An exceptionally scenic drive to Owl Creek Pass in Colorado

Owl Creek Pass, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, is a must-do for adventurous travelers. This beauty sits at 10,118 feet above sea level, right on the border between Ouray and Gunnison counties within the Uncompahgre National Forest. Fun fact: it started out as a cattle trail way back in 1885!

County Road 8, a 14.4-mile unpaved stretch, is your path to the summit from US-550 (the legendary Million Dollar Highway). Be warned, though: the Cimarron Mountains aren't always welcoming. The pass is typically snowed in from late October to late June or early July. Even during open season, be ready for anything – snow, hail, thunderstorms, you name it!

The gravel road is generally well-maintained and pretty easy to navigate in dry weather, even for regular cars. But after heavy rains, things can get muddy, and you might want AWD or 4WD. RVs should probably skip this one. Expect winding roads and steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 12% in some spots. You'll gain almost 3,200 feet in elevation from the starting point, so buckle up!

But oh, the views! This drive is seriously scenic, with jaw-dropping panoramic vistas at every turn. Give yourself at least an hour to soak it all in, not counting stops. Keep an eye out for those classic Western landscapes – John Wayne filmed scenes from "True Grit" and "How the West Was Won" right here. You'll find towering aspens mixed with pines and, higher up, those stunning red sandstone cliffs that make for incredible photos, especially when the aspens turn golden.