Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a scenic drive in Escalante National Monument
Usa, north-america
89.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Hole-in-the-Rock Road in southern Utah is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about 55.8 miles (89.80km) of pure, unadulterated dirt road magic, straddling Garfield and Kane counties within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Built way back in 1879 by some seriously determined Mormon pioneers, this road is steeped in history and natural beauty. For the first 35 miles or so from UT-12 near Escalante, most cars can handle it if the weather's good. But trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for the final stretch within Glen Canyon, especially if there's been rain. It gets ROUGH.
Expect some washboarding, ruts, and maybe even some washouts along the way. This isn't a place you want to get stuck, so pack plenty of water (at least a gallon per person per day is a good rule of thumb!), and be prepared to handle anything. Cell service is spotty at best, and temperatures can swing wildly from scorching hot in the summer to freezing in the winter. Flash floods are a real concern, especially during the summer monsoon season.
Allow 3-5 hours for the drive, but honestly, you might want to budget even more time to soak it all in. You'll have access to incredible spots like Devil’s Garden and the amazing Dry Fork slot canyons, plus historic sites like Dance Hall Rock and the legendary Hole-in-the-Rock itself on the shores of Lake Powell. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a scenic drive in Escalante National Monument is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.3773, -99.0622
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 89.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.3773, -99.0622
Related Roads in north-america
extremeUnraveling the Secrets of Kern Canyon Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an epic California road trip? Buckle up for Kern Canyon Road (CA Highway 178) in Kern County! This 40-mile stretch from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella, snaking through the Southern Sierra Nevada, is not for the faint of heart. Built way back in the day (think late 1890s to 1924) to support a powerhouse, this road is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and seriously steep drop-offs right alongside the Kern River. You’ll be gripping the wheel through narrow lanes, especially in the first half, before things open up to a four-lane stretch. Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – this road can be dangerous. It’s known for its fair share of accidents, so keep your eyes on the road and drive smart! Be extra careful of rock slides, especially after rain. The canyon walls expand and contract with the weather, so rocks can come loose. And if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. Despite the hazards, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Think rocky cliffs, dramatic vistas, and the (dam-controlled) Kern River rushing alongside. Just a word of caution about that river – swimming is HIGHLY discouraged. The currents are strong, the water's cold, and there are hidden hazards like fallen trees. Stay well back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and definitely don't underestimate the river’s power. If you do fall in, don't fight the current – float on your back with your feet downstream until you can reach the bank. And leave the inflatables at home, they’re no match for the Kern River! This drive is a mix of thrills and chills, but with the right precautions, you're in for a memorable ride!
hardWhere is Green River Cove Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, motorcycle fans, listen up! Green River Cove Road in Polk County, North Carolina, is calling your name. Tucked away in the southwestern part of the state, this baby is 10.7 miles (17.21km) of pure Appalachian thrill. Picture this: You're winding through the Green River Game Lands, a massive forested area, tackling hairpin after hairpin. We're talking 17 of them, some boasting a heart-pumping 22% incline if you hug the inside lane! Most of the road hangs out in the 6-8% grade range, with a few spots kicking it up a notch. Watch out for oncoming traffic though! This isn't a Sunday cruise. It's a proper challenge, with tight switchbacks and some seriously steep sections. The road was paved back in 2015, so you can enjoy the ride without dodging too much tar and rock, as it used to be! Get ready for an awesome ride!
moderateDriving the historic road to Walker Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Walker Pass! This epic mountain pass sits way up high in California's Kern County, clocking in at a cool 5,259 feet. You'll find it in the southern Sierra Nevada, connecting the San Joaquin Valley with the Mojave Desert. This pass has some serious history. It's named after Joseph Walker, a total legend who blazed trails through here back in the 1800s. Think wagon trains and Gold Rush pioneers! These days, it's a fully paved road – State Route 178 – but don't let that fool you. This isn't your average cruise. It's a twisting, turning two-lane adventure that stretches for about 19.4 miles between Canebrake and Freeman Village. The pass is usually open year-round, making it a pretty reliable route. However, keep an eye on the weather during winter, because it can get snowy, and temporary closures happen. Plus, watch out for rockfalls – those sneaky rocks can be a hazard any time of year! But hey, the views? Totally worth it.
moderateHana Highway
🇺🇸 United States
# The Hana Highway: Maui's Ultimate Coastal Adventure Ready for one of the most breathtaking drives on the planet? The Hana Highway is calling your name. This 84-kilometer stretch hugs the northeast coast of Maui like it's holding onto a secret, and honestly, it kind of is. Buckle up for 620 curves and 59 bridges—many of them narrow, single-lane throwbacks to 1910 that'll make you feel like you're driving through history. The scenery is absolutely next-level. You're talking dense tropical rainforest, cascading waterfalls that'll make your jaw drop, dramatic sea cliffs that plunge into the ocean, and those moody black sand beaches that look like they're from another world. It's the kind of road that makes you understand why people become travel photographers. What really makes this drive special are the local touches. You'll roll through small communities that have barely changed in decades—the real Maui, basically—where roadside stands are loaded with fresh tropical fruit and local treats worth stopping for. Don't skip the Garden of Eden Arboretum, and definitely carve out time for Wai'anapanapa State Park's stunning volcanic black sand beach. If you're feeling adventurous, the pools at Ohe'o Gulch in Haleakala National Park are absolutely worth the detour. Plan for 2-4 hours one way, depending on how many stops you make (spoiler: you'll want to make a lot).