A white-knuckle drive to Berthoud Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
75.15 km
3,446 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Berthoud Pass! This Colorado gem sits way up high at 11,307 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand counties.
We're talking a fully paved, 46.7-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 40 that'll whisk you from the charming town of Empire to Granby. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this pass, named after surveyor Edward Berthoud, slices right through the Continental Divide on the Front Range.
Yes, it's open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect winter weather to throw some curveballs – closures are possible due to heavy snow and potential avalanches.
Just west of Denver, Berthoud Pass packs a punch. Parts of it widen to three lanes, but be ready for some serious curves and steep climbs (6.3% grades!), plus those winding switchbacks. But don’t worry, guardrails have got your back. Keep an eye out for the gravel road that branches off east towards Colorado Mines Peak – talk about an epic detour!
Factor in about 50-70 minutes of pure driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely unreal, with overlooks at every turn. Prepare to be wowed!
Where is it?
A white-knuckle drive to Berthoud Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.9483, -98.5426
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,446 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.9483, -98.5426
Related Roads in north-america
hardCan you drive to Peak 10 in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Peak 10 in Colorado is calling your name! Located in Summit County, near Breckenridge, this beast of a mountain road climbs to a whopping 13,402 feet. We're talking serious bragging rights! The adventure starts on Forest Service Road 751 (aka Peak 9 Road), and let me tell you, it's all dirt. Forget pavement; this is a true off-road experience. It's only open during the warmer months, so plan accordingly. The road is a challenging 6.8-mile climb with an average gradient of 9.55% and some sections hitting a stomach-churning 12%. You'll gain 3,592 feet in elevation, so make sure your rig is up to the task. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. You'll need 4WD, serious ground clearance, and low-range gearing, especially near the top. Expect tight, loose switchbacks, small, rocky terrain, and stunning views above the treeline. Be warned, the final stretch is not for the faint of heart! You'll find a weather station up top and the remnants of the Briar Rose mine. Get ready for some serious adventure!
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!
hardTemple Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Temple Peak! Nestled in Cache County, up in northern Utah, this beauty tops out at a cool 9,009 feet. Getting there is half the fun (and the challenge!). You'll be cruising on Forest Road 252, which is mostly gravel and can get seriously steep and bumpy. A high-clearance 4x4 is a must—trust me on this one. Quick heads-up: mountain weather can be totally unpredictable, and road closures are common, so check conditions beforehand. If it's been raining, expect mud and slick spots. Oh, and don't rely on your cell; service is spotty. The trek to Indian Rock makes a great detour along the way.
moderateWhere is Redington Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Just east of Tucson, Arizona, nestled in the Coronado National Forest, you'll find Redington Pass – an absolute gem of a drive! We're talking about a historic route that's been around for ages, originally used by natives and later spruced up as a military supply line. The road, also known as Redington Road or Forest Road 371, climbs to a cool 4,311 feet (1.314m) between the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains. While it's maintained, keep in mind that it turns to dirt around mile marker 3, and it can get pretty steep. Large RVs or trailers might struggle a bit, but your average car should be just fine. Clocking in at 28 miles (45km) from Tanque Verde to Redington, this drive is all about the views! Think sweeping vistas of Tucson and stunning Arizona landscapes. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the trip! Get ready for an unforgettable ride!