Where is Apache Pass?
Usa, north-america
32.83 km
1,563 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let’s talk Apache Pass, a seriously cool mountain pass tucked away in southeastern Arizona, down in Cochise County. We're talking about a climb up to 5,127 feet above sea level, right near the New Mexico and Mexican borders.
This place is steeped in history – it was a crucial route for the Chiricahua Apache, and later, the U.S. military, who even built Fort Bowie here back in 1862. Think dramatic landscapes and tales of the Apache Wars!
Heads up: most of Apache Pass Road is unpaved, though there's a little bit of pavement near Bowie. You'll definitely want something with high clearance to tackle this one.
The whole shebang is just over 20 miles long, connecting I-10 to AZ-186. And get this – you're driving right through the desert, so pack plenty of water. Nestled between the Dos Cabezas Mountains and the Chiricahua Mountains, the views are incredible. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 32.83 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,563 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDiscover the Sierra Vista Byway: A Scenic 83-Mile Drive through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Sierra Vista Byway! This 83-mile route winds its way through the heart of California, offering jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You'll cruise from gentle foothills to towering alpine forests on a mix of paved and unpaved roads – don't worry, even though it's a bit bumpy in places, your average car should handle it just fine. The road peaks at Cold Springs Summit, a cool 7,326 feet above sea level. Heads up: this byway is a seasonal treat, typically open from June to October, depending on the snow. Prepare to be wowed by the incredible scenery! This loop through the Sierra National Forest boasts views of the Sierra Crest, funky rock formations, granite domes, sparkling mountain streams, inviting fishing lakes, and even some cool historic buildings. You'll feel like you're in a postcard at every turn. Plan on about 4-5 hours of drive time without stops. Pro tip: fill up your gas tank beforehand. There's only one gas station along the way (Wagner’s Store at Mammoth Pool), and you know what that means for prices!
extremeWhere does California State Route 39 start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Route 39 (SR 39), straddling the line between Orange and Los Angeles counties in California. This isn't just any road trip; it's a mountain adventure in the San Gabriel range, with switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes! Starting from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1), this fully paved path winds for about 50 miles up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway. Now, here's the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been closed since '78. Yep, you heard that right – closed! Back in the day, SR 39 was meant to connect the coast with the mountains, even playing a role in "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift." But Mother Nature had other plans. Rockslides, mudslides, and plain ol' wear and tear led to parts of the highway being abandoned. A big rockslide in 2005 pretty much sealed the deal, shutting it down to regular traffic indefinitely. So, can you drive it? Well, it's a mixed bag. Some sections are dirt, others eroded. You can hike or bike it, but be warned: major parts are washed out, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. And let's not forget the extreme snow, avalanches, and rockslides that can hit seasonally. It's passable for emergency vehicles, but those narrow dirt sections near the rockslide areas? Not exactly passenger-car friendly. Despite all that, remnants of this once-busy road are still there, whispering stories of California's past. If you're up for a bit of exploration and a touch of history, this "Forbidden Highway" offers a unique, if slightly rugged, experience.
moderateWhere is Leman Lake?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna escape to a slice of Canadian paradise? Then point your wheels towards Leman Lake in Alberta, nestled high in Banff National Park near the BC border. This alpine gem sits way up at 1,919m (6,295ft), boasting unbelievably blue waters thanks to glacial silt – the colors are seriously intense! Getting there is an adventure in itself. You'll trade smooth pavement for the Albert River Forest Service Road (Leman Lake Trail), about 70 km (44 miles) of unpaved goodness after you turn off Highway 93. Make sure you grab a permit before you go! Winter? Forget about it – this road is snowed under. Be warned: the last 600m are too rough even for your trusty steed; you’ll have to hoof it. But trust me, the views are SO worth the trek!
moderateWhere is Forest Road 640?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Forest Road 640 in central Utah! This beauty stretches for about 22.6 miles through Capitol Reef National Park and Fishlake National Forest. But here's the kicker: you'll be cruising *high*, I mean *really* high, entirely above 8,200 feet! At its peak near Niotche-Lost CR Divide, you'll hit a whopping 10,505 feet above sea level, making it one of Utah's highest roads. Expect some serious climbs, with gradients maxing out around 15%. Keep an eye out for Johnson Valley Reservoir along the way! The good news? It's usually open in winter, so you can potentially experience this wonderland dusted with snow. Get ready for breathtaking views, but be prepared for some white-knuckle moments!