Where is Rattlesnake Pass?

Where is Rattlesnake Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

3,250 km

Elevation

2,296 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you're craving a real Wyoming adventure? Then point your wheels toward Rattlesnake Pass! This beauty sits high in Carbon County, clocking in at a cool 7,532 feet above sea level. Find it east of Rawlins, winding through southern Wyoming.

Heads up: Rattlesnake Pass Road is all dirt, all the time. But don't sweat it – most cars can handle it when the weather's good. We're talking about a 20.2-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated Wyoming, connecting WY-130 (south of Walcott) to WY-72 (north of Elk Mountain).

Keep an eye on the forecast, though. Wyoming weather is no joke! Winters can bring serious snow and ice, making the pass a tough climb. Summer? That's your golden ticket for exploring.

Why bother? Well, besides bragging rights, this scenic byway runs parallel to the main highway, but feels like a world away. If you're after wide-open spaces and a taste of the real, untamed Wyoming, Rattlesnake Pass is calling your name. Get ready for some epic views and a serious dose of freedom!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
3,250 km
Max Elevation
2,296 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

White Rim Roadhard

White Rim Road

🇺🇸 United States

# White Rim Road Picture this: a 161-kilometer unpaved loop that hugs the stunning Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. You're perched on this incredible white sandstone shelf, literally sandwiched between two worlds—300 meters below the mesa top and 300 meters above where the Colorado and Green Rivers carve through the canyon floor below. This backcountry route is hands-down one of the most jaw-dropping desert drives you can do by vehicle anywhere in the American Southwest. What makes it so special? The landscape is absolutely wild. You're driving through layers of crimson and white sandstone with jaw-dropping cliff faces dropping off on either side as you wind your way around. One of the coolest sections is Musselman Arch—a natural rock bridge the road actually runs right through. Then there are those intense switchbacks on the Shafer Trail and Mineral Bottom Road that climb back up toward the rim. The views are relentless. Whether you're on a mountain bike (most people knock out the full loop in 3-4 days) or piloting a serious 4x4 (you can do it in 2-3 days), this is bucket-list terrain. The White Rim delivers that perfect blend of adrenaline and scenery that keeps people coming back.

Ultimate 4wd destination: Negrito Mountainhard

Ultimate 4wd destination: Negrito Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Negrito Mountain in New Mexico's Catron County. Deep in the Gila National Forest, you'll find this beauty topping out at 8,595 feet. The road up? Forest Road 512. It's a dirt road adventure, so definitely bring your 4x4. This trip is best saved for summer when the weather's playing nice. At the peak, you're rewarded with a lookout tower and views that'll make your jaw drop. The climb up from Bursum Road is short and sweet – just under a mile. It might be a little steep in sections, with an average gradient of around 5%, but trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!

Driving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Coloradoextreme

Driving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

# Poughkeepsie Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Poughkeepsie Pass (also called California Pass) sits at a breathtaking 12,919 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable roads. This 11.5-mile beast of a route runs west-east from Ironton to Animas Forks, passing just south of picturesque Lake Como. Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical scenic mountain drive. County Road 19 is a gavel and rocky nightmare that demands serious respect. We're talking about a steep, rough track that's exclusively for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Jeeps have been known to roll here, and that's not an exaggeration. You'll encounter erosion, loose rocks, deep mud holes, and obstacles up to 5 feet high, plus near-vertical grades that'll make your palms sweat. The infamous "The Wall" used to be a mandatory climb or turn-around situation—until 2015 when a bypass finally got built. Even so, you'll absolutely need differential lockers and a winch before even thinking about attempting this. A particularly sharp, steep hairpin curve becomes extra treacherous on the way down, and water crossings with strong currents can appear without warning. This trail has crushed the confidence of experienced drivers and isn't for casual adventurers. Novices shouldn't even consider it—you need genuine 4x4 expertise and a vehicle that can handle serious punishment. Snow typically stays until April, so the season runs April through October when conditions allow. The payoff? Absolutely stunning views that make every white-knuckle moment worth it.

Betty Bear Huthard

Betty Bear Hut

🇺🇸 Usa

Betty Bear Hut is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 3.383m (11,099ft), located in Pitkin County, in central Colorado, United States. Located on the western slope of the Continental Divide, and surrounded by thick forests and snowy peaks, this very steep infamous gravel road to the hut is rough with several hairpin turns.  It’s called Forest Road 527. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. The route is snow free from June to October. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. 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.