Colombia requires a ferry to bypass.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Be prepared for high temperatures, potential landslides, steep drop-offs, and the occasional critter crossing. The wet season can make sections impassable, and extreme winters at the northern and southern ends are best avoided. It's also wise to be aware of local safety advisories regarding cartel activity. This adventure truly tests your driving skills!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 30,000 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,451 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
easyBarker Dam Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Joshua Tree National Park? You HAVE to check out the Barker Dam Road! It's a quick 1.5-mile detour into a landscape straight out of a movie. This little desert gem takes you right to Barker Dam (aka Big Horn Dam), a cool piece of history built way back in the early 1900s. The road itself is a bit rough and tumble, totally open for two-way traffic, and climbs to about 4,270 feet. You'll find it nestled between Queen Valley and the Wonderland of Rocks, not far from the Wall Street Mill. The dam has been reopened to the public after some repair work. Seriously, bring your camera! This area is a photographer's dream. A heads-up: desert conditions are no joke. Summer means scorching heat, blazing sun, and super dry air. Storms can roll in fast, so avoid canyons and washes if it's raining. Watch for water on the road! Plus, keep an eye out for wildlife – including those precious desert tortoises. Drive slow, respect the speed limits, and you're in for an unforgettable ride. Oh, and a few critters with stingers and fangs call this place home, so watch where you step!
extremeWhen was the Kern Canyon Road built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through California and craving a thrill? Kern Canyon Road (Highway 178) is calling your name! This 40-mile ribbon of asphalt stretches from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella in the Southern Sierra Nevada, and it's a wild ride. Built way back in the day (think 1890s to 1924!) to help construct the Kern River #1 powerhouse, this road is now famous for its curves, narrow lanes, and those heart-stopping drop-offs right next to the Kern River. You'll be hugging the turns and white-knuckling it until you hit that sweet four-lane stretch halfway through the canyon. Word of warning: this beauty can be a beast. Kern Canyon Road has a reputation, and not all of it is good. It's known for being dangerous, so stay sharp behind the wheel. Rock slides are a real possibility due to the canyon walls expanding and contracting with the weather. But oh, the scenery! Think rocky cliffs, the dam-controlled Kern River glistening below, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Just keep your eyes on the road! One last thing: the Kern River is gorgeous, but treat it with respect. Swimming here is seriously risky due to strong currents, cold water, and hidden dangers. Stay back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and never underestimate the power of the river.
hardLone Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Lone Peak in southwest Montana, towering over Big Sky Resort at almost 9,700 feet. Getting to the very top isn't your typical Sunday drive, though! Forget smooth asphalt—we're talking a legit unpaved mountain road; gravel, rocky, and bumpy enough to keep you on your toes. You'll need a 4x4, for sure. This isn’t a beginner trail, friends. Expect some seriously steep sections and muddy conditions if it's been raining. Oh, and did I mention the heights? Not for the faint of heart! But if you're an experienced off-roader looking for incredible views, this could be your next epic adventure. Just remember, it's a no-go in the winter.
hardWhere is Barker Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Barker Pass in California, nestled high in Tahoe National Forest, is totally worth a trek! We're talking about a high-altitude experience here. You'll find yourself at a serious elevation. You can totally do it in most cars, even 2WD, which is great. The road starts out paved, but don't get too comfy because it turns to dirt! You'll see more mountain bikers than cars up there, which tells you something. Speaking of road conditions, expect it to be closed from around October until late June or even July, thanks to snow. Patches can linger well into summer, so always check conditions. The whole adventure is roughly along the unpaved portion. The elevation changes a bit along the way, nothing too crazy, and the views? Epic! There's also a short dirt road leading to the top of Pelican Butte in Oregon!