
Queen City Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highway
Usa, north-america
159 km
1,819 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up space cadets, because Queen City Summit on Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway is out of this world! Located in the heart of Nevada, in Nye County, this pass tops out at a cool 5,967 feet. It's the highest point on the infamous Route 375, known for its, shall we say, *unusual* sightings.
This stretch of highway is paved and clocks in at just under 100 miles long. It's a lonely ride through miles of desert, connecting Crystal Springs (near Route 318) to Warm Springs (near Route 6). Keep an eye on the weather, as things can change quickly out here. Plus, be ready for some steep climbs along the way. Who knows, you might even spot a UFO!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 159 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,819 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateCamino al Tecolote
π²π½ Mexico
Okay, picture this: Baja California Sur, sun on your skin, and you're cruising Camino al Tecolote. This isn't just any road; it's a 21km ribbon of asphalt winding through a crazy beautiful desert landscape. Think towering saguaros and every kind of cactus you can imagine, all leading to the real star of the show: the coastline. Get ready for views of seriously stunning turquoise bays and beaches β the water is this incredible aqua/teal color that you won't believe is real. Keep your eyes peeled β while the road is paved, you'll want to pay attention to the curves and dips as you drink in the scenery. Trust me; this drive is worth it for the views alone.
hardCarrizo Mountain
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Imperial County, California, you HAVE to check out the Carrizo Mountain Trail. This isn't your Sunday drive β we're talking a seriously rugged climb up to 2,168 feet in the Coyote Mountains. The road, Carrizo Mountain Trail, itself? Think gravel, rocks, and maybe a few prayers. A 4x4 is an absolute MUST. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in your Prius. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a buddy to drive. Keep in mind this area is usually closed for part of the year, roughly January through June. Expect a nail-biting, narrow path with some serious drop-offs β one vehicle at a time, folks! It's steep, rocky, and loves to lean outwards, adding to the thrill. After rain, things get extra dicey, so watch out for loose gravel surprises. An old mine road winds through the colorful Painted Gorge, taking you almost to the top. Trust me, though, the views from the summit are worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll see the whole California Desert spread out before you!
moderateWhere is Cuchara Pass?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Cuchara Pass in southern Colorado! This stunner sits right on the Huerfano/Las Animas county line, topping out at a cool 9,960 feet. You'll find plenty of space at the summit to pull over, soak in the views, and maybe snap a few photos for the 'gram. The road up is totally paved; it's actually part of the legendary Highway of Legends (Colorado State Highway 12). As you wind your way up from Cuchara, keep an eye out for the striking volcanic dikes near Stonewall β seriously cool geology! The Cuchara River will be your companion for a good chunk of the drive northward. Speaking of the drive, it's about 22.2 miles of pure mountain bliss through the San Isabel National Forest, running from Cuchara up to Stonewall. Now, for the million-dollar question: can you drive it in winter? Generally, yes! But, being nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it's prone to those classic Colorado winter closures due to heavy snow and dicey conditions. So always check before you go!
easyHow long is the Loup Loup Pass route in Washington?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Washington state, right? You HAVE to hit up Loup Loup Pass. It's perched up at 4,020 feet, smack-dab in Okanogan County. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about your tires, plus the views? Insane! You'll be on State Route 20, winding through the Cascade Range. The whole shebang is just under 29 miles long, starting near Twisp in the Methow Valley and stretching all the way to Okanogan. Keep an eye out for the ski area right at the top β perfect for a little detour if you're there in the winter. Speaking of winter, this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva. From November to April, snow can shut things down temporarily, so always check conditions before you go. Trust me, though, it's worth it!