Where is Turnagain Pass?
Usa, north-america
96.6 km
300 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Turnagain Pass, your gateway to the Kenai Peninsula and Chugach National Forest in southern Alaska! Just 60 miles from Anchorage, this baby sits at around 984 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on the highway as you snake through the scenic Kenai Peninsula.
So, why "Turnagain"? Legend has it that back in the day, some explorers sailed up the arm looking for the Northwest Passage but had to turn around due to mudflats and crazy tides. The name stuck!
The road itself? Fully paved and generally well-maintained. But heads up, this place is ALL about the elements. Turnagain Pass is notorious for its epic snowfall (we're talking HUGE dumps!) from November to May, so be prepared for winter driving conditions. Keep an eye out for those unpredictable black ice patches. After a big snowfall, 4-wheel drive is your friend, and always check the road report before you go.
But hey, it's not all about the drive—it's about the views! You'll see the raw power of glaciers shaping the landscape. This area is a mecca for outdoor lovers, especially skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. Just remember, this is bear country! Grizzly bears roam these parts, so pack bear spray and secure your snacks.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 96.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 300 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Fire Trail Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a spooky drive down Marine Drive and Fire Trail Road near Marysville, Washington! This fully paved road, previously known as Marysville-Pilchuck Road, offers a seriously eerie vibe, especially after dark thanks to minimal streetlights. Beyond the pavement, this road has a haunted reputation and two prominent ghost stories. Drivers have reported seeing a mysterious figure in their rearview mirror, only to have it vanish when they turn around. Others claim to have spotted apparitions of Native Americans along the roadside, which makes sense given the road's location on the Tulalip Reservation. Legend whispers of the "Fire Trail Ghost," a man who tragically died speeding along a gravel section, crashing into a swamp or Cummings Lake. Keep an eye out for phantom lights atop a particular hill – glowing orbs that fade after about 30 seconds. Some say it's the Fire Trail Ghost warning drivers of danger ahead. And get this – some folks have even claimed to see someone running alongside their car at 35 MPH! There are also tales of spectral firefighters along the road. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this road is guaranteed to give you chills!
moderateWhat is Pride of the West Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to the Pride of the West Mine in Colorado's Chaffee County! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a staggering 12,014 feet above sea level. You'll find the Pride of the West Tunnel, also known as the Billings Tunnel, up there. The tunnel entrance is super cool, with an 1880 keystone marking its start. Apparently, it was built to cut through Pomeroy Peak, but who knows how far it actually goes? Legend has it, there was even a two-story hotel nearby back in the day. The tunnel's still there, but watch out – it's full of water! Some say the whole thing was just a fancy facade to lure investors. Who knows for sure? The 11.6-mile (18.66 km) journey starts from Maysville and is entirely unpaved. Get ready for a bumpy ride with plenty of rocks on Forest Road 240! High clearance is a must, but most stock 4x4s should be able to handle it. Be warned: the last section narrows down to a single lane. Trust me, though, the scenery is SO worth it. Think incredible views and a truly unforgettable experience. Keep in mind, this is Colorado, so winter closures are a thing. Plan your trip accordingly!
hardWhere does the Fishlake Scenic Byway start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a ride on Utah State Route 25, aka the Fishlake Scenic Byway! This paved beauty winds through the heart of Fishlake National Forest, linking the dry desert to some seriously stunning alpine scenery. We're talking about almost 30 miles (47.63 km) of road tripping between Koosharem and Highway 24 near Loa, Utah, crossing Sevier and Wayne counties. You'll skirt the shores of Fish Lake itself and cruise past Johnson Valley Reservoir. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive – expect constant curves and ever-changing inclines as you climb from the desert floor into those lush aspen and pine forests. Now, a heads-up: while U-25 is paved and maintained year-round, winter driving can be a whole different ballgame, especially between Fish Lake and Highway 72. Think heavy snow and sneaky black ice. We're talking 9,000 feet (over 2,700 meters!), so storms can bury the road in no time. If you're hitting this route between November and April, snow chains are your friend, and definitely check the weather forecast before you go. The road itself is in great shape for any vehicle, even RVs and trailers. But that steep descent toward the SR-24 junction? Use your engine brake to save your regular brakes from overheating. Fun fact: the awesome mountain scenery around the lake? Thank ancient glaciers for that! This means the road can be narrow as it follows natural corridors and ridges. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife, especially deer and elk – they love those aspen groves at dawn and dusk. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! If you're into high-altitude environments, this is your easy ticket to southern Utah's alpine tundra. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by dry lake beds and Ice Age leftovers. Most folks use it to hit up the boat ramps and fishing spots at Fish Lake, but the drive itself is a classic mountain adventure. One last tip: cell service can be spotty, so download those maps before you leave Koosharem. Happy travels!
easyTamarack Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Tamarack Ridge, sitting pretty at 7,585 feet in California's Fresno County. You'll find it nestled in the Sierra National Forest. The road to the top? Paved, so no need for a monster truck, but get ready for some serious curves! Highway 168 (aka Tollhouse Road) will be your trusty guide, winding its way between the charming towns of Lakeshore and Shaver Lake. This route is a total stunner, scenery-wise. Just a heads-up, though – it gets a bit crowded on weekends and during holidays. And Mother Nature? She can be a bit of a diva here, so expect short closures in winter if the weather gets wild.