Loop Road of Everglades in Florida: watch out for alligators

Loop Road of Everglades in Florida: watch out for alligators

Usa, north-america

Length

3,862 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Everglades National Park's Loop Road: Get ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the heart of Florida! This hidden gem, also known as County Road 94 or Big Cypress Loop Road, begins and ends along US Hwy 41. Just 40 miles from Miami, it's an easily accessible escape.

Clocking in at 24 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The eastern 7 miles are paved, leading to the Loop Road Environmental Education Center (perfect for a picnic!). After that, it's all gravel and dirt – raw and real.

During the summer wet season (May-October), be warned: parts of the road can be underwater! High-clearance vehicles are recommended, but in dry weather, most cars can manage with a little patience and slow speeds. Watch out for potholes! The rugged appearance hints at abandoned development dreams, adding a layer of intrigue to the journey.

Located within the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, this is a slow-paced exploration. Plan for at least 1.5 hours, but trust me, you'll want to take longer. Traffic is minimal, so prepare to cruise at 20mph or less.

The Loop Road snakes through Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties, showcasing a diverse range of habitats. South of the Tamiami Trail, it provides access to the national preserve's more remote areas. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially alligators – they're everywhere! This road puts you right in the heart of the action, averaging just 18 inches above the surrounding waterscape. Stop at the culverts and bridges, listen, and look closely – you never know what you'll spot. Legend has it that Al Capone had a hunting lodge here, but don't expect any gangster sightings today!

Where is it?

Loop Road of Everglades in Florida: watch out for alligators is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.2174, -96.7332

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
3,862 km
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
41.2174, -96.7332

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Swamp Lake?hard

Where is Swamp Lake?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: You're in Central California, deep in the Sierra National Forest, itching for an off-road adventure. Swamp Lake is calling your name, sitting pretty at 9,609 feet! But let me tell you, getting there is no Sunday drive. This isn't your average trail; it's seriously steep and rocky, with boulders that seem determined to stop you. One wrong move, and you could be in trouble. You'll be crawling over obstacles and tackling some hair-raising climbs. To get there, you'll start from Highway 168 near Shaver Lake, wind your way through Dinkey Creek Road, McKinley Grove Road, and then hit Big Fir Road. Keep an eye out for those logging road signs, but don't get complacent; it quickly turns into a proper 4x4 trail. We're talking modified vehicles with serious ground clearance and at least one diff locker recommended. And forget about winter; this road is snowed under most of the season. But here's the payoff: gorgeous scenery, epic views of the surrounding lakes, meadows, and peaks. Plus, you'll find excellent fishing spots along the way. Even better, you'll likely have the place almost to yourself, even on holidays. This trek is not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.

Is Blewett Pass paved?easy

Is Blewett Pass paved?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up for Blewett Pass! This fully paved stretch of US Highway 97 straddles Kittitas and Chelan counties in Washington, promising just under 50 miles of scenic driving heaven (or, you know, a quick 55-minute blast if you're in a hurry). Named after some mining dude from way back when, this pass sits pretty at 4,114 feet above sea level in the gorgeous Wenatchee National Forest. Think towering trees and mountain vistas – seriously Instagrammable! The road winds its way from Ellensburg up to Peshastin. Keep an eye on the weather though, especially in winter. This beauty can get a bit wild, and snow might mean restrictions or closures. But most of the year, Blewett Pass is ready for your road trip adventures!

Where is McClellan Mountain?moderate

Where is McClellan Mountain?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, so you wanna bag a peak in Colorado? Check out McClellan Mountain! This baby tops out at a cool 13,110 feet, making it one of the highest drivable spots in the state. You'll find it west of Georgetown, in the northern part of the state. The route up follows the old Argentine Central Railroad bed – a seriously impressive feat of engineering from way back in 1905. Get ready for six switchbacks where the train used to zigzag its way up the mountain. Now, listen up: this isn't a Sunday cruise. The road is 100% unpaved and rocky. You're gonna need a proper SUV with low-range to tackle this one. Expect tight switchbacks and some seriously challenging terrain. The first section, right off Guanella Pass Road, is probably the toughest part, so be ready for it. The whole thing is about 8.7 miles from the pavement of Guanella Pass Road, and you'll climb over 3,000 feet – that's an average gradient of around 7%! Best to hit this one in the summer, when the snow's gone. And the views? Totally worth it. Plus, you get to check out historic spots like the old railroad remains along the way. Epic!

Cline Buttehard

Cline Butte

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Cline Butte! This gem is tucked away in Deschutes County, Central Oregon, offering a sweet summit at 4,101 feet. The road up? Let's just say your vehicle will get a workout. Think gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride – you'll definitely feel the terrain! Prime time to visit is October through May, but be warned: Mother Nature can throw curveballs. Thunderstorms can turn the road into a 4x4-only zone or even make it impassable. The climb kicks off from Cline Falls Road and stretches for about 2.5 miles. It's a steady climb, gaining 938 feet in elevation with some seriously steep sections along the way. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it!