When Was the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway Built?
Usa, north-america
132 km
11 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Oregon road trip on the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway! This 82-mile loop is your ticket to the heart of the Cascades, a land sculpted by fire and ice. Originally a wagon road from the 1870s, this paved route now whisks you past mind-blowing scenery.
Give yourself 3-5 hours to really soak it all in – you'll want to stop! Expect jaw-dropping views of snow-capped Mount Washington and a massive, 65-square-mile lava flow from Windy Point. Keep an eye out for the stunning Sahalie and Koosah Falls, too.
A heads-up: this is a summer-only kind of adventure. McKenzie Pass usually closes from late fall to mid-June due to snow. And because of tight curves and a narrow road, leave the big RV at home – vehicles over 35 feet (and trailers!) aren't recommended over McKenzie Pass. This route is perfect for experiencing waterfalls, clear lakes reflecting volcanic landscapes, and ancient lava fields. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 132 km
- Max Elevation
- 11 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSmith Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Smith Peak in California's Plumas National Forest is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 7,677 feet (2,340m) up a seriously rugged, gravelly road. Think rocky, bumpy, and guaranteed to keep you on your toes! If unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is practically mandatory, and if heights aren't your thing, you might want to reconsider. It's a pretty steep climb, and if it's been raining? Muddy conditions could turn this into a real challenge. But, oh, the views! And at the top? A fire lookout awaits! So, if you're up for a bit of an adrenaline rush and some killer scenery, Smith Peak might just be your next unforgettable adventure.
moderateWhere is Tunnel Mountain Drive?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising just outside the charming town of Banff, Alberta, right in the heart of Banff National Park. You're on Tunnel Mountain Drive, an 8.1 km (5.03 mile) paved ribbon of road that starts near Surprise Corner on Buffalo Street and ends up back on Banff Avenue. This isn't just any drive; it hugs Tunnel Mountain itself, giving you amazing views as it twists and turns. Fair warning: this beauty is closed in the winter – it turns into a cross-country ski and snowshoe haven. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Bow Valley are incredible, with pristine fir and pine forests all around. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot some wildlife like deer, elk, or even a bear! Plan for plenty of stops, especially for snapping photos. The downhill views are a cyclist's dream. Now, a heads-up: Tunnel Mountain Drive gets steep in sections, with some ramps hitting an 11% gradient. It tops out at 1,518m (4,980ft) above sea level. It’s a slower road, popular with cyclists and hikers heading to the trails, so keep an eye out and share the road!
easyChristmas Tree Pass is an enjoyable drive through the desert of Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Christmas Tree Pass in Nevada! This isn't your typical Vegas experience. We're talking about a 16.3-mile dirt road (NPS Road 20) snaking through the Newberry Mountains, hitting a peak of 3,969 feet. Find it by heading outside Laughlin off NV-163 or coming from Searchlight on US-93. The views are seriously amazing – classic Nevada desert landscapes giving way to mountain scenery. You'll be cruising through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area so there are hiking and rock scrambling opportunities along the way! The road's generally in good shape but watch out for some steep and rough patches, especially on the east side just below the summit. High clearance is helpful in spots. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! The real highlight? The pass is named for *the* Christmas Tree – a local tradition of decorating a tree along the route with ornaments. Plus, don't miss Grapevine Canyon! Seriously cool ancient rock art is etched into the granite boulders. Allocate about an hour to drive, not including stops, along this route sacred to Native American tribes.
moderateAre Plan de Barrancas roads paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising from Guadalajara towards the sun-kissed Pacific coast, headed for Tepic or maybe even Puerto Vallarta. You're on the Plan de Barrancas roads (that's Mexico 15 and 15D, also known as the Guadalajara-Tepic autopista). These roads are paved, but hold on tight! They wind and weave like crazy through the rugged Sierra Madre mountains. Think hairpin turns and switchbacks as you climb to about 1,660 meters near La Venta el Astillero, then drop down to 930 meters in Tepic. Now, heads up: this stretch is known to be a bit dicey. Seems like folks sometimes misjudge those curves or get a little too lead-footed, especially since it's the "fastest" way to Puerto Vallarta. But hey, it's worth it! The views are insane – dramatic canyons, lush rainforest, and fields of agave plants stretching out as far as you can see. Keep an eye out for the remains of lava flow from the Ceboruco volcano; it blew its top back in the '40s! You'll also cruise through wildly different landscapes: think rainforest, tropical plants, oak trees, and even some pine forests. Talk about a scenic drive!