
Where is MacDonald Pass?
Usa, north-america
70.81 km
1,930 m
easy
Year-round
MacDonald Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.930m (6,332ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Montana.
Where is MacDonald Pass?
The pass is located just west of Helena, on the boundary between Powell County and Lewis and Clark counties, within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
When was the road through MacDonald Pass built?
The road to the summit dates back to the 1860s. It was originally a toll road.
Is MacDonald Pass paved?
The road to the summit, also known as McDonald Pass, is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Route 12. The drive, largely flat and pleasant, is very scenic. The road definitely has some twists and turns.
How long is MacDonald Pass?
The road is 70.81km (44.0 miles) long, running west-east from Garrison (in Powell County) to Helena, the state capital of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County.
Is MacDonald Pass open in winter?
Set high in the Rocky Mountains, on the Continental Divide, the road is usually open all year round but short-term closures are common in winter.
CanAm Highway is a sensational drive from Mexico to Canada through the USA
A memorable road trip to Paradise Basin in Colorado
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 70.81 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,930 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Let me tell you about the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road in southwest Montana! Picture this: You're cruising (carefully!) between US-93 near Sula and Lost Trail Pass, straddling Beaverhead and Ravalli counties. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about 16.5 miles of unpaved, seriously steep, winding, and narrow goodness (Forest Road 106, if you wanna get technical). Built way back in 1914 and even used by Lewis and Clark on their return trip, this road is steeped in history. It tops out near Gibbons Pass, hitting a high point of 7,368 feet, but you'll definitely feel the climb! This isn't a road for the faint of heart – or for big RVs. Keep an eye out for soft shoulders (especially near those massive drop-offs!), falling rocks, and other road debris. Seriously, a good spare tire is a must. Be prepared to back up, way up, if you meet someone coming the other way. But hey, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardBlue Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Blue Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 3.728m (12,230ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado. The narrow road to the summit, located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). It’s an old mining road. Along the way the trail passes historic mining structures including the remains of an old tram, mining cabins and a bunkhouse. Nestled in a glacial cirque, it’s a great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. Conditions can change rapidly, be careful of the weather. Access through snow can change daily. 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.
hardA steep unpaved road to Whitehorn Mountain in AB
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk Whitehorn Mountain in Alberta, Canada! This peak hits a whopping 2,525m (8,284ft), making it one of the highest roads you can find in the country. Nestled in the southern part of Alberta, practically kissing the British Columbia border within Banff National Park, lies this gem. Now, hold on tight, because the road to the top is pure, unadulterated dirt. We're talking a service road for a chairlift, so expect some seriously steep climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. From the smooth paved Trans-Canada Highway, you've got about 7.0 km (4.34 miles) of rugged terrain to conquer before reaching the summit. Perched high in the Canadian Rockies, you can usually tackle this beast from mid-May to the end of November. Get ready for some breathtaking views!
moderateHow to Get by Car to Calakmul, a Maya Site
🇲🇽 Mexico
Deep in the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican state of Campeche, lies Calakmul, a massive Maya archaeological site. Picture this: you’re in the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, about 22 miles from the Guatemalan border, heading towards what might have been the biggest city back in the Maya days. Forget your average tourist traps; Calakmul was a major player, the capital of the Kingdom of the Snake (Kaan), giving Tikal a run for its money. We're talking over 6,000 structures here, including a towering pyramid that stretches 148 feet into the sky, plus tons of stelae covered in ancient carvings. Now, getting there is an adventure in itself! From Conhuas, off Carretera 186, you’ve got a 40-mile drive ahead. It's all paved, but get ready for a long, winding, and narrow two-way road. There might be a few moments where you hope you don’t meet anyone coming the other way. Keep your eyes peeled for crossing howler monkeys and jaguars – yes, really!