Why is it called Patchwork Parkway?
Usa, north-america
82 km
1,829 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through southwestern Utah? You HAVE to check out the Patchwork Parkway. This 51-mile stretch connects Heritage Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12, winding from around 6,000 feet up to a whopping 10,626 feet on a stunning plateau before dipping back down to 6,500 feet.
Why "Patchwork"? Legend has it that pioneers used to lay quilts on the snow to protect their feet, hence the name! You'll be tracing routes once used by Native Americans and early settlers.
This fully paved road – also known as Scenic Byway 143 and the Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway – links Parowan to Panguitch and gives you access to Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Panguitch Lake. Speaking of which, don't miss a stop at Panguitch Lake for some amazing fishing.
The views are insane! Think dramatic geological rock formations, serene lakes, and lush forests. A quick detour between Milepost 8 and 9 leads to Hidden Haven, a secret oasis with a waterfall and rock climbing – totally worth it. It’s only a couple of hours to drive the whole thing but give yourself more time, you will want to stop! The road has overlooks and pullover areas where you can admire peaks and plateaus, lakes, lava fields and canyons.
Just a heads-up: you will want to take it slow, there are some exposed and unsecured sections of road in innumerable twists and turns. Also, the scenery is breathtaking. Expect vibrant orange and red canyons, silt cliffs, and forests of pine, fir, and spruce. The plateaus are also prime for stargazing. And if you have the time, a quick 30-mile detour south from Panguitch will get you to the unearthly Bryce Canyon, where you can marvel at the hoodoos and stone forests.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 82 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,829 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the highest paved road in Washington to Sunrise Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Sunrise Point in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park. Perched way up high at 6,420 feet, this is the highest point you can drive to in the whole park! The road itself, Sunrise Park Road (or just Sunrise Road), is paved the whole way. But fair warning: it's a twisty, turny climb, and it's narrow in places. If you're rocking a mega RV or towing anything longer than 25 feet, you might want to chill at the White River Campground intersection. The fun starts from WA-410, and it's a 15.4-mile trek up a super steep and windy road, which opened way back in 1931. This is one of the highest roads in Washington, so keep in mind it's usually only open from late June/early July to late September/early October because of all that glorious winter snow. Even in late September, they close it down at night at the White River Campground junction, opening it up again in the morning if the weather cooperates. You could technically blast up in about 30 minutes without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to take your time. The scenery is insane! There's a big parking lot at the top, and Sunrise Point is just WOW. On a clear day, you're treated to jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the valleys below, majestic Mount Rainier, and a bunch of other Cascade volcanoes like Mount Adams. And if you squint just right, you can even spot the top of Mount St. Helens! It's an absolute must-see.
extremeDriving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
# Poughkeepsie Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Poughkeepsie Pass (also called California Pass) sits at a breathtaking 12,919 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable roads. This 11.5-mile beast of a route runs west-east from Ironton to Animas Forks, passing just south of picturesque Lake Como. Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical scenic mountain drive. County Road 19 is a gavel and rocky nightmare that demands serious respect. We're talking about a steep, rough track that's exclusively for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Jeeps have been known to roll here, and that's not an exaggeration. You'll encounter erosion, loose rocks, deep mud holes, and obstacles up to 5 feet high, plus near-vertical grades that'll make your palms sweat. The infamous "The Wall" used to be a mandatory climb or turn-around situation—until 2015 when a bypass finally got built. Even so, you'll absolutely need differential lockers and a winch before even thinking about attempting this. A particularly sharp, steep hairpin curve becomes extra treacherous on the way down, and water crossings with strong currents can appear without warning. This trail has crushed the confidence of experienced drivers and isn't for casual adventurers. Novices shouldn't even consider it—you need genuine 4x4 expertise and a vehicle that can handle serious punishment. Snow typically stays until April, so the season runs April through October when conditions allow. The payoff? Absolutely stunning views that make every white-knuckle moment worth it.
hardWhere is Vinegar Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Vinegar Hill in eastern Oregon's Umatilla National Forest! This beast of a mountain road clocks in at over 8,200 feet, making it one of the highest in the state. Starting near the old ghost town of Austin, you'll be tackling Forest Service Road 2010 (aka Vincent Creek Road). The first 6 miles are generally maintained, but after that, things get real. Expect a totally unpaved surface, so this is where you might want to park your sedan. The remaining 4 miles to the top demand 4WD! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You're looking at some seriously steep grades, topping out at a butt-clenching 15% in spots! From bottom to top, you'll climb about 3,600 feet in just 10 miles, averaging a pretty intense incline. Keep an eye out for snow blocking the path until around late June. But trust me, the views from the summit are worth every bump and grind!
hardWhere is Carretera 606?
🌍 Costa Rica
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Carretera 606, snaking through the mountains in the northwest of the country. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! This road is a real rollercoaster. Starting near [Town Name], heading north to [Town Name], you've got about [Length] of pure driving bliss (or terror, depending on your perspective!). Paved, yes, but don't let that fool you. We're talking hairpin turns galore, squeezing through some seriously narrow sections, and climbing some steep inclines. You'll top out at around 4,520 feet, so be ready for some breathtaking views. It's a challenging drive with hundreds of turns and steep sections. Get ready for an adventure!