Where Is Kitt Peak?
Usa, north-america
19.47 km
2,082 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trippers, listen up! We're heading to Kitt Peak in sunny Arizona, a summit sitting pretty at 6,830 feet!
Picture this: you're cruising through south-central Arizona, about 40 miles southwest of Tucson, embarking on a seriously cool isolated climb.
What's waiting at the top? Only the Kitt Peak National Observatory, that's all! We're talking 24 optical and two radio telescopes perched on this sacred Native American mountain since 1960. And the 360-degree views? Let's just say they are totally worth the drive.
The road itself, AZ-386, is smooth sailing โ fully paved and well-maintained, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. Plus, you won't be fighting crowds, traffic is usually minimal! Heads up though: being so high up, snow can shut things down, so keep an eye on the weather.
Speaking of the drive, it's a 12.1-mile climb from AZ-86. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll be gaining 3,602 feet in elevation, making for an average gradient of 5.63%. Some spots kick it up a notch to 9-10%, so get ready for a bit of a workout for your car!
Best time to go? Keep in mind Kitt Peak's unique climate โ cooler and wetter than the surrounding desert. Summertime thunderstorms are common (July-September), and lightning is a real danger up here. My advice? Go early to beat the afternoon storms, and always trust your gut โ common sense is your best friend on this adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.47 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,082 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateStark Mountain
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Stark Mountain in Montana! This beast of a peak tops out at a cool 7,358 feet and sits pretty in Mineral County within the Lolo National Forest. Now, the road up, known as Road No. 454, isn't exactly a smooth ride. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. Heads up, the road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout tower, built back in '64 and still going strong! The views are killer, but pro-tip: check the weather before you head up. Lightning and lookouts don't mix, trust me. The whole experience delivers fantastic scenery.
moderateWhere is Main Boulder Road?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Main Boulder Road in Montana is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising through the southern part of the state, practically hugging the Wyoming border, and smack-dab in the middle of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This isn't just any drive; it's a 52.3-mile adventure from Big Timber to McLeod, taking you to a seriously popular trailhead. Think epic views and a trail lover's paradise! Now, a heads-up: this road is a bit of a split personality. The first 20-ish miles are smooth pavement, but then it gets wild with a well-maintained gravel road. Word to the wise: it's not the best choice for long vehicles, as there are no good turnaround points beyond the pavement. Oh, and keep an eye out for a couple of bridges that have seen better days โ be sure to check conditions before you head out. We're talking high country here, folks, reaching over 8,000 feet near the trailhead. That means winter access can be tricky due to snow, as the gravel part isn't plowed. But if you time it right, the scenery is unreal!
easyHow long is Arizona State Route 273?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Arizona State Route 273 is calling your name! Nestled in Apache County, this isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Think winding curves through the heart of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, all on smooth, paved roads. This gem, also known as SR 273, stretches for 19 glorious miles (31km) running from near Eagar up to SR 261 near Big Lake. But the real kicker? You'll be cruising at seriously high altitude, topping out at a breathtaking 9,419 feet! Keep in mind, this road takes a winter nap and closes when the snow flies. So plan accordingly!
moderateDriving the scenic Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Chain of Craters Road! Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this epic 19-mile drive will take you on a wild ride from the 4,000-foot Kฤซlauea Summit all the way down to sea level and back up again. Opened in '65, this road has a bit of a history with the fiery landscape. It was even partially buried back in '69 by the Maunaulu eruption! Don't worry, it was realigned and reopened in '79. You can even spot remnants of the old road in places where the lava flows from about 40 years ago covered it. Since '68, the road ends where it's been swallowed by more recent flows. Located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this paved, winding road is accessible to all 2WD vehicles. The views are mind-blowing, but be prepared for some steep sections as you descend over 3,700 feet โ that's over 1,100 meters! There's even a hairpin turn thrown in for good measure, but generally, the drive is pretty manageable. Just take it slow, especially if it's foggy or raining, as the road can get slippery. Speaking of rain, always check conditions before heading out, as volcanic activity can be unpredictable and hazardous. Pack for anything โ hot sun, strong winds, or sudden showers. Flashlights are a must if you're out after dark. And be aware that volcanic fumes are often present. While itโs only about a 45-minute drive if you go straight through, plan for at least 2.5 hours to really soak it all in. This road is like a front-row seat to the Big Island's ongoing creation! Expect to see craters, lava flows, petroglyphs, and maybe even some active lava. There are also some great hikes and incredible overlooks along the way. Important note: There are no services along this road, so fill up your gas tank and pack plenty of water before you go. Trust me, the views are worth it, but preparation is key!