Why is it called Hatchers Pass?
Usa, north-america
96.56 km
1,184 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Hatcher Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Alaska, clocking in at 3,886 feet above sea level. Named after the legendary prospector Robert Hatcher, this 60-mile route, also known as Hatcher Pass Road (or Fishhook Road if you're feeling local), connects Palmer and Willow with some serious mountain vibes.
Picture this: the road starts paved from Palmer, but around mile 17.5, it turns to gravel for about 15 miles. Be warned – after it rains, this section can get pretty gnarly with ruts. Think switchbacks, the occasional pothole, and zero guardrails as you climb through the Mat-Su Valley. I wouldn’t recommend bringing your RV or anything too big, those hairpin turns are tight!
Perched in the Talkeetna Mountains, Hatcher Pass sees snow early, so while it's usually open year-round, the last mile up to Independence Mine is typically closed in winter. That central gravel section? Snow usually shuts it down until around July 4th.
It's remote, seriously remote. You won't find much in the way of services out there, so fuel up and pack accordingly! But trust me, the scenery is worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 96.56 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,184 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere does the Columbia River Highway start?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Historic Columbia River Highway is a very scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Oregon, running through the Columbia River Gorge. It was the country's first scenic highway. Where does the Columbia River Highway start? The road is totally paved. It runs west-east from the Sandy River near Troutdale (a city in Multnomah County) to The Dalles (the largest city of Wasco County). How long is the Historic Columbia River Highway? Running along the state's northern edge, the road, also known as the “King of Roads”, is 121km (75 miles) long and was constructed between 1913 and 1922. It was the first major paved road in the Pacific Northwest. How long does it take to drive the Historic Columbia River Highway? Located to the east of Portland, the drive is very scenic and offers stunning views of the Oregon side of the Columbia River. It’s very busy in summer months. Plan 1.5-2 hours to complete the remarkable drive without stop s, although you may want to block out extra time to stop, take photos and explore the region it passes through. Many travelers take a few days to experience all the sights. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Eureka Peak in Joshua Tree NP 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.
moderateJersey Jim Lookout Tower
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to check out Jersey Jim Lookout in southwest Colorado. Perched way up high in the San Juan National Forest, this epic lookout tower sits at almost 10,000 feet! The views? Unbelievable. Getting there is part of the fun. Road 561, the gravel road that takes you to the top, is generally open from late spring to mid-fall, depending on the snow. Good news: you don't need a fancy 4x4, most 2WD vehicles can handle it. Just take it slow (under 30 mph!), keep an eye out for cows and deer (this is their home, too!), and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery. Trust me, this hidden gem is worth the trek.
hardWhen was Imperial Road in Dominica built?
🌍 Dominica
Okay, picture this: You're in Dominica, ready for an adventure. Ditch the beach for a day and hit the Imperial Road, a winding, twisting ribbon of asphalt that cuts right from the coast deep into the island's heart. Starting near a town north of Roseau, overlooking Pringle's Bay, this freshly improved road snakes all the way to connect with the Dr Nicholas Liverpool Highway, located in the middle of the island. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive! The Imperial Road is a real test of your driving skills, packed with countless turns and dozens of hairpin bends. You'll be hugging the edge of mountains, navigating steep grades, and marveling at the scenery. It’s not a walk in the park, but the rewards are huge! The whole thing stretches across a geologically challenging landscape. The route takes you through lush mountains and jungles. Just remember, Dominica's weather is tropical, so you'll want to plan your trip around the wet season (June to October) and aim for the drier months (December to May). Get ready to explore the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" on a road trip you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Williams Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're just outside the ghost town of Hancock, Colorado, smack-dab on the Chaffee/Gunnison county line, bordering San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests. You're about to tackle Williams Pass, a crazy high mountain pass topping out at 11,788 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a five-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Jeep trail, called Williams Pass Jeep Trail (NFST #298). Think rocky, narrow, and if it's been raining? Mud bogs galore! This bumpy ride, following an old 1880s toll road through an alpine meadow, is seriously challenging, especially when you get squeezed tight amongst the trees and shrubs. Starting from Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) and climbing north to the Continental Divide onto NFSR #295, you'll be hitting some steep sections with gradients up to 8%. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are a must. Seriously, don't even think about it otherwise. Here's the catch: Williams Pass is only open for a few weeks each year, usually in August (if the weather plays nice). After being closed for a whopping 12 years, it reopened in '97, but even then, some years it just doesn't open at all. So, check the conditions before you go, or you might find yourself seriously bummed!