Where is Siskiyou Summit?
Usa, north-america
6.4 km
1,314 m
extreme
Year-round
Siskiyou Summit, nestled in Oregon's Jackson County, is a real stunner! This mountain pass, soaring to 4,310 feet, straddles the Siskiyou Mountains just 4 miles north of the California border.
You'll be cruising on Interstate 5 (Pacific Highway), entirely paved, making it super accessible. Fun fact: it's the highest point on this major route!
Clocking in at about 51 miles, this stretch of road runs from Medford, Oregon, to Yreka, California, right through the beautiful Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
But, heads up, it's not all smooth sailing! Depending on your direction, you'll either be gaining or losing a hefty 2,300 feet in just 6 miles, with some pretty steep 6% grades thrown in for good measure. There's a particularly intense part heading north from Milepost 18, where you're climbing 2,000 feet in a short 6-mile burst.
The descent can be tricky, especially when fog rolls in and visibility drops to near zero. Despite the challenges, you'll see a ton of trucks navigating this route daily!
Word to the wise: this is mountain country, so weather is always a factor. With its elevation and proximity to the Pacific, Siskiyou Summit sees a lot of snow and freezing rain, especially from November to April. Oregon D.O.T. might even shut down the whole highway during winter storms. Closures can happen even when the weather seems fine, so always be prepared.
Driving at night or early morning in winter? Maybe skip it. Definitely tune into weather updates and road conditions before and during your drive to stay safe.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,314 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Battle Mountain Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk about Battle Mountain Pass in beautiful Colorado! You'll find this gem nestled high up in Eagle County, near the ghostly remains of the old mining town of Gilman. This isn't some crazy off-road adventure, though. We're talking smooth, paved U.S. Route 24 all the way to the top! The climb itself is pretty manageable – only about two miles with a gentle 4% grade. But don't let that fool you; the views are anything but ordinary. Clocking in at around 30.9 miles, the road stretches from Eagle-Vail (right off I-70) down to Leadville. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, especially when you're looking down on the abandoned company town of Gilman. At a lofty 9,267 feet above sea level, the air is crisp and the views are epic!
hardOatman Highway in Arizona: winding, with hairpin turns and scenic views
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! If you're cruising through Mohave County, Arizona, and fancy a drive that'll get your heart pumping, then the Oatman Highway is calling your name! This stretch of Historic U.S. 66 W isn't your average Sunday drive. Think fully paved but seriously narrow roads, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs. You'll hit the peak at Sitgreaves Pass, a cool 3,595 feet above sea level. Tucked away in the northwest corner of Arizona, south of Kingman, this road hugs the mountainside near the summit. We're talking zero shoulder, minimal guardrails, and serious exposure. Not a fan of heights? Maybe grab a passenger seat for this one! But oh, the views! They are absolutely worth the white knuckles. Expect varied and spectacular scenery, plus the bonus of light traffic and plenty of pull-offs to snag that perfect photo. Seriously, don't try to snap pics while you're driving! The Old West vibe is strong here, so strong in fact that it has served as a set for several Western movies. Clocking in at 48 miles, this baby winds from McConnico, Arizona, near Highway 95, all the way towards the California border, near Catfish Paradise. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Nevada?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up road trip warriors, because Nevada's calling! Forget the casinos for a minute and let's talk REAL adventure. This isn't your grandma's desert drive – we're talking about a state carved from the wild heart of the West. Think endless horizons, dramatic mountain ranges marching north to south, and high-altitude desert plateaus that stretch as far as the eye can see. Nevada's topography isn't just scenic; it's a gauntlet! These roads aren't for the faint of heart, winding through remote passes and across rugged landscapes. So, if you crave epic views and crave a serious driving challenge far from the city lights, Nevada is your ultimate playground.
moderateWhere is Cerro de la Viga?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in Coahuila, Mexico, ready to tackle one of the country’s highest roads! Cerro de la Viga clocks in at a whopping 11,666 feet above sea level. You'll find this gem nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental range, up in the northeastern part of Mexico. Heads up, La Viga is the tallest mountain in Coahuila, so expect quick weather changes year-round. Trust me, the views of the Sierra Madre Oriental from the top are worth it. Now, let's talk about the road: Camino Antiguo a La Viga. It's pure, unadulterated dirt. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 to make it. Winter can be brutal with snow, and the rainy season brings mudslides, so be prepared. This unpaved road stretches for about 6.21 miles, climbing a massive 2,982 feet, making for an average gradient of around 9%. Get ready for an adventure!