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 – 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 – 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 – 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
moderateBeautiful turnouts and scary gradients on the road to Teton Pass in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Teton Pass in Wyoming is calling your name! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a cool 8,435 feet, so be prepared for some serious views. You'll find it snuggled in western Wyoming, practically kissing the Idaho border, right inside Bridger-Teton National Forest. Wanna go even higher? A little gravel path near the summit will take you to Teton Peak at 8,671 feet! Wyoming Highway 22, also known as Teton Pass Highway (and Idaho State Highway 33 once you cross the border), is a twisty-turny paved adventure. This road, which first appeared in 1913, stretches for about 17.4 miles between Wilson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho. Heads up: this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with winter weather. Expect possible closures and be aware of avalanche zones like the infamous Glory Bowl. Winter travelers, remember that trailers aren't allowed. Don't underestimate this road! With gradients reaching 10%, it can be a real challenge, especially for big rigs. Steep inclines and sharp curves mean overweight trucks might have a tough time. And let's just say, driving it at night adds a whole new level of excitement!
hardWhere is Hurrah Pass in Moab?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Chicken Corners Trail, a wild ride near Moab, Utah! This 14.8-mile unpaved adventure starts from Kane Creek Canyon Road and winds its way to Fielder Natural Arch. We're talking about a route that straddles San Juan and Grand counties, taking you to a max elevation of 4,793 feet. The road shadows the Colorado River, climbing to the pass (the high point) and then descending to incredible views. For most of the route, a high-clearance SUV should be fine, but the last few miles definitely demand 4x4 capability – things get rough! Expect some seriously exposed sections that'll have you peering straight into canyons – totally worth the adrenaline rush, though. The views from Hurrah Pass are incredible. You can see the Colorado River, the Potash Evaporation ponds, Dead Horse Point, and Canyonlands National Park! You can usually tackle this trail year-round, but late spring and fall are ideal – summer can get scorching. Go early for the best light and to dodge the crowds. Trust me, this drive along the Colorado River is a must-do!
hardRelay Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Relay Peak in Nevada's Washoe County is calling your name. This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a serious climb to 10,177 feet! You'll find this beast of a road, NF-051, nestled inside the Mount Rose Wilderness of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Forget smooth asphalt, it's all about that rugged gravel and rocky terrain. Definitely a summer-only kind of trek, unless you're rocking a snowmobile! If unpaved mountain roads give you the jitters, maybe skip this one. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this steep climb. And if heights aren't your thing? Well, let's just say the views are breathtaking...in more ways than one! Your reward at the summit? A microwave station and some seriously epic scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!
moderateSquaw Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, gear up for Squaw Pass! You'll find this beauty straddling the Idaho-Montana border in the Centennial Mountains, clocking in at 7,280 feet above sea level. The road itself is National Forest Development Road 056 Trail, and let's just say it's an "unimproved gravel road," which is code for bumpy! After you pass the low point, the road climbs to 7,942 feet. Night driving or tackling it in bad weather is a definite no-go unless you're super familiar with the terrain. But if you're up for a bit of an adventure, the views are totally worth it!