A drive through Glenwood Canyon is a feast for the eyes
Usa, north-america
N/A
610 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a ride through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado! This 12.5-mile stretch of I-70, straddling Garfield and Eagle counties, is an absolute engineering masterpiece. Think 40 bridges and viaducts, plus 3 tunnels, all woven together!
This isn't just a drive, it's an experience. The road's open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. Seriously, the views are epic. You're cruising alongside the mighty Colorado River, which carved this canyon over, like, three million years.
The canyon walls tower up to 2,000 feet above you, and you're surrounded by the White River National Forest – wilderness vibes are strong here. Just a heads up, though: this area is known for occasional rockslides, so keep an eye out. Completed in 1992, this route has a history dating back to the pioneer days, but the modern construction is a must do.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 610 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardGranite Butte
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! Wanna conquer a mountain in Montana? Head to Granite Butte, a 7,604-foot peak in Lewis and Clark County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a gravel road that gets pretty gnarly as you climb through the Helena National Forest. Rocky, bumpy, and definitely tippy in spots, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle for the final push. And fair warning: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the adventure! You'll be standing on the Continental Divide, gazing out at the Scapegoat Wilderness, Big Belt Mountains, and Scratchgravel Hills. Oh, and did I mention the lookout tower built in 1962? Talk about a photo op! This road's a steep climb, but the panoramic views from the top are an experience you won't forget.
hardBull Run Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bull Run Pass in California's Tulare County is calling your name, but fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a serious climb up to 7,588 feet above sea level in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The road? Let's just say it's intimately acquainted with gravel and rocks. Translation: expect a bumpy ride! Plan your trip accordingly, as this beast is typically snowed in from October to June. If you're not comfortable navigating unpaved, steep mountain roads, this might be a pass (pun intended!). A 4x4 is an absolute must, and if you're prone to vertigo, maybe sit this one out. Word on the street is the Bull Park Trail section is especially rough. But hey, the views are probably killer if you dare to look!
easyNicola Highway is a scenic drive along the Nicola River
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada, you NEED to check out the Nicola Highway. Officially, it's Highway 8, but locals just call it pure driving bliss. Picture this: you're cruising along a perfectly paved road, carved right into the heart of the Nicola Valley. This gem was built back in '53 but has gotten some serious TLC recently. Even though it's in great shape, it still feels like a secret only a few of us know about. Nestled high up in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, this road is kept in tip-top condition year-round. But pro tip: if you're visiting in winter, snow tires are a must. The road stretches for about 65 km (40 miles), hugging the Nicola River all the way from Lower Nicola (near Merritt and Highway 97C) to Spences Bridge (where it meets Highway 1). The best part? Hardly any traffic! Seriously, even on a sunny afternoon, you might only see a handful of other cars. And when you do, it's usually fellow road-trippers or a few sport bike riders chasing that adrenaline rush.
hardWhere is Mount Antero Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Buena Vista or Salida, Colorado, you HAVE to check out Mount Antero! This peak, named after a Ute chief, sits pretty in the southern Sawatch Range. Here's the deal: You can actually DRIVE almost to the top! Baldwin Gulch Road (aka County Road 277) is a wild 6.9-mile climb that kicks off from Chalk Creek Drive. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, rough terrain that demands a 4x4 with serious clearance. The road is super narrow with switchbacks that'll test your nerves. Oh, and did I mention the crazy drop-offs? Experienced drivers only, folks. Passing another car? Forget about it in most spots. The road typically opens in June or July, depending on the snow. It was originally built in the 50s for mining beryl, so keep an eye out for aquamarine and other gemstones! This whole area is a rockhound's DREAM. The climb is STEEP, averaging nearly 12% – you'll gain over 4,300 feet! But trust me, the 360-degree views of the Sawatch Range from the top are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be aware of possible lightning storms, stay on the marked trails, and you are good to go!