A few switchbacks to Douglas Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
113.29 km
2,526 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Douglas Pass! This scenic byway, also known as Colorado Highway 139 or Douglas Pass Road, winds through Garfield County, Colorado. It's a fully paved route stretching 70.4 miles (113.29km) between Rangely and Loma, so you're in for a good stretch of road.
Originally built in the 1920s, it wasn't fully paved until 1972, giving it some serious vintage vibes. You'll be cruising at a lofty 8,287ft (2,526m) above sea level in the Bookcliff Mountains. While generally open year-round, keep an eye on the forecast, as winter weather can sometimes shut things down.
The views from the summit are incredible, especially the La Sal Mountains piercing the skyline.
Heads up, though! This road can get busy, especially with truckers using it as a shortcut from Grand Junction. Expect some hairpin turns and a narrow road hugging the rock face. Plus, being carved into a shale mountainside means you might encounter some lane blockages or shoulder erosion. The southern side throws in some steep climbs, with gradients hitting 7% – making it one of the steepest paved passes in Colorado.
For the adventurous, there's also a side trip from the summit. A short, unpaved road climbs steeply to a communication tower at 8,818ft (2,688m) via three tight hairpin turns. I'd recommend 4WD for that little detour!
Where is it?
A few switchbacks to Douglas Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.2042, -100.8643
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 113.29 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,526 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.2042, -100.8643
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Priest Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna escape to Montana? Priest Pass is calling your name! This high-altitude beauty sits at 6,010 feet on the Continental Divide, straddling Powell and Lewis and Clark counties, west of Helena. The pass got its name from Valentine Priest, a road-building legend who knew how to carve a route through these mountains. Back in the gold rush days, Priest Pass Road was one of the first toll roads in Montana, a wild west adventure in itself! Speaking of the road, it's about 8.3 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. Be warned, though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, known as Priest Pass Road, is entirely unpaved and can get seriously steep, with grades hitting almost 14% in spots. The western side is a bit rough and rocky, so make sure your rig is up to the challenge. The eastern side is smoother, with hard-packed dirt perfect for letting loose. Keep in mind, you're up in the Rockies, so winter brings a whole lotta snow. Priest Pass becomes a different beast entirely when the snow flies. But if you're looking for stunning views, a bit of history, and a thrilling drive, Priest Pass is a Montana must-do. Plus, it's right near the Continental Divide Trail!
hardHow long is Old Priest Grade Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California is a wild ride! Nestled in the Western Sierra, this 1.8-mile stretch from Moccasin to Priest might be short, but it packs a serious punch. Think switchbacks, hairpin turns, and grades hitting up to 20%! This paved road has some serious history, evolving from a Native American path to a wagon route for gold miners back in the day. Now, it's a white-knuckle climb best left to passenger vehicles with good brakes – trucks, RVs, and trailers need not apply. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's steepness can cause overheating, especially in summer. Rain makes it slippery, and rock slides are a real possibility. Oh, and did I mention it's super popular with Yosemite-bound traffic? Despite the challenges, the views are totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe say a little prayer to the mountain gods. Just remember to check conditions before you go, because winter can make things extra dicey with all that ice!
hardBloody Basin Road is a classic Arizona drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic Arizona adventure on Bloody Basin Road, located near Black Canyon City! This 42-mile dirt road (aka FR 269) winds through the Agua Fria National Monument and Tonto National Forest, offering a wild ride steeped in history. The name comes from a grim event – the Battle of Turret Peak in 1873. Legend says the army stormed the camp at night, and in the chaos, some met their end jumping from the cliffs. Just north of Phoenix in Yavapai County, this well-maintained road runs from Antelope Creek Road down to the Verde River and the iconic Sheep Bridge. This 476-foot suspension footbridge, originally built in 1943 and rebuilt in 1989, is a must-see! While 4WD isn't usually required, high clearance is a good idea. Some sections get rocky and rutted, especially the final stretch down to Sheep Bridge. Passenger cars can make it, but expect a slow, bumpy ride. Watch out for semi-blind curves and be prepared for intense summer heat. Heavy rains can also wash out sections of the road. Set aside around 6 hours to soak in the spectacular, remote scenery east of the Agua Fria River. The road climbs to 4,993ft, rewarding you with incredible views on a clear day. There are tons of places to pull over for photos, lunch breaks, or camping. Don't forget to check out the archaeological sites and petroglyphs along the way!
hardUncle Bud's Hut
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road challenge with killer views, Uncle Bud's Hut in central Colorado's Lake County is calling your name. Nestled at a staggering 11,397 feet, getting to this memorial hut via FS Road 107 is no picnic. We're talking a super steep, rough-and-tumble gravel road that demands respect (and 4WD!). Expect tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. The window to tackle this beast is usually June to October, but remember, this is high-altitude Colorado – be ready for a sudden snow squall, even in the middle of summer. This trek isn't just about the drive; it's a journey to a place honoring a 10th Mountain Division hero. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and grind!