
Why is it called Sherman Pass?
Usa, north-america
59 km
1,684 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Sherman Pass in Washington is calling your name. This isn't just any drive; it's a journey to 5,524 feet above sea level in the heart of Ferry County. And get this: it's the highest pass in Washington that's kept open all year round!
Nestled in the northeastern part of the state, a world away from the hustle and bustle, most of this gorgeous drive winds through the Colville National Forest. You're basically surrounded by epic scenery with hardly any other cars around. Plus, you're cruising along a historic route once used by Native Americans heading to the Columbia River for fishing! Later, wagons came rumbling through, and the whole thing was named after Civil War General William T. Sherman, who rolled through back in 1883.
The road? Paved, baby! State Route 20, also known as the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, is smooth sailing all the way to the top. Sure, it's steep in sections, but the views are SO worth it. Seriously, they don't call it "The Most Beautiful Mountain Highway" in Washington for nothing!
The whole shebang is just under 37 miles long, stretching from near Republic on WA-21 all the way east to Kettle Falls on US-395.
My advice? Hit this road between late spring and early fall for the ultimate escape. Trust me, it's the perfect way to ditch civilization and reconnect with nature (and some seriously stunning vistas).
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 59 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,684 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe haunted Twin Tunnels of Pennsylvania
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a seriously spooky road trip? Head to the Twin Tunnels of Downingtown in Chester County, Pennsylvania. These aren't your average tunnels; they've got a seriously dark reputation. Nestled on Valley Creek Road, these tunnels aren't just a way under the railroad tracks – they're a local legend hotspot with a seriously eerie vibe. We're talking suicides, an unsolved murder, and all sorts of creepy stories that make this place a teenage hangout... if you dare! The most famous legend is a tragic one: a woman who, with her baby, decided to end it all here. The really chilling part? Locals say you can still hear ghostly whispers and the cries of a baby echoing through the tunnels. There are actually three passageways here, but only one is driveable. A creek flows through another, while the middle tunnel is more like a dirt-floored cave, rumored to be connected to some seriously dark rituals. So, yeah, maybe skip this one after dark. It's not just a road; it's a full-on paranormal experience!
extremeWhen was Cuesta de los Arrepentidos built?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Wanna tackle one of the world's wildest rides? Head to San Luis PotosÃ, Mexico, and find the legendary Cuesta de los Arrepentidos – the Repentant's Slope. This isn't just a road; it's a rollercoaster through history and breathtaking scenery, all rolled into one seriously intense drive. Picture this: You're climbing almost 9,000 feet (2,700 m) to reach the ghost mining town of Real de Catorce. This was the *only* way up for two centuries, carved out way back in 1778. Forget smooth asphalt; this 6.77-mile (10.9 km) stretch is a rugged, unpaved beast that runs west to east from Estación Catorce to Real de Catorce. Think ghost towns, abandoned mines, and the vast, otherworldly Wirikuta desert unfolding around you. Now, don't get me wrong – this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking brutally steep climbs, seriously narrow paths, and terrifying drop-offs into canyons and dry riverbeds. This is 4x4 territory ONLY – leave your motorcycles and bikes at home. Keep an eye out for the infamously treacherous Paso del Diablo (Devil's Pass) and the eerie Socavón de la PurÃsima (Immaculate Conception's Sinkhole). The "easy" way in? Take Highway 62 to the 17-mile cobblestone road. You'll still have to tackle the Túnel Ogarrio, a dimly-lit, 2,300-meter long one-lane tunnel under the mountain! Get ready for a journey that'll test your limits and reward you with views you'll never forget. Cuesta de los Arrepentidos – are you brave enough?
moderateWhere is Blowout Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Blowout Pass! It's this crazy high mountain pass tucked away in the Rio Grande National Forest, in the eastern San Juan Mountains. Seriously, the views are insane. Fair warning: this road is STEEP. We're talking brutally steep in sections – around . The whole thing is unpaved, but honestly, it's not too bad, just a few bumpy parts. Starting near , it's about to the top. You climb in elevation, which works out to an average gradient of . Keep in mind that this road is usually snowed in during the winter. If you're looking for a peaceful drive with incredible scenery, and not a lot of other cars around, Blowout Pass needs to be on your list!
hardWhite Mountain Road has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in California, cruising through Inyo National Forest, ready for an epic adventure. You're about to hit White Mountain Road, one of the highest roads the state has to offer! This stunner is tucked away in east-central California, snaking through the White Mountains for about 28 miles. Get ready for serious views—we're talking unmatched vistas of the Eastern Sierra that'll make your jaw drop. Plus, you're practically next door to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where the oldest trees on the planet are chilling! Heads up: the first 10 miles are paved after you get off CA-168, but after that it's all gravel. The road climbs up and up, and you'll be hanging out above 10,000 feet the whole time! It's a steep one, averaging a 6% grade. The road is rocky in sections, so while you *can* do it in a 2-wheel drive, take it slow. Seriously consider those heavy-duty tires to avoid any flat tire drama. This isn't for the super timid either—it's steep, and a mistake could be bad news. You'll end up at the Barcroft Field Station at about 12,470 feet! Keep in mind you might not be able to drive *all* the way there as a locked gate sits a couple miles from the top. The road's usually open from mid-May to late November, depending on the snow. And trust me, winter up there is INTENSE, with over 13 feet of snow!