Where is Union Pass in WY?
Usa, north-america
116.83 km
2,808 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Union Pass in Wyoming is calling your name. This isn't just any mountain pass; we're talking about a 9,212-foot-high stunner straddling Sublette and Fremont counties, right between the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests. Think breathtaking views and a seriously epic drive.
So, how do you tackle this beast? Union Pass Road is mostly unpaved and clocks in at a solid 72.6 miles, connecting U.S. Route 287 near Dubois to U.S. Route 189 in Pinedale.
Give yourself about four hours *each way* to soak it all in. The landscape is unreal – picture vast meadows, sparkling mountain lakes, and panoramas of the Tetons, Wind River Range, and Absaroka Mountains. Plus, you'll be cruising past the headwaters of the Colorado, Mississippi, and Columbia rivers. Talk about a scenic drive!
Now, a word of caution: leave the sedan at home. This road demands an SUV with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. While the road's generally in good shape, expect some rough patches, especially on the Pinedale side. This is an adventure, not a Sunday cruise, so be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 116.83 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,808 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeDoherty Slide in Oregon: Turn Back Now If You Have A Heart Condition
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Doherty Slide, or Doherty Rim as some call it, is a crazy high mountain ridge sitting way up at 6,246 feet in Oregon's Lake County. We're talking near the Oregon-Nevada border, overlooking the stunning Warner Valley. This whole area was formed by ancient lava flows, and now it's this epic rim. Oregon Route 140 is your path, stretching a wild 109 miles from US-395 (north of Lakeview, Oregon) all the way to NV-140 (south of Denio, Nevada). This road connects southern Oregon to northwestern Nevada, so it is a vital byway. Heads up, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. Just 20 miles east of Adel, you'll see signs reminding you to take it slow. The road's paved, but it's narrow, two lanes with NO guardrail! One wrong move and, well, let's just say the drop-off is a long one – about 1,000 feet straight down. You will even come across a sign that may make you think twice, as it is a final warning about health conditions. Driving this road at night or in the rain is not for the faint of heart. The climb feels endless, and a sign warns of an "8 Percent Grade" for three miles, urging trucks to use low gear. Keep your eyes on the road as the shoulder gives way to a steep drop. So, if you're up for a challenging drive with seriously breathtaking views, Doherty Slide might just be your next adventure!
hardHow to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Colorado's San Miguel County, perched at a breathtaking 11,423 feet, lies the ghost town of Tomboy. Once a bustling mining hub in the 1880s, home to a thousand souls, it now stands frozen in time since its mine closed in 1927 (though some tunnel work continued 'til '78!). Getting there? Let's just say it's an adventure. Starting near Telluride, Tomboy Road (K68 Road), is a 4.5-mile unpaved rollercoaster. Think narrow, rough gravel, and seriously steep drop-offs. Oh, and water crossings. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a true 4x4 experience that demands respect and skill. We're talking 14-15% grades on some corners! You'll need a rugged off-road vehicle with high clearance and beefy tires. The road's only open for a couple of months each year! As you climb (gaining 2,532 feet!), keep an eye out for remnants of the old town. The average gradient clocks in at 10.66%, so get ready for a climb. The views are epic, but the weather in the San Juans can change in a heartbeat. Storms roll in fast, and Tomboy is above the treeline, offering little shelter. Halfway up, you'll find the "Social Tunnel," a relic from the early 1900s where, legend has it, miners met ladies from Telluride (since those ladies weren't allowed any closer to the mining towns, so they say!). Allow about 45 minutes for the one-way trip to Tomboy. It's a steep climb offering great views — just remember to respect the road and the elements!
hardCan you drive to Lobdell Lake in CA?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Lobdell Lake in California's Mono County. Picture this: You're cruising through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, east of Sonora Junction, in your trusty 4x4 because, trust me, you'll need it for this unpaved, rugged stretch. We're talking about Road 67, aka Lobdell Lake Road, a 10.6-mile climb that’ll test your mettle with gradients hitting 13%. But hey, the reward is SO worth it! This isn't just any drive; it's a journey to a high-altitude reservoir, topping out at a whopping 9,540 feet near the lake itself. Keep in mind, this alpine paradise is only accessible from May to November, so plan accordingly. Situated near the Nevada border, north of Bridgeport, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Prepare to be blown away by the incredible scenery. Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the ride!
hardHow to Get to the Lookout at Mount Lavina by Car?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Mount Lavina, a sky-high peak in southern British Columbia, Canada. This baby tops out at 2,246 meters (7,368 feet), making it one of the highest drives you can find in the country. At the summit, you're rewarded with the Lavina Mountain Fire Tower (circa 1974) and get this—jaw-dropping views of Duncan Lake. Seriously, camera ready! Now, let's be real: getting there is no Sunday drive. The entire road is unpaved and throws some serious challenges your way: think super tight switchbacks and incredibly steep climbs, racking up 2,240 meters (7,280 feet) in elevation gain. We're talking 4x4 territory only, with some serious ground clearance! Definitely bring an air pump. Pro tip: lower your tire pressure for better grip and be prepared to play lumberjack, clearing fallen trees along the way. And don't forget, that steep descent can fry your brakes, so be prepared. Heads up, the window to conquer this beast is super small, usually only August and September (weather depending). Snow shuts it down for the rest of the year, so plan accordingly!