
Where is Mitchell Pass?
Usa, north-america
11.6 km
1,277 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Mitchell Pass! This little gem sits at 4,189 feet above sea level, nestled right on the western edge of Nebraska, practically waving hello to Wyoming. You'll find it inside Scotts Bluff National Monument, and it's the starting point for the awesome Scotts Bluff Summit Road.
It's called Mitchell Pass because of the nearby Fort Mitchell from way back in 1864, which in turn was named after Brigadier General Robert B. Mitchell.
Now, about the road itself: it's paved the whole way up! You'll be cruising on Nebraska Highway 92, which was cleverly built in the '30s to give travelers a smoother ride through the hills.
The whole trip clocks in at about 7.2 miles, heading north-southeast from Gering (that's the county seat, FYI, in the Nebraska Panhandle). So, get ready for some incredible views and a super scenic drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,277 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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