Where is Christmas Tree Pass?
Usa, north-america
26.23 km
1,210 m
moderate
Year-round
Christmas Tree Pass is a super cool mountain pass chilling at almost 4,000 feet in Nevada's Clark County. You'll find it in the southern part of the state, not far from Arizona and California.
So, why "Christmas Tree Pass?" Well, legend has it there's a tree along the way decked out with Christmas ornaments!
The road, Christmas Tree Pass Road (NPS Road 20), is all unpaved gravel, stretching for about 16 miles. It'll take you from just outside Laughlin, right off NV Highway 163, to the little town of Searchlight on US Highway 93.
The road cuts through the Newberry Mountains, and while mostly in good shape, there are some steep and rough spots, especially on the eastern side right below the pass. A high-clearance vehicle can be helpful for those occasional deep ruts, but careful driving can usually get a passenger car through. Just watch out for soft, sandy spots and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes!
The views are incredible! You'll be cruising through the Nevada desert with amazing mountain scenery. You'll start on the desert floor and then gently climb into the mountains. This is a drive for the journey, with lots of hiking and rock-scrambling spots.
Make sure you stop at Grapevine Canyon! You can clamber on granite boulders and check out a crazy amount of ancient rock art.
Give yourself about an hour to drive the whole thing without stopping. This scenic drive goes through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and takes you to a huge petroglyph site in Grapevine Canyon. The road winds through a desert landscape that's important to many Native American tribes. Get ready for awesome desert and mountain views as you drive between wilderness areas.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 26.23 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,210 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBaxter Peak, a road for experienced drivers
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's Garfield County, hidden amongst the mighty Rockies, lies Baxter Peak. This baby tops out at a whopping 10,990 feet! The route to get there? Prepare for an off-road rumble! We're talking the legendary Transfer Trail (aka Forest Road 602), a completely unpaved beast. Heads up, though – this road is typically closed to most vehicles from November through May due to heavy snow. Summer is your best bet to tackle this trail. Starting near Glenwood Springs, you'll be winding your way through the stunning White River National Forest for about 16.2 miles. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. This road demands respect. We're talking high-clearance vehicles and confident drivers only, especially when heading uphill. But the views? Absolutely worth the challenge!
hardHow long is the Old Fall River Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, there's a hidden gem called Old Fall River Road. This 10.7-mile dirt road is an absolute must-do for adventurous souls. This isn't your average scenic drive. We're talking a one-way, uphill climb that winds its way to a whopping 11,817 feet above sea level! Picture this: hairpin turns, no guardrails, and drop-offs that will make your heart race. But trust me, the views are worth it. The road is usually open from July through October. All passenger vehicles can make the trip in dry weather. Just take your time (the speed limit is a leisurely 15 mph) and soak it all in. The whole experience is a slow, immersive journey that'll take about 40 minutes to drive with two hours round trip. You'll wind through forests so dense you can practically touch the trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife and make sure to stop at the many pull-offs to really appreciate the scenery. Heads up: this road was built back in the early 1900s, so it's got some history! Also, be sure to pick up a guidebook at the visitors center for all the juicy details. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Rockies, Old Fall River Road is calling your name!
hardA Comprehensive Travel Guide to Hailstone Butte in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Hailstone Butte, a real hidden gem way up in Alberta, Canada! This peak soars to 2,326m (7,631ft), making it one of the highest drives you can find in the country. Locals just call it "the hump," and you'll find it nestled in the Highwood region of Kananaskis, right inside the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve. The summit's home to a fire lookout tower — apparently, the most southern one in Kananaskis Country! They've had a few iterations up there, and let's just say the wind is no joke. Trust me, you'll want to dress in layers because things can change fast at that altitude. Oh, and a word to the wise: keep your furry friends away from the lakes up there, as they might have some algae that's not good for them. The drive itself? You'll hop off Highway 22 and onto a well-maintained gravel road that twists and turns its way to the top. Get ready for some steep switchbacks, but the views? Totally worth it! Just a heads up, the road gets a little rougher as you climb, with some washboard sections and rocks to dodge. Watch out for logging trucks, mountain sheep, and blind corners! The road is typically closed from December to the end of April due to snow, and keep in mind that the weather can change in a heartbeat, and afternoons can get super windy!
moderateHow long is Mackinac Bridge in Michigan?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Michigan, ready to experience something epic. You're heading to the Mackinac Bridge, the mighty connector between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas! This isn't just a bridge; it's an *experience*. Built back in '57, this beauty stretches a whopping 26,372 feet – that's almost 5 miles! You'll be soaring 200 feet above the water, with views that will absolutely take your breath away. Now, I'm not gonna lie, some folks get a little freaked out. It's high, and the wind can whip up over 30 mph. Plus, the water below is seriously deep – like 250 feet deep at the center! But hey, if you're feeling a bit nervous, the Mackinac Bridge Authority has your back. They'll actually drive your car (or motorcycle!) across for you, totally free. And did I mention this is one of the most beautiful bridges *in the world*? Seriously, it's stunning. It's also the longest suspension bridge in the Americas, and fifth longest worldwide! To keep it all together with those wild winds and changing temperatures, the deck can move up to 35 feet at the center span. Don't worry - you probably won't notice.