Where is Wawona Road?
Usa, north-america
42 km
1,874 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to check out Wawona Road (aka Route 41) in California's Mariposa County. Seriously, the views are unreal. This beauty is tucked away in the southern part of Yosemite National Park, winding its way north from Highway 41 near Wawona.
It's totally paved, so no need for a monster truck, and it's open all year round! Heads up though – you might need tire chains between October and April.
This 42km (26.1 mile) stretch of road is more than just a drive; it's an experience. There are tons of places to pull over and soak in Yosemite's magic. Plus, there's even a gas station in Wawona that's open year-round - score!
But the real showstopper? The Wawona Tunnel! At 4,233 feet long, it's the longest highway tunnel in California. When you pop out the other side at Tunnel View, BAM! You're hit with that iconic Yosemite Valley vista. El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall – it's all there in one epic panorama. This spot gets crowded, especially in summer, so try to get there early. Trust me, it's worth it! The road tops out at 6,148 feet, so hold on to your hat!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,874 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road! Located in southeastern , this isn't just a drive, it's an experience. Stretching for about 20 miles from the paved British Columbia Highway 93 (Kootenay Highway) to the White River Forest Service Road, this route is a stunner. But hold on, it's not all smooth sailing. Expect narrow, winding sections that'll test your driving skills – especially between km 15 and km 18 – so keep those headlights on! Watch out for mine ore trucks and seriously oversized logging trucks; they own the road, so give them plenty of space. Heads up: you'll be off the grid with no cell service in some spots! Good news: during the , most vehicles can tackle this road. But remember, mountain weather is a beast, so be prepared for anything! Why should you brave this road? Oh, the scenery! Think Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, epic rivers, shimmering lakes, and unbelievably majestic, craggy mountain peaks. Seriously, the views are worth it. Just be warned, this gem gets pretty popular on weekends.
moderateRichardson Highway: a historic trip from Valdez to Fairbanks in AK
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, picture this: the Richardson Highway – aka the "Adventure Corridor" – your ticket to the real Alaska, connecting Valdez on the coast to Fairbanks up in the Interior. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 368-mile (562 km) cross-section of the state! This baby’s paved, mostly two lanes, though it widens out near Fairbanks. Keep an eye out for frost heaves and patches, but overall, it’s in pretty good shape. The best part? You won’t be fighting traffic, even in summer! Just make sure to fuel up whenever you hit a town – don't rely on those tiny roadhouses. Also, heads up for potential mudslides and landslides in some areas. This road has serious history, dating back to the gold rush days! It started as a trail in 1898, got upgraded over the years, and finally paved in 1957. And guess what? It's usually open year-round, though winter storms might throw a wrench in your plans. The highest point sits at 3,297 feet (1.005m) above sea level. Now, you *could* blast through this in about 7 hours non-stop. But seriously, why would you? This drive is all about the views: glaciers, waterfalls, towering mountains, and endless landscapes. Plan for a couple of days to soak it all in. We're talking epic views of the Chugach Mountains, the Alaska Range, and some of the best glacier gazing in the state. Plus, you'll get to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline snaking its way alongside the road. Trust me, this is a road trip you won't forget!
moderateWhere is the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico, right in the heart of Eddy County. You're winding your way through the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, heading towards the incredible Carlsbad Caverns – a mind-blowing network of limestone caves sculpted over, like, 250 million years. The whole drive, which they also call Reef Top Circle, takes about 45 minutes and is a chance to soak in all the desert has to offer – plants, critters, the whole shebang. There are marked stops along the way so you can delve deeper into what you're seeing with a guide. You can do this drive any time of year, but be warned, it can get HOT in the summer months. Fall is where it's at, though – just perfect driving weather. The dirt road itself is almost 10 miles long, a one-way loop that kicks off from Carlsbad Cavern Highway (Highway 7) near the visitor center and loops back around. Keep in mind this is a bit rough for cars that sit low to the ground, and it's a no-go for RVs, buses, or trailers.
extremeWhere is Argentine Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Argentine Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,034m (13,234ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads in Colorado Where is Argentine Pass? The pass is located on the boundary between Clear Creek and Summit counties, in the northern part of Colorado, within the White River National Forest. When was the road through Argentine Pass built? The first road through the pass was a wagon road built in 1867. It was constructed to connect the towns located on the western slope of the Continental Divide with the eastern slope towns. How long is the road to Argentine Pass? The road to the summit, formerly known as Sanderson Pass and Snake River Pass, is totally unpaved. It’s called County Road 352. The pass road is 12.71km (7.9 miles) long, starting at Road (County Road 381). Is the road to Argentine Pass in Colorado dangerous? It’s a narrow, very steep, and loaded with hairpin turns rough 4×4 road. High clearance 4×4 vehicles only. Over-sized vehicles are not advised. The route is extremely rocky and gets very narrow at the top. This is a moderate trail with some very rocky sections and a couple of deep stream crossings. Is the road to Argentine Pass open? Set high in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the road is subject to seasonal closure. Snow can block the trail well into summer. It’s only passable in good weather during the summer. Vehicle travel is only possible on the Georgetown side of the pass. On the Horseshoe Basin side is only accessible by foot or by mountain bike. Is the road to Argentine Pass scenic? The drive offers stunning views, and there’s plenty of parking at the top. Don’t miss Santiago Mine and Ghost Town. (Caution: Mine is on private property. Stay on the road and well away from buildings) . Spectacular views are enjoyed from both sides of the Continental Divide upon reaching the summit. Grays & Torreys Peaks are visible to the north. After enjoying the view, return the way you came, and enjoy the fun and fast ride back. Great views of Peru Creek looking down from the top. Is the road to Argentine Pass steep? The road to the summit is very steep. Starting at Guanella Pass Road (County Road 381), the elevation gain is 1,126 meters. The average gradient is 8.85%. White Mountain Peak in California is one of the highest roads in the USA Travel Guide to Lolo Pass in Oregon 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.