Where is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?

Where is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?

Usa, north-america

Length

12.71 km

Elevation

8 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
12.71 km
Max Elevation
8 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Why is it called Dante's View?extreme

Why is it called Dante's View?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for Dante's View in California's Death Valley National Park! This isn't just a drive; it's a freakin' experience. You'll be cruising up Dantes View Road, a fully paved path to an insane overlook sitting pretty at 5,485 feet. The journey starts near Badwater, the lowest spot in North America, and for the first 15 miles or so, it's a mellow ride. But don't get too comfy! The last 5.5 miles are where things get real, with gradients hitting a brutal 13% and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Vehicles over 25 feet long? Not recommended! There's limited access and those tight corners aren't trailer-friendly. But trust me, the 360-degree views at the top are worth the effort. Seriously, they're out of this world! You'll be gazing down at Badwater and across to Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US. It's a photographer's dream come true. Just remember, this is Death Valley, so the climate is no joke. Expect a temperature drop of around 25 degrees between the valley floor and the summit, so pack a jacket! Plus, the wind can get intense up there. Did I mention a Star Wars movie was filmed here? Time your visit for the morning to catch the best light. Get ready for an unforgettable ride.

Puchutla Road is not recommended if you suffer of dizzinessextreme

Puchutla Road is not recommended if you suffer of dizziness

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico 175, aka the Puchutla Road, is a seriously long and winding ride. If you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out! We're talking over six hours of constant curves, cute little towns with speed bumps to slow you down, and unreal views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Fair warning, this road can get pretty hectic. It's the main drag from Oaxaca city to the coastal resort town of Huatulco, so expect some traffic on a pretty narrow road. Out of Oaxaca city, it's smooth sailing on a "supercarretera" (two-lane highway) until you reach Miahuatlán at around 5,150 feet above sea level. That's where the real fun starts! You'll start climbing the Sierra Madre del Sur, hitting a peak of about 9,100 feet near El Manzanal. The views are absolutely insane – picture mountains covered in pine forests. From Suchixtepec (around 8,500 feet), it's all downhill (literally!) towards the coast. Brace yourself for endless curves and super-sharp turns, some so tight you might need to do a little switchback action. The road gets super narrow in spots, so be ready to yield to oncoming traffic. The road starts near Puchutla (only 500 feet above sea level) and climbs up to 8,400 feet in San Miguel Suchixtepec. You'll experience a crazy transition from tropical rainforest to oak and pine forests – talk about scenic! The highest point is around 9,100 feet. From here, the views are epic – you'll see smaller mountains, towns tucked right next to the road, and canyons filled with pine trees. San José El Pacífico (or just "El Pacifico") sits at 8,100 feet. It's a popular spot with tourists, and one of the chilliest towns in Oaxaca state. Plenty of restaurants and hotels offer cozy wood cabins and log houses. It's the perfect escape from the Oaxaca heat. Miahuatlán, at about 5,450 feet, is basically the gateway to Oaxaca's central valley. The road down has a few hairpin turns, and you'll notice the landscape change from pine forests near San Andres Paxtlan to a drier climate in Miahuatlán. It's a pretty steep drop – the road goes from about 7,900 feet to 5,450 feet in just 7.5 miles!

How dangerous is Road Mexico 45?hard

How dangerous is Road Mexico 45?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, so you're heading from Queretaro to León in Mexico? Buckle up, because Mexico 45 is a wild ride! This highway is the main artery for pretty much all traffic coming from northwest and northern Mexico (and the US!), so it’s always buzzing. This stretch of "El Bajío" valley is booming, which means industrial parks, shops, and new construction are popping up left and right. But, sadly, the infrastructure hasn't kept pace, making this one of the trickier roads in the country. Think non-stop traffic, impatient drivers, and pavement that's seen better days, all combining for a white-knuckle experience. Word on the street is they average a couple of accidents *every single day*. Yikes! On the plus side, you'll be cruising through the heart of Mexico, passing by major cities like Irapuato, Salamanca, Silao, and Celaya. Plus, you’re up in the highlands, enjoying views at an average elevation of 1,750 meters. Just keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and maybe say a little prayer!

Where is McClure Pass?moderate

Where is McClure Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for McClure Pass in Colorado! This baby climbs to 8,795 feet, so be ready for some serious views. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties in western Colorado, and yep, it's paved the whole way as Highway 133—also known as the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. Clocking in at almost 50 miles, you can cruise it north-south from Carbondale to Somerset. Just be prepared for some serious hills! The Carbondale side maxes out at a 9% grade, and the Somerset side isn't much easier with 8% grades. Good news is, McClure Pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather—heavy snow can close it down. Avalanche risk is real here, so stay alert. And don't forget to stop at the park area near the top for some killer photo ops!