Why is it called Dunraven Pass?
Usa, north-america
26.07 km
2,718 m
easy
Year-round
Dunraven Pass, sitting pretty at 8,917 feet in Wyoming's Park County, is the highest point you can drive to inside Yellowstone National Park. Named after some Irish Earl who swung by back in 1874, this pass is a real treat.
The road, built way back in 1915 and paved in the '40s, stretches for about 16.2 miles from Canyon Village up to Devils Den. Don't rush it! This paved road winds and climbs through the Washburn Range, serving up incredible panoramic views. Word to the wise: this area is prime grizzly bear territory, so keep your eyes peeled!
This pass is the highest in the park, so expect closures during the winter months. Dunraven is usually the first to close when snow starts falling in the fall, and the first to close when snowstorms roll through. Typically, it shuts down in early October and doesn't reopen until late May or early June. Even in summer, snow's not out of the question at this altitude!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 26.07 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,718 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardGuthrie Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Guthrie Peak in southeastern Arizona! This beast sits at a cool 6,578 feet in Greenlee County. Getting to the top isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a gravel road that demands a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Expect some narrow sections hugging steep cliffs or featuring serious drop-offs. The views? Totally worth it. You're conquering the Black Hills' highest point, basically the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains. But heads up, Mother Nature calls the shots up here. The weather is wild and changes on a dime. Layers are your friend. Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable. And pack more water than you think you need. Defensive driving is key. Assume someone's always around the next bend, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Summer can be scorching, so aim for October through May. The summit itself is home to some communications towers, so you're definitely connected, even way up there!
moderateThe Loneliest Highway to Pancake Summit in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Pancake Summit in Nevada is calling your name! Nestled high in the White Pine Range at a cool 6,538 feet, this pass is smack-dab in central-eastern Nevada. You'll be cruising on the iconic Highway 50 (aka "The Loneliest Highway in America"), so get ready for some serious solitude and stunning scenery. Good news: it's paved the whole way! Pancake Summit is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter—things can get a little dicey. Legend has it the name comes from the way the mountains look – just like a stack of pancakes! This route is a good 77 miles long, stretching from Eureka to Ely, and it's not for the faint of heart. Get ready for some steep climbs (we're talking up to 8% in places!) and a whole lotta twists and turns. But trust me, the views are worth it!
moderateKenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Colorado and want a scenic drive? Kenosha Pass is calling your name! This beauty sits at just over 10,000 feet in Park County, and it's a super accessible, paved route – no special vehicle needed. Highway 285 takes you on a 12-mile journey from Jefferson to Grant, with gentle curves and grades that won't make you sweat. The east side is a breeze, while the west has a bit more of a climb. Nestled in the Rockies, Kenosha Pass is famous for its vibrant aspen trees painting the landscape in autumn. The summit boasts spacious parking areas, perfect for soaking in those panoramic views. You'll be treated to incredible sights of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Feeling adventurous? A small gravel road south of the pass takes you even higher, topping out at over 12,300 feet!
moderateCan you drive to Sugarloaf Peak in NV?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want to escape into the wild beauty of Nevada? Then you NEED to check out Sugarloaf Peak! This bad boy sits right on the border of Esmeralda and Mineral counties, topping out at a cool 9,078 feet. Getting there is half the fun (and half the challenge!). The road is an old mining route, totally unpaved, and seriously rugged. We're talking 4x4 territory, folks. Leave your sedan at home! You'll find the start of the 5.8-mile dirt track off of U.S. Route 6, aka the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, in the southwestern part of Nevada. As you climb into Inyo National Forest, keep your eyes peeled for old mining ruins scattered along the route. Back in the day, this area was all about silver, gold, and mercury. Now it's all about the views!