An Unforgettable Drive to Gold Hill Pass in UT

An Unforgettable Drive to Gold Hill Pass in UT

Usa, north-america

Length

12.07 km

Elevation

3,060 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Utah's Summit County, hidden within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, you'll find Gold Hill Pass. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,039 feet!

Forget smooth pavement; we're talking about Gold Hill Road (FR160), a 7.5-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle – ideally a low-geared 2WD or, better yet, a 4x4 – to tackle this one.

The road winds east to west, connecting Mirror Lake Highway (U-150) with Forest Road 638. Keep in mind, this is a seasonal gem, usually open from mid-May to mid-October. So, if you're looking for a wild ride with killer views in the Uinta Mountains, Gold Hill Pass might just be your next unforgettable adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
12.07 km
Max Elevation
3,060 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

How challenging is Butte Valley Road?extreme

How challenging is Butte Valley Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-the-beaten-path experience in Death Valley National Park, Butte Valley Road is calling your name! Situated in Inyo County, California, this bad boy is not for the faint of heart. We're talking a completely unpaved, seven-mile stretch of pure, rugged terrain nestled in the southwest part of the park. Think narrow, rocky, and steep, with some serious climbs reaching a peak elevation of 4,284 feet. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one! This wild ride leads to the legendary Geologist's Cabin (also known as the Stone Cabin) on Coyote Canyon Road. This historic cabin, built way back in the early 1900s, is a total gem, once used by geologists searching for mining opportunities. If you're planning to stop by, keep an eye out for hantavirus warnings and use your best judgment. But bottom line, Butte Valley Road is epic scenery, challenging driving, and a dose of history all rolled into one unforgettable Death Valley experience.

Devil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountainsmoderate

Devil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountains

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Devil's Gate Pass! This beauty sits way up in the Eastern Sierras of California, at a cool 7,519 feet. You'll find it smack-dab in Mono County, acting as the divider between the East and West Walker Rivers. It's called Devil's Gate for a reason—there's this gnarly rock formation nearby, and legend has it, some seriously bad stuff went down there back in the day. Spooky! The good news is the whole thing is paved, so no need for the off-road beast. You'll be cruising on U.S. Route 395. Clocking in at just under 17 miles, this stretch of 395 runs from Sonora Junction to Bridgeport, the Mono County seat. And get this, at that crazy elevation, Devil's Gate Pass is actually the highest point on the entire U.S. Route 395. Talk about a scenic drive!

Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Coloradoeasy

Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Fremont Pass in Colorado! This beauty straddles Lake and Summit counties, hitting a whopping 11,335 feet above sea level. We're talking serious Rocky Mountain high! You'll find it right in the heart of Colorado, not too far from Leadville. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax molybdenum mine, which used to be a HUGE deal for the world's molybdenum supply. The pass itself is named after the legendary explorer John C. Frémont. State Highway 91, also known as the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway," will take you right to the top on a fully paved road. And get this – it's surprisingly straight for a mountain pass! Just a few switchbacks near the summit. The whole shebang stretches for about 21.7 miles between Copper Mountain and Leadville, running north to south. Don't get fooled – there are a couple of false summits on the way up! Generally, Fremont Pass is open year-round, but be warned – winter weather can throw a wrench in your plans and cause temporary closures. While most of the road is pretty tame, keep an eye out for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%.

Where is Crooked Creek Pass?moderate

Where is Crooked Creek Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: Crooked Creek Pass, sitting pretty at just over 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. You'll find it south of Eagle and Sylvan Lake, smack-dab in the White River National Forest. We're talking about the Eagle-Thomasville Road (FSR #400), a gravel track that’s a solid 4WD adventure. Eagle County usually keeps it in decent shape up to Sylvan Lake, but trust me, you'll want that four-wheel drive. Expect a few narrow and bumpy sections, but nothing too crazy. Clocking in at around 36 miles, this north-south route links Eagle to the paved road. Keep your eyes peeled – the "summit" is just a cattle guard with a sign; blink, and you'll miss it! Oh, and a heads-up: this road is a no-go in winter due to snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some incredible views!