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
hardWhat is the Sunshine Skyway bridge made of?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a 4.14-mile stretch of road soaring over Tampa Bay in Florida. This isn't your average bridge; it's a seriously impressive concrete and steel structure, one of the longest cable-stayed concrete bridges around. As part of I-275 and US 19, it connects St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia, seeing around 52,000 vehicles daily. Opened in 1987, it's a modern marvel with incredible views—if you're brave enough! But, the "Sunshine Skyway" has a dark side. In 1980, tragedy struck when a freighter hit a support during a storm, causing a collapse that killed 35 people. Since the new bridge opened, over 200 people have tragically jumped from its heights. Suicide hotlines are now a constant, somber reminder. Plus, it's a toll road that frequently closes during severe weather, high winds, and hurricanes. The grade is steep, creating a dizzying feeling as you climb, and the endless yellow cables can be disorienting. Even experienced drivers might feel a little uneasy on this one. It's beautiful, but definitely a drive that comes with some baggage.
moderateL Road in Nebraska is haunted by the screams of 7 sisters
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, ghost hunters, because we're heading to L Road in Otoe County, Nebraska! Just a hop, skip, and a jump (about an hour) south of Omaha, near Nebraska City, you'll find this eerie east-west stretch of road running 22.3 miles from S 62nd Road to S 18th Road. Locals call it Seven Sisters Road, and for good reason. Legend has it that seven sisters met a gruesome end here back in the day. The story varies, but it always ends with the sisters meeting an untimely demise. Think a farmer who lost it and hung his daughters on trees atop seven hills. Or a disgruntled brother offing his sisters one by one. Gruesome, right? The road itself is mostly unpaved, winding through some seriously hilly terrain. But the *real* thrill comes at night. Brave (or foolish?) souls who dare to drive it after dark have reported feeling an unsettling presence, hearing faint screams and moans, and even seeing mysterious flickering lights or ghostly figures lurking in the shadows. Some even say their headlights mysteriously dim! So, if you're looking for a spooky road trip with a side of serious chills, L Road might just be your next adventure. Just be sure to bring a friend… and maybe a flashlight!
hardA rough 4x4 road to Saddle Mountain in the Bitterroot Range
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in southwestern Montana, ready for an off-road adventure in the Bitterroot Range. Saddle Mountain Road is calling your name! This unpaved track climbs to a whopping 8,287 feet. You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this one, trust me. Starting near the bottom, it's about 5.9 miles to the top, gaining 1,430 feet along the way. Expect some seriously steep sections, maxing out around a 9% grade – hold on tight! The average incline is around 4.58%, so it's a steady climb. Oh, and a heads-up: this road is usually snowed in during the winter months, so plan accordingly. The views? Absolutely incredible. Think rugged mountain scenery as far as the eye can see. Definitely one for the bucket list!
moderateWhat Highway Would You Take to Mowich Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Pierce County, Washington, chasing the clearest, bluest lake you can imagine. That's Mowich Lake, chilling at a cool 5,019 feet, the biggest and deepest in Mount Rainier National Park! To get there, you'll hop on State Highway 165 – aka Mowich Lake Road or Mountain Meadows Road. Now, heads up, this isn't your average smooth cruise. We're talking mostly unpaved, and often pretty bumpy with some serious potholes. Take it slow and easy. A regular car *can* make it when things are dry, but watch out for those big holes that could mess up your ride. Keep in mind this adventure is a summer thing. Snow shuts this road down for most of the year, typically from mid-October to late May or even early June. Snow lingers here! From Buckley, it's a 17-mile (27 km) trek to the Mowich Lake parking area. Budget about 45 minutes, not counting stops (and you *will* want to stop!). The drive takes you through thick forests, across beautiful valleys, and gives you those postcard-perfect views of Mount Rainier. Seriously stunning!