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
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Burned Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a high-altitude thrill in New Mexico, Burned Mountain is calling your name. We're talking about a rugged, unpaved climb up to a whopping 10,000 feet in Rio Arriba County. Forget your fancy sports cars – this baby demands a 4x4! Forest Road 91B is the name of the game, a 3.2-mile dirt track that kicks off from the paved US-64. Prepare for some serious inclines, with gradients hitting a maximum of 9% in places. Word to the wise: winters are a no-go. But when the weather's right, get ready for incredible scenery as you conquer one of New Mexico's highest roads!
hardBuck Rock
🇺🇸 Usa
Buck Rock is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.557m (8,389ft) above the sea level, located in Tulare County, California, in USA. The rugged road to the summit, located within the Sequoia National Forest, is rocky narrow and dirt. It’s called Forest Rte 13S04. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Great trail for experienced wheelers. The road (when dry) is accessible via 2WD. But you’ll definitely want a 4-wheel drive or at least a high profile vehicle the last two and a half miles. Low profile cars should not attempt this road. At the summit there’s a lookout tower built in 1923. The summit offers a spectacular 360-degree view stretching from the Coastal Ranges across the San Joaquin Valley to the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The Ultimate Guide to Mount Powell North Fork Clear Creek Trail 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.
extremeMcCord Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Colorado's Eagle County, McCord Pass is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,814 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the White River National Forest, and fair warning: you're gonna need a 4x4 to conquer this gravel track, also known as Cottonwood Peak Road. Seriously, don't even THINK about attempting this if the weather's looking dicey. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – plus, icy patches can pop up out of nowhere. The road can get a bit rocky and muddy in spots, especially that last mile – it's a steep, bumpy climb to the top. But hey, the views? Totally worth it! Just be prepared for a rugged ride and keep your eyes peeled for those mountain hazards.
moderateThe unpaved mountain road to Marshall Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk Marshall Pass, a real gem nestled in Saguache County, Colorado. This baby sits way up high at 10,842 feet! You'll find it hanging out a bit south of Monarch Pass in central-southern Colorado. Back in the day, a smart guy named Lt. William L. Marshall found it in 1873, and boom, it got his name. The route's pretty cool because it mostly follows an old Denver & Rio Grande railroad line that was headed to Salt Lake City a century ago. So, instead of super steep climbs, it's more of a gentle, winding adventure. They finished the Marshall Pass Toll Road way back in 1878. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical paved highway – it's all unpaved and called Marshall Pass Road. But don't sweat it too much. Under good conditions, most cars can handle it. There are a few bumpy spots, especially on the west side, so take it slow if your car is low to the ground. Keep in mind, this road gets buried in snow during winter and isn't plowed, so it's closed to cars when it's cold. The views? Unreal! You'll be staring at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the whole time. Summer and late fall are especially gorgeous. Plus, there are tons of free campsites near the pass if you're into roughing it! The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles long, going from Sargents (US-50) to Mears Junction (Highway 285).