Driving the highest paved road in Washington to Sunrise Point
Usa, north-america
24.78 km
1,957 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Sunrise Point in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park. Perched way up high at 6,420 feet, this is the highest point you can drive to in the whole park!
The road itself, Sunrise Park Road (or just Sunrise Road), is paved the whole way. But fair warning: it's a twisty, turny climb, and it's narrow in places. If you're rocking a mega RV or towing anything longer than 25 feet, you might want to chill at the White River Campground intersection.
The fun starts from WA-410, and it's a 15.4-mile trek up a super steep and windy road, which opened way back in 1931. This is one of the highest roads in Washington, so keep in mind it's usually only open from late June/early July to late September/early October because of all that glorious winter snow. Even in late September, they close it down at night at the White River Campground junction, opening it up again in the morning if the weather cooperates.
You could technically blast up in about 30 minutes without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to take your time. The scenery is insane! There's a big parking lot at the top, and Sunrise Point is just WOW. On a clear day, you're treated to jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the valleys below, majestic Mount Rainier, and a bunch of other Cascade volcanoes like Mount Adams. And if you squint just right, you can even spot the top of Mount St. Helens! It's an absolute must-see.
Where is it?
Driving the highest paved road in Washington to Sunrise Point is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.3460, -96.9974
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.78 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,957 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.3460, -96.9974
Related Roads in north-america
hardHilman Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Hilman Lake in Colorado's Conejos County is calling your name, but fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a heart-pumping climb to 11,000 feet! The road? Let's just say "rough and rugged" is an understatement. Think rocky, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those without 4x4). Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe grab a postcard instead. Winter? Forget about it – this road's a no-go when the snow flies. And heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. The trail keeps going up until you reach the top of an unnamed peak at 11,430ft! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Just picture yourself surrounded by pristine alpine scenery, with a sparkling lake as your reward. It's an unforgettable experience, as long as you're prepared for the challenge!
moderateWhy Are There No Roads in Greenland?
🌍 Greenland
Okay, Greenland might be the coolest place you'll never drive across! Seriously, this massive island between the Arctic and Atlantic is all mountains, fjords, and glaciers, so forget road trips between towns – they just don't exist. So, why no roads? Well, imagine trying to build a highway across a landscape that's mostly rock and ice. Greenland's got a tiny population of around 56,000, spread out in little villages along the coast. Plus, throw in an ice cap that covers 80% of the island and permafrost that makes the ground super unstable. It's a builder's nightmare! But get this: there *is* one paved road. Just one! This hidden gem is in southwest Greenland, winding 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Ivittuut, an old mining town near Cape Desolation, up to Kangilinnguit, which used to be a naval base. It's a short stretch, but expect it to be snowed in and closed during the winter.
hardHow long is Black Gap Road in Big Bend?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey thrill-seekers, wanna tackle a seriously wild ride in Big Bend National Park, Texas? Black Gap Road is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking 10.1 miles of raw, unadulterated 4x4 adventure, deep in Brewster County near the Mexican border. Get ready for a workout! This sandy, rocky trail throws frequent washouts your way, plus some seriously steep climbs—we're talking up to a 13% gradient in spots! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4, no question. This road is NOT maintained, so expect loose gravel, sharp rocks, and deep ruts. One tricky spot, nicknamed "The Step" or "Pinch Canyon," might even have you stacking rocks for extra clearance. But hold up – the views! Nestled in remote Big Bend, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Chisos Mountains and the vast Chihuahuan Desert. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile. This route is open year-round, but summer heat can be brutal – bring TONS of extra water. Winter is a dream, but the sun can still pack a punch. And pro tip: always check in with a park ranger for the latest road conditions before you head out. This is a remote trail so make sure your vehicle is prepped and you have plenty of experience. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhat is the route to North Schell Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-road adventure in eastern Nevada? Let's talk North Schell Peak! This beast of a mountain, towering at 9,104 feet, is hidden away in White Pine County within the Schell Creek Range. To get there, you'll jump on NF-425, also known as Timber Creek Road, just east of McGill off White Pine County Road 29. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The 4.9-mile dirt track climbs steadily, promising some serious elevation gain. The first stretch is a washboard dirt road – bumpy but manageable in most vehicles. You'll pass the Timber Creek Campground, and that's where things get real. The road shrinks to a single lane, strewn with rocks, demanding moderate clearance. If you're planning on conquering the final, steeper sections, a 4x4 is non-negotiable! We're talking about gaining 1,906 feet in just under 5 miles, so yeah, it's steep. The upper parts can be rocky, tippy, and bumpy, testing your off-road skills. And if it's wet? Forget about it! The dirt turns to slick mud, making it a challenge even for seasoned pros. The drivable part ends shortly past the Timber Creek Campground at an unmarked trailhead with a couple of campsites and plenty of parking. You'll hit 9,104 feet at this point! If you're dreaming of bagging the actual summit of North Schell Peak, you'll have to finish the journey on foot. Heads up: this road is usually open from late May through September, depending on how much snow Mother Nature decides to dump. Heavy snow makes it impassable during the colder months. So, if you're itching for a challenging drive with insane views, North Schell Peak is calling your name! Just remember, come prepared with a 4x4, a sense of adventure, and maybe a good chiropractor for afterwards. If narrow, unpaved mountain roads and heights make you queasy, stick to the lower sections of the creek and enjoy the scenery.