Can you drive through Schofield Pass in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
22.4 km
3,272 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're feeling adventurous and eyeing Schofield Pass in Colorado? Buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your average Sunday drive.
We're talking about a 22.4 km (13.91 mile) stretch of unpaved road – FSR #317, aka Upper South Fork Crystal River Road, or even Gothic Road – that climbs to a whopping 3,272m (10,734ft) near Crested Butte. Think stunning views in Gunnison County, Colorado, between Crystal Mill and Mt Crested Butte, but also think *serious* four-wheeling.
This isn't for the faint of heart, folks. Only experienced drivers in proper, small, high-clearance 4WD vehicles should even consider it. The route is an old wagon trail from 1873 connecting Marble and Crested Butte. The scenery is incredible, especially around Geneva Lake (a couple miles from the trailhead).
But let's be real: Schofield Pass has a reputation. It's supposedly the deadliest pass in Colorado! Rock slides are common and the infamous "Devil's Punchbowl" section is a cliff-hugging ledge with serious drop-offs. You might have to execute some serious multi-point turns if you meet someone going the other way. Check conditions before you go - the road is usually closed from October to July due to snow.
Even if it's open, be prepared for rapidly changing weather, early snow, and the possibility of impassable conditions due to melting snow or rockslides. Oh, and that deep creek crossing before the steep descent? Make sure you dry out your brakes!
Basically, don't get lulled into a false sense of security by the pretty sections. The track is rugged, rocky, and unforgiving in spots. If you're not in a proper 4x4, you're risking damage. Pay attention to that sign that warns: *This is the last chance to turn around!*
So, yeah, Schofield Pass is epic… but proceed with caution, skill, and a healthy dose of respect.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 22.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,272 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Stanton Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Stanton Pass in southern Utah, east of Capitol Reef National Park, is a wild ride. This unpaved beast clocks in at a pretty high elevation in eastern Garfield County. Forget smooth sailing — we're talking steep, rocky, and narrow all the way. Trust me, you'll want a high-clearance 4x4 that's in tip-top shape to tackle this. Be prepared for tough conditions. It's remote out here, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and cell service is sketchy, so self-sufficiency is key, especially with changeable weather on high ridges and exposed areas. While the roads are unreliable, those traveled by explorers are passable. This is not a Sunday drive, but if you crave raw, untamed beauty, Stanton Pass could be your next unforgettable off-road thrill. Just make sure your vehicle is ready for anything!
hardFields Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Fields Peak in Oregon's Grant County is calling your name! Nestled in the stunning Blue Mountains inside the Malheur National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rugged, unpaved route (NF-212) that'll have your 4x4 working overtime. High clearance? Absolutely essential. Think you're ready for a climb? From the NF-2160 junction, it's just under 4 kilometers to the top, but prepare to gain a whopping 621 meters in elevation! That's an average gradient of nearly 16%! The views, though? Totally worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the way, and when you finally reach the summit, imagine the lookout tower that once stood guard here, built way back in 1933! Just remember, this road is generally only open from mid-June to November, so plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
hardDiscovering the Beauty of Old Fall River Road: A Journey Through Colorado's Wilderness
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Old Fall River Road, a super scenic dirt road snaking its way through Larimer County, Colorado. It's basically one of the highest drives you can do in the state! This beauty is about 10.7 miles long, heading east to west in Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Fall River Road to Fall River Pass on Trail Ridge Road. It's all unpaved, but don't worry, you don't need a special car – any regular vehicle can handle it in dry weather. You'll climb to a whopping 11,817 feet above sea level! Usually, it's open from around the Fourth of July to October, so plan accordingly. Expect about 40 minutes for the drive, but honestly, give yourself a couple of hours for the round trip to soak it all in. This isn't a race; it's a chance to get up close and personal with nature. Seriously, the trees are so close, you can practically touch them! Now, fair warning: this road has some serious heights, and there are NO guardrails. It’s a one-way uphill adventure with tons of switchbacks, and the speed limit is a chill 15 mph. It's narrow and curvy, so take your time. You don’t want to rush it anyway! The road's width is pretty tight, sometimes only 14 feet, so passing isn’t easy. There are some pull-offs, but they can be far between. If hairpin turns and dirt roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. However, if you’re up for the adventure, it's an unforgettable experience.
hardWhere is South Baldy?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride to South Baldy in central New Mexico's Cibola National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a lung-busting 10,789 feet above sea level. The view from the top, where you'll find the Langmuir Laboratory and Magdalena Ridge Observatory, is totally worth it – seriously breathtaking. But getting there? That's another story. The summit road clocks in at almost 13 miles of rocky, single-lane, near-vertical, slope-hugging fun. It's STEEP in places, so don't expect to fly up those ramps. While a rugged sedan *might* make it with some careful driving, a four-wheel drive is your best bet, even in summer. Oh, and did I mention that this road is typically impassable in winter? Yeah, that's a no-go. But hey, if you're up for an adventure with a view, South Baldy is calling your name! Just remember to pack your nerve.