Mountain Pass Scenic Drive
Visitor Services

Service	Description	Service	Description
	Camping The nearest established campground is Winding Stair. It is located about 1.5 miles west of the junction between US 259 and OK 1 along OK 1.		Information The Mountain Pass Scenic Drive has an information center in the vicinity; located on US Highway 59/270, five miles north of its north... [more]

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

There is a store/gas station along the byway at Big Cedar at the junction of Hwy. 63 and Hwy. 259. Traveler services, including food, fuel, lodging, and vehicle service are available at distances of 10 miles or more in Talihina, OK; Heavener, OK; Poteau, OK; and Mena, AR.

there is a very sharp curve just north of Three Sticks and South of Big Cedar on the byway that travelers should traverse slowly. Some steep grades on the route will slow down commercial traffic, but passing lanes are available. Large recreational vehicles and vehicles with RV trailers are advised of the need to check and rest their brakes. The route has no paved shoulders and few areas for passing.

The route receives minimal plowing or sanding in the winter months. Travelers are asked to be particularly careful driving the passes during seasons of snow and ice. Year-round, valley fog, low-hanging rain clouds, or smoke from springtime prescribed fire, will cause fog-like conditions on the route and increase driving time.

Due to the winter cold and the lack of electricity along many segments of the route, many facilities close for the season. Travelers are encouraged to call the US Forest Service in advance for days of operation and up-to-date recreation and facility information.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

The splendors of the new spring greens and the fall color season enhance the vividness of the views and will maximize the traveler experience.

High Season

The fall color season attracts the highest number of vehicles and tour buses at any one time, particularly on the weekends and at the facilities.

Winter

Travelers should be particularly careful driving the passes during seasons of snow and ice.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Mountain Pass Scenic Drive, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.

Oklahoma