Where is Mitchell Pass?

Where is Mitchell Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

11.6 km

Elevation

1,277 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
11.6 km
Max Elevation
1,277 m
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in north-america

Is Eureka Summit paved?easy

Is Eureka Summit paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to drive Alaska Route 1 through Eureka Summit. At a cool 3,332 feet, this pass in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough isn't just any drive – it's one of the highest paved roads in all of Alaska! This isn't some backwoods trail, either. The whole thing is smooth sailing on pavement, taking you on a 179-mile adventure from Anchorage all the way to Glennallen. Think of it: you'll cruise north from Anchorage, following historic paths and soaking in Alaska’s raw, natural beauty. The summit itself? Picture this: a little lake shimmering in the sun, and you can grab a bite and fill up your tank at the bar-restaurant and gas station right there. Just a heads up, though: this area sees some serious snowfall in the winter, so be prepared if you're traveling during the colder months!

Explore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Parkextreme

Explore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park

🇺🇸 Usa

# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.

The iconic road to Monitor Pass in Californiamoderate

The iconic road to Monitor Pass in California

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along a ribbon of asphalt called Monitor Pass in sunny California, way up at 8,343 feet! This hidden gem sits near the Nevada border, straddling Alpine and Mono counties. Seriously, the vibe is remote and peaceful. Completed in the 50s and named after a cool silver mining town, this beauty – officially California State Route 89 (aka Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway) – is southeast of Lake Tahoe. It's paved the whole way! Spanning about 17.6 miles from south of Markleeville (at Alpine State Highway) to north of Coleville (at US-395), this route is a scenic dream, nestled in the Sierra Nevada range. Heads up though, Mother Nature usually shuts it down from late November to early April with snow – check conditions before you go! And, if you're feeling adventurous, a little gravel side trip near the top takes you even higher to Leviathan Peak. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. Expect some seriously steep sections, topping out at a 13% grade. The east side heading toward US 395 is extra intense, so gear down and prepare for a good climb on the return trip. All told, plan on about 30 minutes without stops to soak in the views. Trust me, you'll want to.

Travel guide to the top of Fredonyer Peak in Californiamoderate

Travel guide to the top of Fredonyer Peak in California

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, listen up, adventure junkies! If you're anywhere near northeastern California's Lassen County, you HAVE to check out Fredonyer Peak. We're talking serious elevation here – 7,949 feet! The road up this bad boy is a sweet forest road winding through Lassen National Forest. Word to the wise: you'll definitely want a 4x4 for this climb. And plan your trip carefully, because this road is a no-go in winter due to snow. Usually, it's clear by late June, but sometimes you might have to wait until July. Trust me, the views are worth it. From the summit, where you'll find a cool lookout tower manned by CalFire during fire season, you can see forever. Eagle Lake, Mt Shasta, and Mt Lassen are all in the panorama, plus you get stunning views of the High Desert stretching out to the east. The road itself? It's a 9.4-mile climb from CA-139, and it gets pretty steep. You're gaining almost 2,500 feet in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient of almost 5%. It's a fun drive with an amazing payoff!