Where is McKenzie Pass?
Usa, north-america
58.5 km
1,626 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to check out McKenzie Pass! This epic road trip straddles the Linn and Deschutes county line in the Cascade Range, linking the high desert vibes of Central Oregon to the lush Willamette Valley.
The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (aka Oregon Highway 242) is a fully paved dream that clocks in at around 36 miles, stretching from Belknap Springs all the way to Sisters. Traffic's usually chill, even during peak season, and the winding road keeps things nice and slow. You'll practically be retracing the steps of pioneers on an old 1860s wagon trail!
Heads up though, this pass is a seasonal gem. It's usually snowed in from November to around mid-June. But here's a local tip: before it officially opens, cyclists sometimes sneak in for a ride before the cars arrive!
Also, leave the big rigs at home! Vehicles over 35 feet are a no-go, and trailers aren't recommended due to those super tight curves and narrow lanes.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you HAVE to climb up the Dee Wright Observatory. This quirky lava rock building, built way back in 1935, offers mind-blowing views of six Cascade peaks on a clear day. Plus, you'll be smack-dab in the middle of a 65-square-mile lava flow! Don't forget to check out Clear Lake nearby, famous for its crystal-clear waters and diving scene.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 58.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,626 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRuby Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Colorado's highest mountain roads? Then point your rig toward Ruby Peak, chilling at a lofty 12,263 feet in the Ruby Range. You'll find it nestled within the Gunnison National Forest. Fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive kinda road. Expect a gravel track that's rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections. It's an old mining road. We’re talking serious four-wheelin' terrain here, best left to the experienced. Not a fan of unpaved, high-altitude challenges? Maybe sit this one out. Mother Nature usually closes the gates from October to June with snow, so plan accordingly. But if you're up for it, the views are out of this world!
hardWhere is Daniel’s Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Daniels Pass in Utah! This beauty sits high in the Uinta National Forest, clocking in at a cool 8,001 feet above sea level. You'll find it east of Provo, nestled right in Wasatch County. The good news? The entire route, which is part of U.S. Route 40, is paved, making for a smooth ride. This 69.6-mile (112km) stretch connects Heber City and Duchesne, offering some seriously scenic views. And get this: it's generally open year-round! Just be aware that snowstorms can cause temporary closures, but they usually clear it pretty quickly. So, whether you're chasing fall colors or hitting the slopes, Daniels Pass is ready for ya!
hardHow long is the Copper River Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through the Valdez-Cordova area of Alaska? You HAVE to check out the Copper River Highway. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience! Clocking in at just under 50 miles (around 80 km), this road starts in the town of Cordova and hugs the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway bed, leading you towards the iconic Million Dollar Bridge over Miles Glacier. Now, here's the scoop: after the highway ends, a rugged, unpaved section stretches another 10 miles (16 km) towards the Allen River. But be warned! Beyond the bridge, it gets pretty dicey. Most vehicles tap out after another couple of miles due to a steep drop-off. Only serious off-road rigs need apply beyond that point! Heads up: Mother Nature keeps things interesting here. The road is currently closed past mile 36 because of erosion near Bridge 339. They're working on a fix, but for now, that's the end of the line. The first 12 miles (19 km) are smooth sailing on pavement, then it's gravel road fun the rest of the way. This route is PACKED with amazing trails and scenic overlooks. Just keep in mind that winter shuts down the road beyond Mile 12.4. Even in spring, snow can block access to some spots. But when it's open? Totally worth it for the views!
hardWhere is Saint Sophia Ridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Saint Sophia Ridge. It's way up there in Colorado, smack-dab in Ouray County, near Telluride. We're talking serious altitude—12,562 feet! The views? Insane. You'll even spot relics of old mines near the top. Getting there is a bit of an adventure. It's all unpaved, on what they call Yankee Boy Basin Road – an old mining route, naturally. Think narrow, rocky, and steep. I'm talking grades that hit 17%! Passing other vehicles can be tricky, but honestly, the solitude is part of the charm. You'll definitely want a 4x4 with decent clearance for this one. It's doable in a stock SUV, but watch out for those rocks. The road's usually open from June to October, but keep an eye on the forecast – those mountain thunderstorms can roll in fast. The climb itself is only about 3.5 miles, but you gain over 1800 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 10%! Plus, you’ll be cruising alongside the famous Million Dollar Highway. It's a real Colorado gem, if you're up for a little off-road excitement!