A paved mountain road to Ute Pass in Grand County
Usa, north-america
43.61 km
2,924 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ute Pass! This stunner sits way up high in Colorado's Grand County, clocking in at a cool 9,593 feet above sea level.
You'll find this paved beauty, also known as Ute Pass Road (County Road 3), nestled in the heart of Arapaho National Forest. It's generally open year-round, but be warned: Mother Nature might throw a winter tantrum and close it temporarily.
Trust me, though, it's worth the gamble. The views are EPIC. Think pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness, jaw-dropping vistas of the Gore Range, and the untouched beauty of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area. The road gets a little steep, with grades hitting 8.0% in places, so get ready for some exciting ramps!
The whole shebang stretches for 27.1 miles, winding from CO-9 up to Parshall on US-40. There's a big parking lot at the summit where you can catch your breath and soak it all in. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for local residents – bears, moose, and all sorts of wildlife call this area home!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 43.61 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,924 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Lytle Creek Road in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Lytle Creek Road in sunny Southern California is calling your name! Found nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, inside the San Bernardino National Forest, this little gem is a feast for the eyes. Think stunning views! This 21-mile stretch of road is your gateway between the Ontario Freeway and Lone Pine Canyon Road. Now, fair warning, Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva here, and storms can sometimes cause a bit of a ruckus. The road is paved up until the Lytle Creek Firing Range, then it gets a little wild, turning into a gravel trail that practically begs for a 4WD beast. Get ready for some serious hairpin action, folks! This road is all about the twists and turns as it climbs to a whopping 6,299 feet near Gobblers Knob. Just be mindful: it can get pretty narrow in spots, so keep your eyes peeled.
hardWhere is Mount Patterson?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Wanna bag some seriously epic views? Then point your 4x4 toward Mount Patterson in Mono County. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 11,679 feet, making it one of the highest drives you can do in the Golden State. Tucked away in the Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border, this area’s got that old West vibe, with abandoned mines scattered about, relics from the 1880s. The 360-degree panoramas from the summit? Unbelievable! Heads up, though: this ain’t your grandma's Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and seriously rugged. You’ll definitely need a 4WD beast to tackle this one, especially since it’s an old mining road leading to the historic Montague Mine Cabin. The window to drive it is pretty tight—usually July to October, weather permitting. Snow's a big factor, so opening and closing dates are at the mercy of Mother Nature. And fair warning: the wind up there is no joke. It howls year-round, and the higher you climb, the more exposed you'll be. From US395, it's about 16 miles to the summit, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. That means some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 18%! Average grade is around 6%, so prepare for a workout, both for your rig and your nerves. White Mountain Road (Mount Patterson access road) has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers in California. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
extremeLone Cone Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Lone Cone Pass in Colorado's San Miguel County! We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at a breathtaking 11,015 feet. You'll find yourself smack-dab in the San Miguel Mountains, part of the mighty Rockies. Now, the road – County Road 47 – is where things get interesting. This ain't your Sunday drive kinda road; it's a proper gravel 4x4 track. Translation? You're gonna need some clearance and preferably some off-road experience. Word to the wise: keep a close eye on the weather. This area's known for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – and trust me, you don't want to be caught in one. Expect some rocky sections, maybe a bit of mud, and the occasional icy patch thrown in for good measure. But hey, the views are killer and totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardBustamante Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about the Camino a Bustamante in Tamaulipas, Mexico! This paved road is your ticket from the charming town of Bustamante to the main drag, Highway 101. But hold on, it's not just a connector—it's an experience. Get ready for some serious hairpin action as you climb 500 meters (that's about 1640 feet!) from 1300 meters to 1800 meters above sea level. Trust me, the views of the surrounding desert valleys are worth the white knuckles. Just take it slow and soak it all in!