Where is MacDonald Pass?
Usa, north-america
70.81 km
1,930 m
easy
Year-round
MacDonald Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.930m (6,332ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Montana.
Where is MacDonald Pass?
The pass is located just west of Helena, on the boundary between Powell County and Lewis and Clark counties, within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
When was the road through MacDonald Pass built?
The road to the summit dates back to the 1860s. It was originally a toll road.
Is MacDonald Pass paved?
The road to the summit, also known as McDonald Pass, is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Route 12. The drive, largely flat and pleasant, is very scenic. The road definitely has some twists and turns.
How long is MacDonald Pass?
The road is 70.81km (44.0 miles) long, running west-east from Garrison (in Powell County) to Helena, the state capital of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County.
Is MacDonald Pass open in winter?
Set high in the Rocky Mountains, on the Continental Divide, the road is usually open all year round but short-term closures are common in winter.
CanAm Highway is a sensational drive from Mexico to Canada through the USA
A memorable road trip to Paradise Basin in Colorado
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 70.81 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,930 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving the challenging road to Mount Princeton in Colorado's Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you in the heart of Colorado's Chaffee County: Mount Princeton Road (Forest Service Road 322A). This bad boy climbs to a whopping 12,137 feet, earning its stripes as one of Colorado's highest roads. You'll find it nestled within the San Isabel National Forest. The road is a 6.2-mile unpaved climb from County Road 321. The first section is a breeze. But don't get too comfy! The last half-mile is where things get spicy, demanding a 4x4 beast. Most stock SUVs with some clearance should handle it, but leave your low-riders at the Young Life Camp and hike the rest. Prepare for a serious workout—we're talking an elevation gain of 3,520 feet! The average grade is a leg-burning 10.76%, with ramps hitting a max of 14%. Keep an eye on the calendar! Winter owns this place, so aim for a summer adventure. Snow typically shuts it down from November to June, and even in summer, the summit might be snow-covered. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, plenty of parking at the top, and a cool old weather station plus the Bristlecone Park Chalet to explore. Get ready for some serious bragging rights.
hardLa Marquesa is One of the Deadliest Highways in Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Mexico City-Toluca highway (that's Mexico 15D or 134D if you're mapping it out). This fully paved, six-lane rollercoaster links Mexico City and Toluca, spanning about 45 km (28 miles) of winding mountain roads. Hold on tight because you'll climb to a whopping 3,170m (10,400ft) above sea level! "La Marquesa," as the locals call it, has a reputation. Sharp curves and drivers who think they're in a Formula 1 race can make things a bit dicey. Plus, there are tons of roadside stops with restaurants, shops, and buses, which adds to the chaos. Keep your eyes peeled—fog rolls in regularly, cutting visibility big time. With heavy traffic and those tight turns, it's a challenging drive. Lots of folks commute between the cities, so you're never really alone out there. Enjoy the views, but stay focused!
easyHow long is Edgerton Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in Alaska's Big Delta, near Chitina in the Copper River Valley. You're about to cruise down the Edgerton Highway, a fully paved, totally accessible road stretching for a sweet 33.5 miles. Starting from the Richardson Highway (AK-4) at Pippin Lake, you'll head towards Chitina, right on the Copper River's west shore. Fun fact: the first 6 miles are almost dead straight, which is seriously rare for twisty Alaskan roads! Locals call it the Edgerton Cutoff, and it's open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to crazy weather. Good news though – you can find food, gas, lodging, and even RV parks along the way. Give yourself about an hour to drive it straight through, but honestly, you'll want to stop. The views are unreal, and it's the perfect gateway to Liberty Falls and the stunning scenery that’s drawing more and more people to this corner of Alaska. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
moderateTake An Unforgettable Drive to Richland Balsam in NC
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, fellow adventurers! Nestled way up high in the Great Balsam Mountains of North Carolina, you'll find Richland Balsam. We're talking serious elevation here, 6,053 feet to be exact! This beauty straddles Haywood and Jackson counties, deep in the southwestern part of the state. Yep, you can totally drive it! The road is paved, winding right up to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 431). You'll be cruising through the Nantahala National Forest on a nineteen-mile stretch from Balsam to Beech Gap. Be warned, though, it's a bit of a climb. Some parts get pretty steep, with gradients hitting 7%. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! The overlook has a huge parking area where you can soak in those panoramic vistas over a forest of amazing-smelling balsam firs. Plus, you can't miss the sign proudly announcing you're at the "Highest Elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway." Word to the wise: while it's usually open year-round, winter weather can shut things down. Check the forecast before you go, especially during the colder months.