Why is it called Mount Washburn?
Usa, north-america
6.59 km
3,122 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna tackle Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park? This peak, named after some dude named Henry Washburn from way back when, sits pretty at 10,243 feet.
Now, you can't actually *drive* all the way to the top, but you can get close! Head up Chittendon Road, a mostly chill unpaved path (an old wagon road!). It's manageable, wide enough for two cars, though it does throw a 15% grade at you in one spot.
From the scenic road, it's about 4.1 miles up to the Chittendon Parking lot. You can drive about 1.3 miles on Chittenden road, ending at 8,743 feet above sea level. Park your ride and then you've got 2.8 miles left to hike or bike to the summit.
Keep in mind this road's usually open from late May to mid-October. Up top, there's a lookout tower that's staffed during fire season. Weather can be WILD – think sudden storms with wind, rain, and lightning. Plus, it's bear country, so keep your eyes peeled and give those grizzlies and bison a wide berth.
But seriously, the views are SO worth it. From the top, you can see the whole northern part of Yellowstone and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons way off in the distance. People were climbing this thing way back in 1870, so you'll be following in some pretty epic footsteps!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.59 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,122 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardHenderson Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Henderson Mountain in Montana's Park County is calling your name, but be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 9,983 feet! The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and the occasional tippy moment. Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those who value their car's suspension). Winter? Forget about it – this road is snowed under most of the season. Seriously, experienced off-roaders only! You'll need a 4x4 and a healthy dose of courage. It's steep, and if it's wet, expect mud galore. Oh, and did I mention the views? Absolutely stunning... if you can keep your eyes on the road! Just try not to look down if heights aren't your thing. This wild ride is worth it for the views, if you're up for the challenge.
hardCopper Canyon Road (Barrancas del Cobre)
🇲🇽 Mexico
# Copper Canyon's Wild Ride: Mexico's Most Dramatic Drive Ready for an adrenaline rush? The Copper Canyon region in Chihuahua's Sierra Madre Occidental delivers one of North America's most thrilling driving experiences. Here's the thing – this canyon system isn't just impressive; it's actually bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, made up of six interconnected canyons that'll make your jaw drop. The real star of the show is the Creel-to-Batopilas route, a 140-kilometer roller coaster that'll test your nerve and your car's suspension. You'll start in the cool, forested highlands at 2,340 meters and plummet nearly 1,800 meters down into the subtropical heart of Batopilas Canyon. The road finally got paved in recent years (progress!), but don't get too comfortable – expect plenty of heart-stopping cliff-edge sections that are, uh, creatively lacking in guardrails. What makes this drive unforgettable isn't just the hairpin turns and elevation drop. You'll wind through Raramuri (Tarahumara) indigenous communities and witness an insane ecological shift – from alpine pine forests to tropical palms – all in a few hours of driving. It's like road-tripping through multiple climate zones without ever getting out of your car. Buckle up; this journey is absolutely wild.
moderateThe Loneliest Highway to Pinto Summit in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Pinto Summit, nestled high in Nevada's White Pine Range at a cool 7,368 feet. This beauty is located in Eureka County, and getting there is half the fun. The road to the summit is totally paved, so no need to worry about off-roading here. You'll be cruising along , also known as the "Loneliest Highway in America." Keep an eye out for some epic, wide-open scenery! Just a heads-up: this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. Expect some steep climbs, with grades hitting 8% in spots, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The pass stretches for about 77 miles between Eureka and Eli, so plan for a good chunk of driving time. It's usually open year-round, but winter weather can occasionally throw a wrench in the plans, so be sure to check conditions before you go. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateTibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road is the world’s longest heavy haul ice road
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road, an insane ice highway in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut! Picture this: a 600-kilometer (372-mile) trek across frozen lakes and tundra, a lifeline for diamond and gold mines way up north. This frozen artery, also nicknamed Denison's Road, springs to life each year around late January/early February and lasts 'til early April, but only if Mother Nature cooperates. We're talking 85% over frozen lakes, with the other 15% weaving through 64 land stretches. Historically, this icy beast was originally built in 1982. The starting point? Head about 65 km (40 mi) east of Yellowknife, where Highway 4 gives way to pure Arctic adventure. From there, it used to stretch all the way to the Jericho Mine on Contwoyto Lake, but the road has variable lengths, 400 km and 600 km. The whole trip can take 14-18 hours, depending on load and conditions. Now, a word of caution: this isn't your average Sunday drive. High winds, blizzards, and zero visibility are par for the course. Pack survival gear and winter clothes, because the weather can flip on a dime. Plus, this route is primarily for mine-bound trucks, so if you're exploring, bring a VHF radio to chat with the truckers. Speed limits are strictly enforced (think 25 km/h for loaded trucks, sometimes dropping to a crawl of 10 km/h!), and for good reason. Safety is key on this icy expanse. Despite what you might've seen on TV, the road is meticulously built, maintained, and monitored by a dedicated crew. Get ready for some awesome tundra scenery!