An Unforgettable Drive to Snowstorm Peak in CO
Usa, north-america
1.12 km
3,669 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Snowstorm Peak in Colorado's La Plata County! This baby tops out at a cool 12,037 feet, so be ready for some serious altitude. You'll find it northwest of Durango, nestled in the San Juan National Forest.
Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. It's a short but steep 0.7-mile unpaved old mining route that climbs with a max 14% gradient. You'll need 4WD and decent clearance to tackle it. Think tight turns, sharp rocks, and views that'll make your jaw drop.
Fair warning though, Snowstorm Peak lives up to its name! The road is usually snowed in from late spring to late fall, so plan your trip accordingly. Keep an eye out for relics from the past – you'll spot cool old mining equipment and abandoned buildings along the way. Trust me, the scenery is worth the bumpy ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1.12 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,669 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateCumberland Pass in Colorado is the highest standard passenger vehicle road in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Cumberland Pass is a crazy-high mountain pass in Colorado's Gunnison County, clocking in at a whopping 12,040 feet above sea level. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you can tackle in a standard car during the summer months. Nestled in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest, this pass has some serious history. The first road snaked its way through here way back in 1882 to connect Tincup with the Denver-South Park railroad. It got some love from the Civilian Conservation Corps in the '30s, and then another upgrade in the '50s. Now, about the drive itself – you'll be cruising on County Road 765, also known as Cumberland Pass Road, for about 15.8 miles between Tincup and Pitkin. Don't expect perfectly paved paradise, though. This is a well-maintained dirt road with plenty of twists and turns, and it can get a little bumpy or sandy in spots. But generally, most cars can handle it, whether you're rocking 2WD or 4WD. It's never too steep, but there are a few narrow sections with some pretty serious drop-offs, so take it slow and steady. Because it's set high in the Rocky Mountains' Sawatch Range, Cumberland Pass gets buried in snow every winter. The road's usually closed from late October until late June or early July. But, oh, the views! This is hands-down one of Colorado's most scenic and historic drives. You'll wind through gorgeous pine forests before popping above the tree line to views of the Continental Divide stretching over 50 miles. Keep an eye out for old mine entrances along the way, but definitely don't go exploring inside. There are also a bunch of side roads leading to old silver mines.
extremeWhere does the Alaska Highway begin and end?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ready for an epic road trip? The Alaska Highway is a must-do! This 1,523-mile (2,174 km) trek connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, offering a unique way to experience the raw beauty of the north. Originally built in 1942, the ALCAN is more than just a road; it's a journey through history. While you *can* technically blast through in under four days, trust me, you don't want to. Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe even squeeze in a dip in one of the Yukon's hot springs. Keep in mind, this is still a pretty remote area. Cell service is spotty (at best), so download those maps and playlists beforehand. Gas stations are available, but not always 24/7, so fill up whenever you get the chance! While most of the highway is paved, expect some construction delays, especially on the Canadian side. Those road crews are constantly working to improve things, but sometimes that means a bit of a bumpy ride. Watch out for loose gravel! Speaking of bumpy, be prepared for some serious winter conditions if you're traveling late in the season. Think -40°F kind of cold! Always pack emergency supplies – food, water, blankets, a first-aid kit. Tow trucks can be seriously far away! The best time to tackle the Alaska Highway is from June to early September when the weather is milder and the RV convoys are in full swing. Embrace the slow pace, enjoy the stunning views, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
easyDriving the scenic Ingraham Trail in Yellowknife
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey adventurers! Just outside Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territories, you'll find the legendary Ingraham Trail, a true escape into the wild. This 69km (43-mile) stretch of Highway 4 kicks off from Yellowknife, right on the edge of Great Slave Lake, and winds its way to Tibbit Lake. Think of it as your gateway to recreation *and* a crucial supply route – in winter, it's the starting point for the epic Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road, leading to the diamond mines way up north! Built back in the '60s with dreams of reaching the Arctic (it didn't quite make it!), the trail is named after Vic Ingraham, a Yellowknife legend. The drive itself is stunning – a tapestry of lakes and rivers, with breathtaking views of the tundra and surrounding forests. Pack a picnic; there are loads of fantastic day-use parks dotted along the way. Most of the road is paved (about 60km/37 miles), but the final 10km (6 miles) after Reid Lake turns to gravel, adding a touch of ruggedness. It's open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter as it can get wild, leading to temporary closures.
hardWhere Does Road Mexico 16 Start and End?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! Mexico 16, connecting Chihuahua to Hermosillo, is a wild ride through northern Mexico. Clocking in at around 11 hours, it's a long haul, but it's got moments of serious beauty. Think sweeping pine forests morphing into classic desert vistas. Heads up, though – those long stretches can get a little repetitive. But here's the real gem: you're cruising right near Basaseachic Falls National Park. Seriously, stop. You HAVE to check out Basaseachic Falls (second tallest in Mexico!) and Piedra Volada (the tallest, though a bit more elusive). The canyon views alone are worth the detour. Make sure you swing by the Basaseachic Falls overlook near Creel for an unforgettable panorama. Now, a word of caution: this road can be a bit of a beast. It's a long way between towns, traffic can be light, and you might run into some gnarly weather like rain, snow, or fog. Plus, that long drive can wear you out, so make sure you're well-rested!