Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook - Image 1
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Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook

4.5
·83 reviews·Bisbee, United States

Iconic tunnel and scenic overlook offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mule Mountains. A must-stop for road trips.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook - Image 1

Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic tunnel and scenic overlook offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mule Mountains. A must-stop for road trips.

4.5
(83 reviews)

"It's just the most awesome place to go, it's incredible!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Drive with Confidence

The tunnel is two-lane and well-lit. Nervous drivers can use the right lane to ease concerns.

RV Friendly

With over 14 feet of clearance, this tunnel is safe for most RVs and larger vehicles.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook

Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook

Top of the tunnel

Capture breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. A must-visit for photographers and scenic drive enthusiasts.

Historic Tunnel Drive

Historic Tunnel Drive

Highway 80

Experience driving through this iconic, well-lit, two-lane tunnel, a significant landmark on the route to Bisbee.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Pass

The drive to Mule Pass Tunnel involves winding roads and elevation changes. While the tunnel itself is a two-lane road and well-lit, nervous drivers can utilize the right lane. The overlook offers stunning views, making the journey worthwhile.

Tunnel Access & Views

The tunnel has a clearance of over 14 feet, accommodating most vehicles including RVs. A side road leads to the top of the tunnel, providing a fantastic spot for photography and enjoying panoramic vistas.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Driving to Bisbee

Drive with Confidence

The tunnel is two-lane and well-lit. Nervous drivers can use the right lane to ease concerns. Reddit

RV Friendly

With over 14 feet of clearance, this tunnel is safe for most RVs and larger vehicles. Reddit

Scenic Drive Up

Enjoy the winding mountain roads leading to the tunnel; the journey is as beautiful as the destination. Reddit

Photo Opportunity

Head to the top of the tunnel via the side road for stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Drive with Confidence

The tunnel is two-lane and well-lit. Nervous drivers can use the right lane to ease concerns. Reddit

RV Friendly

With over 14 feet of clearance, this tunnel is safe for most RVs and larger vehicles. Reddit

Scenic Drive Up

Enjoy the winding mountain roads leading to the tunnel; the journey is as beautiful as the destination. Reddit

Photo Opportunity

Head to the top of the tunnel via the side road for stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(83 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from the overlook at Mule Pass Tunnel, calling it an 'awesome' and 'incredible' place. The drive itself is noted as beautiful, and the tunnel's accessibility for RVs is a significant plus. Some find the winding mountain roads a bit challenging, but the payoff in scenery is widely appreciated.

"This tunnel is located off Highway 80 in Bisbee AZ. We first passed it going to Sierra Vista. The Tunnel has a height of over 14 feet so it is safe to drive your RV thru it. It is a 2 lane road."

Nelida Safrit

"Well what can I say this is classic and it is beautiful and you can take the side road to go up to the top of the tunnel and at the top of the tunnel you can take photographs and it's beautiful it's just the most awesome place to go it's incredible"

Harris Rosenberg

"You'll pass through this tunnel on your way from Tombstone to Bisbee. It's accessible to most vehicles, and it's well lit inside even during the day. It's a beautiful drive up as you wind through the mountains to reach Bisbee and then drive under this concrete tunnel. Interior was clean and well-maintained- no graffiti or litter that I could see. Nice scenic nature views."

A Z

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Scenic mountain drive
Iconic tunnel landmark

What People Dislike

Winding mountain roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The drive to Mule Pass Tunnel involves winding roads and elevation changes as you ascend through the mountains. While there are turns, it's generally considered a manageable drive for most. Nervous drivers can take comfort in knowing the tunnel itself is a well-lit, two-lane road, and they can utilize the right lane if needed. Reddit

Mule Pass Tunnel is located on Highway 80, connecting Tombstone and Bisbee, Arizona. It's a scenic route that offers beautiful mountain views as you approach. Reddit

Yes, the tunnel has a clearance of over 14 feet, making it accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and larger trucks. Reddit

The tunnel is a two-lane road and is well-lit, even during the day. Drivers should be aware of the winding approach and potential for other vehicles. Reddit

Yes, due to the elevation gain on the drive up to the pass, temperatures are generally cooler than in the surrounding lower-lying areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets or fees required to visit the Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook. It's a public road and scenic viewpoint accessible to everyone. Reddit

Mule Pass Tunnel is part of Highway 80 and is open 24/7, as it's a public roadway. The overlook is also accessible at any time. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for the Mule Pass Tunnel Overlook. You can drive through the tunnel and access the overlook area freely. Reddit

Yes, the tunnel is well-lit and accessible 24/7. However, visiting the overlook for photography might be best during daylight hours for optimal views. Reddit

While there isn't a dedicated large parking lot, there are usually pull-off areas where you can safely park your vehicle to enjoy the views from the overlook. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most popular spot for photography is from the top of the tunnel, accessible via a side road. This vantage point offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the tunnel itself. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photographs. However, daytime offers clear views of the landscape and the tunnel structure. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnel. It's well-lit, making it possible to capture the tunnel's architecture as you drive through. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions on photography at Mule Pass Tunnel. However, always be mindful of traffic and ensure you are parked safely when taking pictures. Reddit

From the overlook, you can capture wide-angle shots of the mountain range, the winding highway, and the impressive concrete structure of the tunnel from above. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The drive to Mule Pass Tunnel can be an adventure for families, with winding roads offering exciting views. The tunnel itself is a point of interest, and its well-lit nature makes it less intimidating for younger passengers. Ensure you have plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey, as amenities are limited in this scenic mountain area. Reddit

The overlook at the top of the tunnel is a fantastic spot for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy the expansive views. It’s a great opportunity for them to see the landscape from a different perspective and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Remember to supervise children closely when near the edge of any overlooks. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

Mule Pass Tunnel is a quintessential stop for any Arizona road trip, especially when traveling between Tombstone and Bisbee. The drive itself is scenic, and the tunnel is an iconic piece of infrastructure. Don't miss the opportunity to drive through the tunnel and then head up to the overlook for breathtaking panoramic photos. Reddit

For those with larger vehicles like RVs, the tunnel's 14-foot clearance is a significant plus. The journey offers a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Mule Mountains and provides a memorable landmark to mark your travels. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mule Pass Tunnel Experience

The Mule Pass Tunnel, a significant landmark on Highway 80, offers more than just a passage through the mountains; it's a destination in itself. Travelers often describe the drive up to the tunnel as scenic, with winding roads that lead to impressive vistas. The tunnel itself is a well-maintained, two-lane concrete structure, noted for being well-lit even during the day, which reassures drivers, especially those who might be a bit apprehensive about mountain passes. Reddit

What truly elevates the experience is the access to the overlook at the top of the tunnel. A side road provides a route to this vantage point, which reviewers consistently praise for its stunning panoramic views. This spot is a favorite for photographers looking to capture the vast desert landscape and the impressive engineering of the tunnel from above. It's a place where you can pause, take in the scenery, and appreciate the rugged beauty of southeastern Arizona. Reddit

For those traveling with larger vehicles, the tunnel's height clearance of over 14 feet is a crucial piece of information, ensuring a smooth passage for RVs and other sizable vehicles. The overall impression is one of a classic, beautiful, and accessible landmark that offers a rewarding experience for anyone passing through the region. Reddit

Driving and Accessibility

The drive to Mule Pass Tunnel is part of the appeal for many visitors. As you ascend towards the pass, the roads become more winding, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountain terrain. While some drivers might find it a bit challenging, the general consensus is that it's manageable, especially with the reassurance of a two-lane tunnel ahead. Reddit

For those who are nervous drivers, the advice is to stay in the right lane and take your time. The tunnel itself is well-lit and designed for two-way traffic, making the passage through it straightforward. The fact that it can accommodate vehicles over 14 feet high, including RVs, means it's a practical route for a wide range of travelers. Reddit

Once you reach the overlook, accessibility is generally good for enjoying the views. While there might not be extensive paved pathways, the pull-off areas allow for easy access to admire the scenery. The journey is often described as beautiful, making the drive itself a memorable part of the visit. Reddit

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