
A journey to the legendary Union Pass in Wyoming
Usa, north-america
116.83 km
2,808 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a truly wild Wyoming experience, you HAVE to check out Union Pass. Perched way up at 9,212 feet, it's a killer route through the northwestern part of the state, with views that'll make your jaw drop.
You'll find this gem straddling Sublette and Fremont counties, nestled right between the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests. Hit the Continental Divide marker at the top – that's where the water flows either towards the Wind River or the Green River. Pretty cool, right?
Union Pass Road, mostly unpaved, stretches for about 72.6 miles (116.83km) between Dubois (off U.S. Route 287) and Pinedale (U.S. Route 189). Budget around four hours for a one-way trip, not counting stops to soak it all in. Think wide-open pastures, mountain lakes, and seriously epic views of the Tetons, Wind Rivers, and Absarokas. Plus, you're basically at the source of three HUGE North American rivers – the Colorado, Mississippi, and Columbia.
Word to the wise: this isn't a trip for your average sedan. You'll need an SUV with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The road's generally in decent shape, but expect some rough patches, especially on the Pinedale side. Trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride!
Where is it?
A journey to the legendary Union Pass in Wyoming is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6519, -99.1829
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 116.83 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,808 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.6519, -99.1829
Related Roads in north-america
moderateChipinque Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ever dreamt of escaping the city buzz? Head to Monterrey, Mexico, and find the Road to Chipinque, winding up into the mountains! Trust me, the views are epic – think panoramic vistas of Monterrey sprawling below and rugged mountain peaks all around. This paved road isn't just a scenic drive; it's an experience. You'll find cool restaurants, cozy cabins, and even a spot to stargaze at an astronomical observatory along the way. Keep in mind this is a private park, so access is somewhat limited. Starting at around 600 meters above sea level in the city, you'll climb to about 1300 meters at the park's highest point. Get ready for some serious views!
moderateA bumpy paved road to Ski Apache in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Ski Apache in New Mexico! Perched way up high in Lincoln County, this ski resort sits at a dizzying 9,803 feet! Seriously, if you're not a fan of heights, maybe take a friend who's comfortable driving. You'll find Ski Apache nestled near Ruidoso, right in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest in southern New Mexico. Getting there is an experience itself. You'll cruise along New Mexico Highway 532, or as the locals call it, Ski Run Road. It's a paved road, thankfully, but hold on tight—it's a bit steep and bumpy. From Alto (off NM-48), it's about 11.9 miles to the top. Speaking of the top, you'll be scaling the Sierra Blanca slopes until you reach a whopping 10,098 feet! The road's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter. Things can change fast, and they might close it down temporarily. Snow chains could be a lifesaver, too. Now, for the thrill-seekers: this road is STEEP. We're talking a maximum 12% gradient on some of those ramps! Plus, those hairpin turns mean you'll be testing your brakes on the way down. It’s easily one of the twistiest roads in New Mexico. Some spots have barriers, but others? Well, let's just say you get some incredible views... straight down.
moderateBrown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views. Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip. The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.
easyOlympic Peninsula Loop Drive, an unbelievable adventure in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure: the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive! This scenic journey winds through western Washington, showcasing the state's incredible forests, wildlife, and natural beauty. The loop starts and ends in Seattle, taking you south around the Olympic Peninsula via US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8. Clocking in at 329 miles (531 km), this paved route immerses you in the diverse ecosystems of the region. While you *could* technically drive the whole thing in 8 hours non-stop, you'll want at least three days (or more!) to truly soak it all in. Picture this: picturesque shoreline, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, stunning mountain vistas, and even a lush rainforest. Side adventures abound! Timing-wise, May and early June are prime for waterfall viewing, but be aware that higher elevations may still have snow, and beaches can be foggy. July to September brings drier weather and sunshine, but also more crowds. Fall is gorgeous with colorful foliage, and winter offers dramatic, wild beaches—just be prepared for rain. Trust me, this drive is worth it! The Olympic Peninsula Loop is pure road trip bliss.