When was the Taylor Highway built?
Usa, north-america
249 km
1,138 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Alaska's Southeast Fairbanks Census Area on the legendary Taylor Highway, a route steeped in gold mining history. This baby climbs! We're talking some of the highest elevations you'll find on Alaskan roads.
Stretching 155 miles (249 km) from Tetlin Junction to Eagle (right near the Canadian border), this south-to-north adventure is usually open May to September, but double-check with your rental car place, because some vehicles aren't allowed!
Heads up: The first 60 miles are paved, but after that, it's mostly gravel. Expect steep, narrow sections and those fun hairpin turns. The road peaks at 3,733 feet (1,138m) near the Top of the World Highway junction. Road conditions can change fast, from smooth to… not so smooth, so keep your eyes peeled for washouts. It gets narrower and twistier past Jack Wade Junction, so stay focused!
Keep in mind, you're going remote! Think minimal traffic and limited services. Fill up your gas tank and empty those tanks before you head out. You'll only find services in Tok, Chicken, and Eagle, so be prepared to be self-sufficient!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 249 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,138 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCoquihalla Highway is one of the worst roads in winter
🇨🇦 Canada
The Coquihalla Highway, or "the Coq" as locals call it, carves its way through the heart of British Columbia, connecting Kamloops and Hope (near the Fraser Valley) via Merritt. Clocking in at 193 km (119 miles), this fully paved freeway takes you on a wild ride. Okay, let's be real: winter here is no joke. You're climbing to high elevations, with the Coquihalla Pass reaching 1,249m (4,097ft) and Surrey Lake Summit topping out at 1,444m (4,738 ft). Expect some serious snow and winds that can test even the most seasoned drivers. While it's generally open year-round, closures happen due to crazy weather. Sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and fog are common winter woes. Keep an eye out for avalanche chutes, a stark reminder of the steep terrain. Winter tires or chains are a must from October to April. Before you hit the road, prep like a pro. Fill up your gas tank, pack winter gear, a candle, and maybe even a sleeping bag (just in case!). Make sure your ride is in tip-top shape with the right coolant, brakes, and tires. This route is seriously steep at both ends. While most cars cruise it no problem in the warmer months, truckers sometimes avoid it because of the extra gas guzzled on those inclines. Just be mindful of potential overheating in summer. Weather can change on a dime, so stay alert. Sure, winter driving can be intense, but that's more about the elevation and mountains than the road itself. But defensive driving is smart because of the terrain and possible weather and uneven pavement. The highway itself is pretty good, with four to six lanes. Some spots have frost heaves and uneven pavement, but with two lanes each way, slower vehicles aren't usually a problem.
extremeWhere is Louis Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, adventurers! Wanna escape to a pristine alpine lake in Wyoming? Then you NEED to experience Louis Lake. This gem sits high in the Shoshone National Forest, at a cool 8,585 feet! To get there, hop on Forest Road 300, also known as Louis Lake Road or the Loop Road by the locals. It’s a 36.7-mile ride from Lander, snaking north before connecting to Dickinson Avenue, north of Atlantic City. Get ready for hairpin turns galore! Most of the road is paved, but be warned, trailers longer than 24 feet are a no-go. Heads up, the road climbs to a lung-busting 9,603 feet, so expect closures during the winter months. Usually, it reopens around Memorial Day, so plan accordingly. Trust me, the views are worth the wait!
easyA scenic paved road to the alpine Bear Lake in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Bear Lake Road in Colorado, heading towards a postcard-perfect alpine lake nestled at 9,491 feet! This gem is tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, just a hop, skip, and a jump – 13 miles to be exact – southwest of Estes Park. The road itself? A smooth, paved dream that was revamped back in 2012 with wider lanes and a fresh route. You'll start your ascent from US-36 at 8,218 feet, climbing almost 1,273 feet over 9.3 miles. It's a pretty gentle climb, with an average gradient of around 2.6%. Now, a heads up: this place is popular! Over 2 million visitors flock here annually. During summer, especially weekends, the parking lot fills up faster than you can say "mountain vista" – think before 9 AM! But hey, at least there are restrooms close by for summer visitors. Bear Lake Road is generally open all year round, and they keep it plowed, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in spring and fall. Things can change quickly up there. Word is, Bear Lake totally freezes over in winter, making for some seriously stunning scenery. So, are you ready for the ride of your life?
moderateHow long is Bajada a Zirupa?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, on a wild and rugged adventure! You're tackling Bajada a Zirupa, an unpaved gravel road that stretches for about 29.5 kilometers. This north-south route links Madera (a town perched at 2,200m) to the tiny village of Zirupa, nestled down at 1,492m. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Keep in mind, though, that after a good rain, this road gets *really* challenging – you’ll definitely want a 4x4 for this one!