
Cinnamon Pass is a 4x4 road in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado
Usa, north-america
31 km
3,853 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cinnamon Pass! Nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, straddling the Hinsdale and San Juan county line, this beauty tops out at a breathtaking 12,640 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, folks!
This unpaved road, known as Cinnamon Pass Road, is a 19.5-mile stretch of pure, off-road joy, part of the legendary Alpine Loop. Picture this: you, your trusty 4WD, high-clearance vehicle, and some of the most stunning scenery Colorado has to offer. The road itself? It's moderately challenging, with steep, rocky sections that get extra dicey when wet. Watch out for those narrow shelf roads—passing other vehicles can be a bit of a squeeze! The western ascent is particularly rugged, while the eastern side is a bit more forgiving, but still requires that off-road capability.
Open usually from late May to October (weather permitting, of course!), Cinnamon Pass is not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not a fan of drop-offs. But trust me, the views from the top, easily accessed thanks to a convenient parking lot, are SO worth it. Just be prepared for some company on this popular trail, especially during the summer months! This route, built way back in the late 1800s during the Colorado Gold Rush, promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the San Juan National Forest.
Where is it?
Cinnamon Pass is a 4x4 road in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.7538, -100.3139
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,853 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 37.7538, -100.3139
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs Kolob Reservoir road paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near southern Utah, you HAVE to check out Kolob Terrace Road. It's a total hidden gem in Zion National Park. Yep, it's paved the whole way! This 40.5-mile beauty runs from Virgin (Washington County) up to Cedar City (Iron County) and gives you serious bang for your buck when it comes to scenery. What's cool is that it's super chill – probably the least crowded main road in Zion. So, you can really soak in the views without fighting hordes of tourists. Speaking of views, expect classic Zion landscapes, with those towering red rock formations and dramatic vistas that will blow your mind. Keep an eye out – some scenes from *Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid* were filmed here! Give yourself about 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This road winds and climbs – and I mean *climbs*! – from Virgin, gaining serious elevation (we're talking over 8,000 feet!) up to the Kolob Terrace. Get ready for some steep sections – up to almost 12% grade in some spots! Just a heads up: if you're planning a winter trip, the road usually isn't plowed past Maloney Hill (just north of the Hop Valley Trailhead). Above 6,000 feet, you might hit some snow, but usually below that, you're good to go. The very top peaks at 8,162 feet above sea level, near Kolob Reservoir.
moderateHow long is Interstate 70 in Utah?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on I-70 in central Utah! This isn't just any highway; it's a 231-mile (372 km) east-to-west adventure from I-15 near Cove Fort all the way to the Colorado border. Trust me, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled because the scenery is unreal. We're talking about dramatic landscapes, a mesmerizing cruise through Spotted Wolf Canyon, endless deserts, deep canyons, and those jaw-dropping rock formations Utah is famous for. Heads up, though: this road climbs to a lofty 7,886 feet (2,404m), so expect potential snow. It's usually open year-round, but winter weather can cause temporary closures. Plan accordingly. Now, for the real kicker: I-70 in Utah is seriously desolate. We're talking over 100 miles – that's between Green River and Salina – with absolutely *zero* services. No gas, no snacks, no restrooms. And get this: for 106 miles, there is no way to turn around, and there are no towns. Fill up your tank, stock up on supplies, and maybe even bring a portable toilet, because this stretch is the longest in the entire Interstate system without services! It'll take you around 3-4 hours to drive straight through, but honestly, with views like these, you'll want to factor in some stops. Just be prepared for a truly remote experience and know your limits. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable journey for the prepared traveler.
hardHow long is the Needles Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Black Hills of South Dakota, smack-dab in Custer State Park. You're on Needles Highway (aka South Dakota Highway 87), and "spectacular" doesn't even begin to cover it. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Clocking in at just over 14 miles, this paved beauty, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, is a wild ride of twists and turns. Seriously, forget about hitting third gear – you'll be too busy navigating hairpin turns and marveling at the scenery. What's the highlight? The three narrow tunnels! The most famous one is barely over 8 feet wide and 12 feet tall. It’s tight, but totally photo-worthy! Make sure you know your vehicle's dimensions before you go for it. (RVs and big trailers might want to sit this one out.) Other tunnels along the way are Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel. When to go? Aim for spring through fall. Winter’s a no-go due to snow. This road isn't just about the drive itself; it's about the views! Think granite spires that look like they're piercing the sky, lush pine and spruce forests, meadows bursting with birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. You'll want to make time to snap a few photos. Plus, it's super convenient – only 30 miles from Rapid City and a quick 35-minute jaunt from Mount Rushmore. Why "Needles Highway"? The name comes from those crazy cool needle-like granite formations. Former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck literally walked and rode horseback to plan this road before it was built in 1922! Keep in mind, there's an entrance fee for Custer State Park, so factor that in. As for how long the drive takes, plan for about 45 to 60 minutes – but honestly, take your time! Stop at Sylvan Lake and the Needle’s Eye, and keep an eye out for mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks! Trust me, if you're anywhere near the Black Hills, Needles Highway needs to be on your list. Especially in the fall! Just remember to breathe (through those tunnels!), and enjoy the ride.
extremeDriving the truly epic Big Pine Death Valley Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an epic desert adventure? The Big Pine Death Valley Road carves its way through the heart of Death Valley National Park in California's Inyo County. Just a heads up - you might find it closed after big storms. This wild ride stretches for about 70 miles (112 km), linking Ubehebe Crater Road to Highway 168, near the tiny town of Zurich. You'll be cruising along Eureka Valley Road, Loretta Mine Road, and Waucoba Road. Prepare to climb! You'll hit a max elevation of over 7,600 feet (2,334 meters). Winter can bring snow, so pack those chains. Flash floods can happen anytime, so be prepared for anything! Most of the road is unpaved, but the last stretch from Eureka Valley to Highway 168 is smooth sailing. This is the main backcountry route from Scotty's Castle to Owens Valley, a well-maintained gravel road that snakes through northern Death Valley and Eureka Valley. Keep an eye out for the turnoffs to Eureka Dunes and North Pass into Saline Valley. A high-clearance vehicle is a must if there's been flooding. Get ready for dust, washboard roads, and some bumpy bits. This is one of Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads. Remember, this area is remote, so come prepared. Death Valley is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park, so expect extreme conditions. The road's condition is always changing, depending on recent weather. Also important to know: there are no services along the way, and Eureka Valley can see some serious washouts. Camping is not allowed on this road.