Where is Tombstone Pass?
Usa, north-america
76.44 km
1,294 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, fellow wanderers, let's talk Tombstone Pass in Oregon's Linn County! Nestled about 16.5 miles west of Sisters in the heart of Willamette National Forest, this beauty sits at 4,245 feet. There's even a parking lot up top big enough for about 50 cars — perfect for soaking in the views.
Ever wonder about that name? Legend has it that back in 1871, a young man tragically lost his life in an accident here. His mother placed a tombstone in his memory, giving the pass its poignant moniker.
The road itself? It's fully paved, smooth sailing on Highway 20. But don't get too comfy! Expect plenty of sharp twists, steep climbs, and jaw-dropping mountain scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.
Clocking in at around 47.5 miles east to west, this drive is a decent chunk of time. And while Tombstone Pass is generally open all year, keep an eye on the weather, especially between November and May. Cascade Range winters can be fierce, leading to temporary closures. So buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 76.44 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,294 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyAn all-weather paved road to Sandia Crest in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Albuquerque in northern New Mexico, you'll find Sandia Crest, a must-do drive inside the Cibola National Forest! This peak punches way up there, hitting 10,678 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the whole state! The route to the top, NM-536 (aka the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway), is 13.3 miles of pure, paved joy starting from San Antonito. Seriously, any car can handle it! And guess what? The summit's got it all: parking, a restaurant, a gift shop, plus accessible views and restrooms. Built way back in 1927 and fully paved by 1960, this baby's been loved for decades. The road itself? It's in great shape, all nice and smooth after a recent resurfacing. Expect around 20 switchbacks on this two-lane beauty, but nothing too crazy. Keep an eye out for a little dirt on those tight corners, though! Motorcyclists, take note: this is your winding paradise. Just remember, summer storms can bring some serious temperature drops, so be prepared! It's a pretty steep climb, hitting a max gradient of 9% in spots. Over those 13.3 miles from San Antonito, you'll gain 3,763 feet, averaging about a 5.35% grade. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes non-stop, but you'll want to pull over. Trust me, the scenery is epic, transitioning from high desert to thick Sandia Mountain forests. You'll be treated to knockout views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, Mount Taylor, and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The panoramic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding landscape from the summit are seriously next-level. Don't miss it!
extremeHow challenging is the road to Urique?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in Chihuahua, Mexico, ready to descend into the legendary Urique Canyon. The road to Urique isn't just a road; it's an *experience.* We're talking a seriously steep, mostly dirt track that's gonna put your driving skills to the ultimate test. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. The 54-kilometer route features over 100 turns, and that last 14-kilometer stretch? Let's just say it's legendary. Think hairpin switchbacks that plummet 2,000 meters, a narrow path hugging a ravine, and absolutely zero guardrails. Oh, and did I mention visibility around those curves is… limited? Locals will tell you this route is a beast, especially when it's wet. Police might even suggest you take the long way around due to "security concerns." Trust me, this is no joke. The road, built back in '75, is rough, unforgiving, and barely wide enough for two cars in spots. But if you're feeling brave – *really* brave – and you've got nerves of steel (and maybe a professional driver's license?), the views are supposed to be epic. Imagine pine forests, dramatic drops, and a sense of accomplishment like no other. Just, you know, maybe ask around about current road conditions before you commit. You've been warned!
moderateWhen is Wapusk Trail built?
🇨🇦 Canada
Located in the geographical heart of Canada, near the tree line on the edge of Hudson Bay, the Wapusk Trail is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest seasonal winter road in the world. Careful preparation for your trip will ensure that if, and when, things do go wrong, you are prepared for the situation. When is Wapusk Trail built? Every January, the road is painstakingly constructed on snow and ice to provide temporary access for a few weeks to remote settlements surrounding Hudson Bay. These settlements, which are typically only reachable by air, rely on this road until the arrival of warmer March weather necessitates its closure. Designed in cold conditions, the road is strategically laid out, following the path of least resistance and traversing natural terrain features like muskeg, lakes, rivers, and creeks. These winter roads play a crucial role in facilitating transportation during the winter, connecting isolated areas where permanent or all-weather roads are absent. Unfortunately, the increasing brevity of the seasons poses significant challenges. It is becoming progressively more arduous to construct reliable ice roads as they are highly dependent on the unpredictable thickness of the ice. As an alternative, air transportation is available, albeit at a considerable cost. How long is Wapusk Trail? The road is 772 km (479 miles) long and stretches west from the communities of Shamattawa and Gillam in Manitoba and east to Peawanuck. In 2011 the road was made a bit longer, arriving to Winisk. The road runs 252 km from Peawanuck to Fort Severn, 234 km from Fort Severn to the Manitoba border, 90 km from the border to Shamattawa, and 196 km from Shamattawa to Gillam. The first 90 km of the road west from Fort Severn is the worst part of the road when the wind is blowing. The number of trucks averages between 30 to 40, with 44 trucks being the record number of trucks in one year, transporting consumer goods, fuel and construction materials. This type of ‘temporary highways’ have a crucial role in enabling goods to be delivered to communities without permanent road access. When was the Wapusk Trail constructed for first time? The winter road system dates back to the 1950’s built by private construction companies to provide a means of transporting freight to isolated northern communities that would be less costly than air transport. The trail has been featured in Ice Road Truckers TV show. How long does it take to drive the Wapusk Trail? It takes about 12 to 17 hours to complete the drive, depending on the conditions. How to prepare to drive the Wapusk Trail? Due to the remoteness of the area, take special care to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the trip. You need to be prepared. In case of a breakdown, there is very little in the way of passing traffic or inhabitants around, and no cell phone service in parts. Winter survival and communication equipment are recommended. Take emergency supplies and extra parts; make sure you know your route. Know where you are and know where you are going. Pic&more info: https://www.tvo.org/article/since-ice-roads-wont-stay-frozen-we-need-to-get-serious-about-building-permanent-roads-in-the-far Saskatchewan Highway 955 is worth the white-knuckle drive Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive: A Comprehensive Travel Guide 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.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Pilot Peak in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Pilot Peak in Idaho's Boise County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 8,123 feet, crowned with a building, solar panels, and a whole lotta comms gear. You'll find this gem nestled in the Boise National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 380 (Summit Flat Road) – and heads up, it's all dirt! You're gonna need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle the rough spots, but trust me, it's worth it. What used to be a lookout is now a radio communications hub. Keep in mind this road is a no-go zone for most of the year, usually closed from late October to late June/July thanks to the snow. The climb is a serious workout for your car, with some sections hitting a steep 14% grade. From the starting point, it's about 4.1 miles to the top, climbing almost 2,000 feet. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!