When Was the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway Built?
Usa, north-america
132 km
11 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Oregon road trip on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway! This 82-mile loop is your ticket to the heart of the Cascades, a land sculpted by fire and ice. Originally a wagon road from the 1870s, this paved route now whisks you past mind-blowing scenery.
Give yourself 3-5 hours to really soak it all in – you'll want to stop! Expect jaw-dropping views of snow-capped Mount Washington and a massive, 65-square-mile lava flow from Windy Point. Keep an eye out for the stunning Sahalie and Koosah Falls, too.
A heads-up: this is a summer-only kind of adventure. McKenzie Pass usually closes from late fall to mid-June due to snow. And because of tight curves and a narrow road, leave the big RV at home – vehicles over 35 feet (and trailers!) aren't recommended over McKenzie Pass. This route is perfect for experiencing waterfalls, clear lakes reflecting volcanic landscapes, and ancient lava fields. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 132 km
- Max Elevation
- 11 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the South Willow Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! South Willow Canyon Road in Utah's Tooele County is calling your name. Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this drive is a wildlife photographer's dream. Keep your eyes peeled! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. South Willow Canyon Road, or Forest Road 171, clocks in at about 7.1 miles of mixed terrain. Most of it's paved, but those last 4 miles turn to gravel, adding a little off-road flavor. Nothing too crazy, though – most cars should be able to handle it. Just watch out for some potholes if you're towing a trailer. Heads up – this road climbs! You'll start near the Mormon Trail and end up at 7,447 feet, right where the Deseret Peak Trail begins. There's a parking area and restrooms there. Expect snow from November to mid-June up there. It's a fairly steep climb, gaining 2,355 feet with an average gradient of 6.28%, and the road gets pretty narrow. But the views are SO worth it! This is a scenic drive through some interesting narrows you won't forget. Plus, there are five forest service campgrounds along the way if you want to make a weekend of it. Enjoy!
moderateWhere is La Salle Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk La Salle Pass in Park County, Colorado. This beauty tops out at 9,753 feet above sea level and is named after some old-time miner. The road stretches for about 6.1 miles, winding from Forest Road 44.2A to County Road 31. Expect an unpaved surface with a few muddy sections and some mild rocky spots—high clearance is definitely your friend here. You’ll cruise near the Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Get ready for some killer views!
easyHow to drive the Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway is like driving through a living, breathing museum – no walls needed! Just 110 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona, this stretch of Arizona Highway 179, nestled between Coconino and Yavapai counties, is a total knockout. For about 14.3 miles, you'll wind through the heart of Red Rock Country, where the scenery is so vibrant and unique, it's almost unreal. This paved road will keep you on your toes with some curves, so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride! Good news: you can usually hit this route year-round. Just a heads-up, winter might bring a touch of snow (November to March is prime time), but don't let that stop you! The drive itself is only around 30 minutes if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. There are viewpoints galore begging for a photo op. Weekends, especially late mornings and afternoons, can get pretty busy, so plan accordingly. This byway is your gateway to everything Red Rock Country has to offer. Think inspiration, history, and outdoor adventures all rolled into one epic road trip. The main 7-mile stretch, from Sedona to the Village of Oak Creek, is like driving through a postcard, with towering red rock sandstone formations and a dramatic high desert vibe. Prepare to be amazed by the raw power and beauty of nature as you weave through pine forests in the Coconino National Forest. It's a landscape painted with improbable colors that will leave you breathless. Get ready for a scenic drive you won't soon forget!
moderateEureka Summit is the highest point on the Glenn Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trippers, listen up! Wanna hit one of the highest paved roads in Alaska? Then you HAVE to check out Eureka Summit! You'll find this beauty chillin' at 3,332 feet above sea level in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. You'll be cruising along the Glenn Highway (that's Alaska Route 1 for you map nerds), a fully paved stretch that's 179 miles long, linking Anchorage to Glennallen. It's the highest point on this epic highway. Picture this: you're driving north from Anchorage, soaking in the Alaskan wilderness, history swirling around you. And right at the top? A cute little lake, a spot to grab grub and gas. Just a heads up, though: Eureka Summit gets hammered with snow in the winter, so plan accordingly!