A scenic unpaved road to Cordova Pass in southern Colorado

Nestled high in southern Colorado, Cordova Pass tops out at a whopping 11,248 feet! You'll find it in Huerfano County, offering a taste of the wild west.

Originally called Apishapa Pass, it was renamed in 1934 after Jose De Jesus Cordova, a local legend. The unpaved road itself was built the same year.

Most of the time, your average car can make it, but be warned: there are ruts from past mud-slinging adventures that can be tricky in a low-rider. And near the top, watch out for sneaky potholes hiding in the shadows – your suspension will thank you. While it’s generally not too tough, if rain or snow are on the horizon, best to bring a 4x4 friend.

The route connects near Gulnare, Colorado, to the paved highway over Cuchara Pass. Heads up, if you're coming from Cuchara Pass (that's FR364), it's a rocky, dirt road – not ideal for RVs or long trailers. East of the pass, on County Road 46, the road gets even bumpier until you hit the south end of the National Forest.

Keep in mind, this beauty is usually snowed in from mid-November to late May. There's a parking area with a fee station, restrooms (sometimes open), and picnic spots for a scenic break.

Tucked inside San Isabel National Forest, right by the Spanish Peaks Wilderness, the drive is seriously stunning. If you're rolling in from the east, you'll cruise under Cordova Arch (aka Apishapa Arch), a WPA masterpiece from the 30s. This arch is a total showstopper, slicing right through one of the dramatic igneous rock walls that fan out from the Spanish Peaks.