Cumberland Pass in Colorado is the highest standard passenger vehicle road in the 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.