If the weather permits, this is a beautiful drive up and over the mountains. The road leads from Palmer, through the pass, into Willow, or vice versa if coming from the other direction. We were worried some about the road after reading the reviews, but we had no issues in our rented Camry. I don't think there are no set dates on when the pass opens and appears to be based off when enough snow and ice melt to make it safe to drive. You can take some beautiful pictures towards the top of the pass. Summit Lake wasn't much to look at, but the surrounding area is a great place to stop and take pictures. The full drive from Palmer to Willow is fairly long (40+ miles), and the last 20 miles outside of Willow is pretty flat following the creek running off the mountain. It is still pretty, but if pressed for time, go to the top of the pass from Palmer and come back down the same way.