Calamity Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,956 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Colorado, you HAVE to check out Calamity Pass! Perched way up high in Jackson County, inside Rocky Mountain National Park, this beast hits a whopping 9,698 feet above sea level.
Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking a rugged, gravel 4wd track, also known as Forest Service Road 740 (or Teller Divide). This isn't your Sunday drive – be prepared for a bit of a rocky and muddy challenge, especially that last mile coming from Rand; it gets seriously steep and rocky!
Word to the wise: keep a close eye on the weather! This route is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, so definitely don't tackle it in bad conditions. Plus, those icy patches can sneak up on you. But if you're up for it, the views are absolutely insane and worth every bump in the road. Get ready for some epic scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,956 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is the Top of the World Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ready for an epic road trip between Alaska and Canada? The Top of the World Highway is calling your name! This 131km (81 mile) route is a wild ride that connects the area near Jack Wade, Alaska, to Dawson City, Yukon – the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Built back in '55, it's one of the most northerly highways around, but fair warning: it's mostly unpaved these days. It was all smooth tarmac in the late 90s, but Mother Nature had other plans, so about half is gravel now. Expect a narrow track, the occasional pothole, washboard surfaces, and sometimes, zero shoulder. Heads up: this highway is a seasonal sweetheart, open from late spring to early fall, mirroring the Dawson City ferry's schedule. You'll hit a high point of 1,274m (4,179ft) near the border at Little Gold Creek, then peak again at 1,314m (4,311ft) on the Canadian side. The border crossing is open May-September, 9am-9pm Yukon time (8am-8pm Alaska time) – miss it and you're stuck! Is it challenging? You bet! Mountain road experience is a must. Think tight turns and slippery conditions when it rains. Watch out for soft shoulders and a serious lack of guardrails. Also, double-check with your rental company, as not all vehicles are allowed on this route. Traffic is usually light, so if someone's behind you, be a good sport and let them pass. Why "Top of the World"? Because you'll be cruising along the crest of the hills, with killer views dropping into the valleys below. Budget about 2.5 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. Fall is especially gorgeous. The road winds along the mountaintops, giving you those views that seem to stretch on forever. Unlike most highways that hug the valleys, this one takes the high road, offering exhilarating scenery. Take your time and soak it all in. You'll be driving along mountain peaks and crests for most of the way, with those incredible valley views beneath you.
extremeHow long is the Quebec Provincial Highway 389?
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for an epic Canadian adventure on Quebec Provincial Highway 389! This 567km (352 miles) route links Quebec to Newfoundland and Labrador, taking you from Baie-Comeau, nestled on the St. Lawrence River's north shore, all the way to Fermont. Now, a heads-up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a mix of surfaces, with sections of twisty, narrow asphalt giving way to stretches of gravel that can vary in quality. Driving conditions can change quickly. Snowstorms and blizzards can roll in, so be sure to check road conditions with the Quebec Ministry of Transportation before you go, especially in winter. Winter tires aren't just a suggestion; they're the law! Pack a winter emergency kit, just in case. R-389 takes you through seriously remote areas, so come prepared. Expect zero visibility on gravel parts. Gas stations are few and far between. Make sure your vehicle's in tip-top shape, and that you've got a spare tire and tools. Gravel roads can be tough on vehicles. Oh, and don't count on cell service – it's pretty much non-existent for most of the route. Keep an eye out for logging trucks, too. They're often empty heading north and they move fast. Pull over when it's safe to let them pass. Fuel up whenever you can, and maybe even bring an extra gas can, especially if you're heading further north. Pack plenty of food and water. The water you find along the way may not be potable. With a little preparation, Route 389 promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Quebec's wilderness.
moderateWhere is Macedonia Canyon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the eastern part of California, in the Mojave National Preserve, heading into Macedonia Canyon. This isn't your average Sunday drive though; you're gonna need a 4WD beast with some serious clearance for this adventure. The road stretches out for a while, running west to east, carving its way right through the heart of Macedonia Canyon. Now, can *your* vehicle handle it? Well, a 4WD should breeze through it, and even a careful driver in a standard SUV could probably manage the lower sections. But listen up! If you're rolling in a 2WD, proceed with caution! This road gets sandy and those sneaky washouts can appear out of nowhere. The rangers even left a shovel, so be ready to dig. Also, this road is pretty remote, so don't expect your cell service to be reliable. Heads up, though, there's a low railroad underpass. Standard pickups and SUVs should be fine, but higher profile vehicles might get stuck. As you climb from 937 meters to a cool 1,509 meters (4,950 ft), keep your eyes peeled. The road is unpaved, winding further and further up the canyon.
extremeCan you drive to Railroad Ridge in Idaho?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Custer County, hiding within the White Cloud Mountains, lies Railroad Ridge. This insane route climbs to a staggering 10,433 feet, making it potentially the highest road accessible to regular vehicles in Idaho! The road, known as FR 669, starts near Clayton and stretches for about 28 miles, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. It’s a seriously challenging unpaved track that demands respect. We're talking high clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable. The road is narrow, twisty with switchbacks, and has very few places to pull over. Not ideal if you're afraid of heights! The window to tackle Railroad Ridge is short, usually open from July to October, depending on when the snow melts. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen anytime, so check conditions before you go. Cell service is spotty, so download your route and trust your GPS. But here's the thing: the views from the top are EPIC. Seriously breathtaking, stretching for miles in every direction on a clear day. The road is intense, but you'll forget all about the bumpy ride once you soak in that panorama. If you're up for a thrilling drive with a massive payoff, Railroad Ridge should be on your bucket list!