Where is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?
Usa, north-america
12.71 km
8 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah? You absolutely HAVE to take the Scenic Drive! This little gem starts right off UT-24, near the Visitor Center, and stretches 7.9 miles into the heart of the park. It's paved the whole way, so no need for a special vehicle—even RVs up to 27 feet are welcome!
Keep in mind, it's not a loop, so you'll be doing an out-and-back. Rising to a modest 5,977 feet, this road can be a bit temperamental, so watch out for closures due to snow, ice, mud, or flash floods.
Give yourself at least 30 minutes for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time. It's a photographer's dream, with pull-offs galore to capture those incredible views of the sheer sandstone cliffs and wild rock formations. Plus, it's your gateway to must-see spots like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. There is an entrance fee per vehicle, but trust me, it's worth it to experience some of Capitol Reef's finest scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.71 km
- Max Elevation
- 8 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving the scenic road to Batopilas, the Magic Town of Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Deep in the Western Sierra Madre of Chihuahua, Mexico, lies the enchanting town of Batopilas de Manuel Gómez Morín, a hidden gem at 501m (1,643ft). Getting there is half the adventure! The 62.5 km (38.8 miles) paved road from Huasarorare isn't for the faint of heart – or stomach! Prepare for a wild ride through one of the world's deepest canyons, complete with over a hundred curves and a whopping 34 hairpin turns. Trust me, it's an unforgettable experience! This road is STEEP, reaching gradients of up to 15% in places. Budget around 2-3 hours for the drive, but trust me, the scenery is worth every twist and turn. Batopilas itself is a tiny town nestled at the base of towering cliffs, brimming with stories. Think charming plazas, rustic bridges made of rope and river rocks, and a stunning 19th-century aqueduct that will take your breath away. It’s truly a place where time seems to stand still!
moderateWhere is Kingman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kingman Pass! You'll find this beauty nestled in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, chilling at a seriously high elevation. The pass is named after Lieutenant Dan Christie Kingman, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers legend who tamed this tricky stretch of road. Speaking of the road, it's been paved smooth since the 40s, so your ride will be comfy. The route stretches about 53.5 miles between Gardiner, Montana and West Yellowstone – buckle up for the adventure! Expect gorgeous scenery. The road's got lots of twists and turns. Just a heads up: this pass is usually closed from December through April, buried under snow in Yellowstone National Park.
moderateWhite Bark Vista
🇺🇸 Usa
White Bark Vista is a natural overlook at an elevation of 2.943m (9,655ft) above the sea level, located up the mountain above Fresno, in Fresno County, California, in USA. It’s one of the highest roads of California. The road to the summit, located within the Sierra National Forest, is mostly graded with one small rocky spot near the top. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Suitable only for high clearance vehicles. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. The summit features spectacular views of the Sierra Crest, Florence and Edison Lakes. The road ends at 2.993m (9,819ft) slightly SE of the overlook. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateA bumpy paved road to Ski Apache in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Ski Apache in New Mexico! Perched way up high in Lincoln County, this ski resort sits at a dizzying 9,803 feet! Seriously, if you're not a fan of heights, maybe take a friend who's comfortable driving. You'll find Ski Apache nestled near Ruidoso, right in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico. Getting there is an experience itself. You'll cruise along New Mexico Highway 532, or as the locals call it, Ski Run Road. It's a paved road, thankfully, but hold on tight—it's a bit steep and bumpy. From Alto (off NM-48), it's about 11.9 miles to the top. Speaking of the top, you'll be scaling the Sierra Blanca slopes until you reach a whopping 10,098 feet! The road's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter. Things can change fast, and they might close it down temporarily. Snow chains could be a lifesaver, too. Now, for the thrill-seekers: this road is STEEP. We're talking a maximum 12% gradient on some of those ramps! Plus, those hairpin turns mean you'll be testing your brakes on the way down. It’s easily one of the twistiest roads in New Mexico. Some spots have barriers, but others? Well, let's just say you get some incredible views... straight down.