
Where is Usery Pass?
Usa, north-america
9.49 km
647 m
easy
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Usery Pass! Nestled in Maricopa County, Arizona, this gem sits pretty at 2,122 feet above sea level, east of Phoenix, right in the heart of Tonto National Forest.
Ever wonder where that name comes from? It's all thanks to a cattleman named King Usery (yep, King was his first name!), who roamed these lands back in the late 1800s.
The road itself, Usery Pass Road (or Forest Route 12 if you're feeling official), is a smooth, paved ride. Expect some fun curves and dips, but nothing too wild. Just keep an eye out during heavy rains because, you know, desert flash floods can be a thing.
Clocking in at just under 6 miles, this stretch of road runs from Mesa up to North Bush Highway. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area and killer views of the Sonoran Desert.
When's the best time to roll through? Aim for fall through spring when the weather's cooler. Summer can get pretty toasty, and you'll be sharing the road with boats heading to the lake!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.49 km
- Max Elevation
- 647 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSouth Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for South Grade Road! This insane stretch of asphalt is hiding in northern San Diego County, California, and it's a wild ride to the top of Palomar Mountain. Seriously, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're snaking your way up, up, up, through 21 hairpin turns! Yeah, you read that right. The road eventually crests at a whopping 5,465 feet, near the iconic Palomar Observatory. Keep an eye out, though – the observatory can close unexpectedly if the weather gets dicey. The whole route is paved, so that's a plus, and it clocks in at just over 11 miles. You’ll be cruising from CA-76 all the way to Palomar Divide Road. Normally, South Grade Road is open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw some curveballs. Winter brings snow and ice, so chain up when required. Fog can roll in, and rocks love to tumble onto the pavement, especially after a good rain. If it's pouring, maybe skip this one – closures and landslides are a real possibility. But let's talk about the views! South Grade Road is absolutely stunning, I mean seriously breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, especially on those hairpin turns. Sadly, there's a history of accidents here, so stay sharp and ride safe!
moderateCinnamon Butte
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cinnamon Butte, a volcanic cinder cone peaking at 6,423 feet, sits pretty in Douglas County, Oregon. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to conquer Forest Road 4793 to reach the top. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking mostly gravel terrain winding through the Umpqua National Forest. Think proper tires and maybe a bit of off-road swagger. Mother Nature often throws a curveball, making it a no-go zone from October to June, depending on the snow. Seasoned off-roaders will find it a blast! Newbies might want to level up their skills before tackling this one. Perched at the summit in the Cascade Range is an active lookout tower, built way back in 1955. So, get ready for some seriously stunning panoramic views that make the bumpy ride totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Crystal Mountain North?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Crystal Mountain North! Perched high in Washington's Pierce County, this peak hits an elevation of 6,856 feet! You'll find it nestled south of Seattle in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, near the slightly smaller Kuss Peak. How do you get to the top? Well, it's a chairlift access trail that kicks off from Crystal Mountain Resort. The climb is just under 3 miles, but don't let the short distance fool you—you'll be gaining over 2,300 feet in elevation! That's an average gradient of nearly 16%, so get ready for a workout! Heads up: this trail is usually snowed in until late June or even July. But once you can make it, you're in for some serious scenery.
easyIs the drive through Battle Mountain in Oregon worth the drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I've got a fantastic drive for you in northeastern Oregon: Battle Mountain. This isn't some ferocious climb, but a sweet, scenic route peaking at 4,284 feet (1,306 meters). Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll cruise through a stunning forest, think towering ponderosa pines, larches, Douglas firs, and spruce – nature's eye candy at its finest. You'll be traveling on good ol' U.S. Highway 395, aka the World War I Veterans Memorial Highway, a fully paved road stretching for 95 miles (152 kilometers) from Nye all the way to Mount Vernon. Be prepared for some twists and turns, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and soak up the pure Oregon vibes!