When did Route 66 start?
Usa, north-america
3,200 km
1,082 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Route 66, the "Mother Road," stretching over 2,000 miles of pure Americana from the Windy City all the way to sunny Santa Monica. This legendary highway cuts a diagonal path through the heart of the US, taking you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
The highest point sits at 3,550 feet above sea level.
Now, give yourself around 13 days to soak it all in. Don't expect an easy ride — signage can be sparse and it's not on your standard map.
You'll be cruising on the same road that Easy Rider made famous. Get ready for an epic adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3,200 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,082 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Route 32 in Tennessee?
🇺🇸 Usa
Route 32 South in Tennessee is a real wild ride, tucked away in Cocke County. You'll definitely need your wits about you on this one! Where exactly is it? You'll find it hugging the eastern edge of Tennessee, snaking its way through the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Talk about scenic! How long is it? This paved adventure stretches for about 11.1 miles, starting from US-321 near Cosby all the way to State Road 1397 on the North Carolina side. Heads up: past that, it turns to gravel before eventually meeting I-40. So, what's the deal with this "Redneck Dragon" nickname? Well, it's earned. Think countless tight turns that jump out at you – you'll need some serious skills. What's it really like? Drivers say it's "not for the faint of heart." The corners come quick, especially if you're on a cruiser. Traffic's usually light, but getting stuck behind a slowpoke can be a "snoozefest." Even seasoned riders should be ready for anything. Some say it's tougher than the Tail of the Dragon because of those crazy tight turns and steep hills. But hey, the views are a major plus! Is it tough? You bet. Some sections hit a 10% grade, and it tops out at 2,556 feet. Light traffic and endless turns make it a real test. RVs? Nope, not recommended. And take extra care if it's raining or has just rained. How long does it take? You could blast through in 40-50 minutes, but why rush? Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe stop at a lookout or two. This road deserves to be savored!
easyIs Eureka Summit paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to drive Alaska Route 1 through Eureka Summit. At a cool 3,332 feet, this pass in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough isn't just any drive – it's one of the highest paved roads in all of Alaska! This isn't some backwoods trail, either. The whole thing is smooth sailing on pavement, taking you on a 179-mile adventure from Anchorage all the way to Glennallen. Think of it: you'll cruise north from Anchorage, following historic paths and soaking in Alaska’s raw, natural beauty. The summit itself? Picture this: a little lake shimmering in the sun, and you can grab a bite and fill up your tank at the bar-restaurant and gas station right there. Just a heads up, though: this area sees some serious snowfall in the winter, so be prepared if you're traveling during the colder months!
moderateEisenhower Tunnel is one of the highest tunnels in the world
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising along the I-70 in Colorado, about an hour west of Denver, you absolutely have to experience the Eisenhower-Edwin C. Johnson Memorial Tunnel. Snuggled high in the Rockies, inside the Arapaho National Forest, this pair of tunnels punches straight through the Continental Divide, connecting Summit and Clear Creek counties. We're talking serious altitude here – over 11,150 feet above sea level! The Eisenhower Memorial Bore (westbound) clocks in at 1.693 miles long, while the Edwin C. Johnson Bore (eastbound) is just a smidge longer at 1.697 miles. Both are paved and ready to whisk you away! A staggering 10 million vehicles make the trek each year, especially on weekends and holidays. While it’s a quick five-minute zip through the tunnels, dodging Loveland Pass saves you nearly 10 miles and a whole lot of driving time. Keep in mind the approach grades are pretty steep at 6-7% so be prepared for that. Oh, and heads up, no hazardous material vehicles allowed unless Loveland Pass is closed.
hardBig Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Utah road trippers, listen up! Big Ridge. We're talking a whopping 11,099 feet high in Duchesne County! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Forest Road 199 is a rugged climb, seriously rocky and steep. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. If you're not comfy on unpaved, challenging mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Definitely bring your 4x4 and a good dose of courage, because heights are a major player here. Prepare for some seriously steep sections, but the views? Totally worth the white knuckles.