
Is the Highway 180 Route Worth Taking from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon?
Usa, north-america
80.3 km
2,460 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising from Flagstaff toward the Grand Canyon, soaking in the Arizona sunshine. That's Highway 180 for you! Also known as Fort Valley Road and AZ Route 180, this paved gem delivers stunning views the whole way.
As you get closer to the mountains, prepare to be wowed by the Kaibab National Forest and the towering Humphrey’s and Kendrick peaks. Seriously, have your camera ready!
The drive itself is just under 50 miles (80.30 km) going mostly straight across the plateau, but it's the views to the east that steal the show. Budget about an hour and a half, but remember, traffic can play a part, so avoid rush hour if you can.
Heads up, though! This road climbs pretty high, topping out at around 8,070 feet (2,460m) near the San Francisco Peaks. Winter can bring some serious snowfall, making things slippery. So, definitely check the weather before you go!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 80.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,460 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardReno Lookout
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're in Arizona, craving epic views and a bit of an off-road adventure. You absolutely NEED to check out Reno Lookout. We're talking a seriously high-up spot in Greenlee County, clocking in at a whopping 9,104 feet above sea level! It's one of the highest points you can drive to in the whole state. The road up there, County Road 25C (aka Reno Lookout Road), is a well-maintained gravel forest road winding its way through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Expect a climb! It’s pretty steep in sections. Heads up though, this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The lookout tower itself has been standing guard since 1965. And a quick safety tip: keep an eye on the weather. If storms are brewing, maybe save this adventure for another day. The views from up there are incredible, but lightning and exposed towers? No thanks!
hardSouth Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for South Mountain in southeastern Utah's La Sal Mountains! This beast tops out at 10,688 feet, making it one of Utah's highest drives. Forget pavement—we're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and maybe even some tippy spots along Forest Road 4717. Winter? Nope, impassable! This one's for experienced 4x4 drivers only; high clearance is a must. Not a fan of heights or steep, eroded, and narrow roads? Maybe skip this one. But if you're game, the views are insane. Think stark rock landscapes of the Colorado Plateau meeting the pinyon forest hugging the La Sals. Seriously epic scenery!
moderateDriving the scenic North Carolina Highway 12 with sand and water
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: North Carolina Highway 12, a dreamy coastal route stretching 147 miles along the Outer Banks! It's basically a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the sand, linking all those cool peninsulas and islands up north. We're talking two lanes for most of it, squeezed between the sound and the sea. Now, fair warning, this road is a bit of a drama queen. Coastal storms LOVE to mess with it, so be prepared for potential flooding, sand invasions, and ferry shutdowns when the weather gets wild. Seriously, hurricanes can really do a number on NC 12. But hey, that also means awesome sand dunes and kite-flying opportunities when the wind's up! And the scenery? Stunning! You’ll find so much to keep you entertained as you bop along the islands of the Outer Banks. Plus, you've GOT to check out the historic lighthouses at Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Hatteras and Ocracoke are real gems. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
moderateWhere is Moonville Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and history buffs, listen up! Deep in the backwoods of southeastern Ohio, you'll find the legendary Moonville Tunnel. All that's left of the old coal-mining town, this abandoned railway tunnel from the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad era is seriously remote, surrounded by a dense forest. But it's not just the solitude that draws people here... it's the ghosts! The major legend says a railway worker (depending on who you ask, it was an engineer, conductor, brakeman, or signalman) was crushed by a train right in the tunnel. Now, people claim his ghost hangs around the entrance, waiting for a train that will never come. Countless witnesses report seeing a spectral figure in the shadows, and get this - it's been caught on camera multiple times! Getting there is a bit of an adventure. You'll have to park and hike in, but the eerie atmosphere and chance of a paranormal encounter make it worth the trip. Just be prepared for a spooky stroll!