Friendship Pass

What a gem! We almost skipped this because the entrance road looked a bit rough, but it was totally fine in our sedan. The entry fee is reasonable and there’s a big grassy area near the picnic tables where we ate lunch after the hike. The staff at the ticket hut were friendly and gave us a heads up about the hawk nesting near the east overlook – we got lucky and saw it swoop down. My kids loved the 'passport stamp' at the top. For a low-key day in nature, this is hard to beat. We’ll be back.

Friendship Pass surprised me in the best way. I went expecting just another scenic overlook, but the interpretive signs along the trail actually told the story of the old trading route and the friendship pact between the two communities. My grandfather used to tell me about this area, so standing at the stone marker felt really special. The visitor center volunteer was sweet and gave us a map of the shorter loop, which had wildflowers everywhere. It’s a peaceful, meaningful stop and the facilities were spotless. Absolutely recommend taking the time to read the history.

This place completely exceeded my expectations. I arrived just before sunrise and literally had the whole upper ridge to myself. The way the light slowly hit the peaks and the mist rolled through the pass was unreal. The path is clearly marked and there are a few benches built right into the rocks where you can just sit and take it all in. I’m not super fit, but the switchbacks are gentle and the views start before you even reach the top. Easily the highlight of my road trip. Can’t wait to come back in autumn.

Really enjoyed our afternoon here! The hike up to the main viewpoint is moderate – took us about 40 minutes with stops. The 360-degree view at the top is stunning, especially the section looking over the valley. We came in the late afternoon and the light was gorgeous. Only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is the parking lot was completely full by 10am and the overflow lot is a long gravel walk without any shade. Once you get past that, it’s a beautiful spot. Bring water and wear good shoes.

Honestly, Friendship Pass was just okay for us. We drove an hour out of the way based on the photos, but the day we went was super hazy so the view from the top was mostly gray. The trail itself is well-maintained, and there are some cool rock formations near the second overlook, but the entrance felt a bit steep for what you get. There's also only one small snack stand and the restrooms were locked when we got there. If you're in the area and have extra time, sure, but I wouldn't go out of your way.

Friendship Pass blew me away. I went for sunset and stayed late to do a bit of stargazing—the sky turned from pink to deep purple and then exploded with stars. The overlook has low rails so you can actually sit and take it in without feeling boxed in. There's a little stone shelter if the wind picks up, which was a lifesaver. Definitely a hidden gem, just wish the road had better lights on the way down.

Took the family here during our road trip and it was a highlight for all of us. The terrain is manageable for kids (we have a 7 and 9-year-old), and there are plenty of flat picnic spots near the lower lot. The views are jaw-dropping, especially on a clear day. We spent almost two hours just taking it all in. The staff at the info kiosk were friendly and gave us tips for a quieter trail. We'll definitely be back.

Absolutely fell in love with this place! We arrived right at sunrise and watched the valley fill with golden light. The whole walk felt like stepping into a postcard—wildflowers everywhere, the air crisp and clean, and not another soul in sight. The panoramic view from the top is unreal. This is why I travel. Can't recommend enough!

Friendship Pass is a solid stop if you're driving through the area. The drive up is gorgeous and there are pull-offs for photos. We did the short loop in the morning and had almost the place to ourselves. The views are grand, though the wind was brutal at the top—bring a layer even in summer. The little visitor center was closed, which was a bummer, but the overlook made up for it. I'd give it a 4 because it's beautiful but not mind-blowing.

Maybe I had too high expectations after seeing all the photos. The pass itself is beautiful, but the trailhead was a mess—parking was chaotic and the signs to the main viewpoint were confusing. We spent an hour just figuring out where to go. Once we made it, the view was nice, but honestly not better than other spots nearby. Okay for a quick stop, but don't plan your whole day around it.