Where does Route 666 start and end?

Where does Route 666 start and end?

Usa, north-america

Length

321 km

Elevation

2,743 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

So, you want to tackle "The Devil's Highway," huh? Okay, buckle up for a wild ride! Officially known as US Route 491 these days (they changed the name from 666 for obvious reasons!), this almost 200-mile stretch of road cuts through some seriously stunning and seriously remote desert wilderness.

We're talking New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah all in one go, running roughly north-south from Monticello, Utah, down to Gallup, New Mexico. You'll cruise through Navajo Nation, past Shiprock, and hop over the Colorado border.

Word to the wise: this is DESERT driving. Pack extra water and snacks, and keep a close eye on that gas gauge. Fuel stops can be few and far between – easily 100 miles apart.

And pro tip: skip this one in the winter. Those high elevations (we're talking up to 9000 feet!) combined with snow, black ice, and the middle-of-nowhere factor, make for a potentially dicey situation.

But if you're up for an adventure with a side of eerie vibes, this road delivers. Just be prepared for some seriously epic scenery and maybe a ghost story or two... after all, there's a reason it used to be called "The Highway to Hell"!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
321 km
Max Elevation
2,743 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Saint Sophia Ridge?hard

Where is Saint Sophia Ridge?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: Saint Sophia Ridge. It's way up there in Colorado, smack-dab in Ouray County, near Telluride. We're talking serious altitude—12,562 feet! The views? Insane. You'll even spot relics of old mines near the top. Getting there is a bit of an adventure. It's all unpaved, on what they call Yankee Boy Basin Road – an old mining route, naturally. Think narrow, rocky, and steep. I'm talking grades that hit 17%! Passing other vehicles can be tricky, but honestly, the solitude is part of the charm. You'll definitely want a 4x4 with decent clearance for this one. It's doable in a stock SUV, but watch out for those rocks. The road's usually open from June to October, but keep an eye on the forecast – those mountain thunderstorms can roll in fast. The climb itself is only about 3.5 miles, but you gain over 1800 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 10%! Plus, you’ll be cruising alongside the famous Million Dollar Highway. It's a real Colorado gem, if you're up for a little off-road excitement!

A scenic mountain road to Cayoosh Pass in BChard

A scenic mountain road to Cayoosh Pass in BC

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! We're heading to Cayoosh Pass in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. This baby sits at 4,235 feet in the Coastal Mountains – specifically, the Lillooet Ranges. You'll be cruising on Highway 99, a fully paved road since way back in '91. Don't get too comfy though – this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking some seriously steep sections, clocking in at a 10-15% grade! Get ready for hairpin turns on the side of a steep hill, and some dramatic drop-offs. Seriously, it's gorgeous, but keep your eyes on the road – you might even smell burning brakes from the trucks! Also, rocks fall on the road all the time, and there's high avalanche danger in some areas. Heads up – cell service is spotty. The road's usually open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down. Honestly, for the best experience, tackle this drive in the summer. Trust me, you won't forget the majestic views, the twisty switchbacks, and the occasional single-lane bridge. It's a real driver's dream!

The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexicomoderate

The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexico

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, so you know I'm always hunting for those hidden gems, and I just found a crazy one: Raíces in the State of Mexico! This place is seriously sky-high, the highest town in the whole country at a whopping 11,919 feet. We're talking one of the highest drivable towns on the planet! The road up, Ruta 10, is totally paved and winds up the side of the Nevado de Toluca volcano. Think incredible views and lush forest scenery, but be warned, there are some serious curves along the way! The adventure kicks off from México 134, and it's only about 4.28 miles to Raíces, but don't let the short distance fool you. This climb is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% on some of those ramps! Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable drive.

Willow Divideextreme

Willow Divide

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Willow Divide! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in southwest Colorado's Dolores County, clocking in at a dizzying 10,439 feet. You'll find it nestled in the stunning San Miguel Mountains, part of the mighty Rockies. Getting to the top is a proper off-road escapade. County Road 45 is the name of the game, but you'll need a serious 4x4 to handle the relentless climb and those tight switchbacks. Speaking of serious, Mother Nature calls the shots here. Keep a close eye on the weather – this road is a no-go in storms. We're talking avalanches, mega snowdrifts, and landslides, plus the ever-present risk of icy patches. But hey, if you time it right, the scenery is absolutely epic!