
Discovering the Beauty of Old Fall River Road: A Journey Through Colorado's Wilderness
Usa, north-america
17.21 km
3,602 m
hard
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
Discovering the Beauty of Old Fall River Road: A Journey Through Colorado's Wilderness is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 45.9867, -98.7415
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.21 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,602 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.9867, -98.7415
Related Roads in north-america
hardBuffalo Gulch Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Buffalo Gulch Road in Mariposa County, California! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a super narrow, rugged 3.8-mile adventure that'll have your knuckles white. Think gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy ride – definitely a 4x4 kind of situation. Hope you aren't afraid of heights, because this baby's got some serious exposure. And keep an eye on the sky – thunderstorms can turn this already challenging road into a four-wheel-drive nightmare or even make it totally impassable. Seriously, the twists and turns are relentless, and even seasoned drivers might find themselves tested. Up, down, left, right – it's a constant dance! The intensity level is cranked up to eleven thanks to the complete lack of guardrails and zero margin for error if you meet another vehicle. If you're not a fan of narrow mountain roads with big drop-offs, washouts, and overgrown brush, steer clear. Some sections are so narrow you'll be holding your breath! The biggest danger? Blasting around a blind corner and finding another car barreling toward you. And seriously, if you don't know how to reverse confidently, DO NOT attempt this road! It's a shortcut connecting CA-140 and Ponderosa Way, but be warned, it's steep! You'll climb 1,171 feet from CA-140, averaging a gradient of almost 6%. Get ready for a wild ride!
easyA paved road to the top of Whiteface Mountain in New York
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising up the highest paved road in all of New York! We're talking Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway (aka NY 431), just outside Wilmington in Essex County. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 8-mile stretch is a total climb, taking you up to a whopping 4,599 feet. Built back in '35, it’s a toll road that’s open from June to October, so plan your trip accordingly! The road is paved, but get ready for some seriously steep sections. We're talking gradients maxing out at 11%! You'll gain 3,562 feet in elevation, averaging over 8% grade, so your car will definitely feel it. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to reach the top, but honestly, you'll want to budget way more time. The views are insane! As you snake through the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, each viewpoint is more breathtaking than the last. The final five miles are particularly epic, with the landscape morphing into an alpine wonderland. Once you reach the parking lot (the road's end), you can hike or catch an elevator to the very top. And trust me, you'll want to! Up there, you'll find a castle built of stone, a restaurant, and a gift shop, plus 360-degree panoramic views that stretch for hundreds of miles. On a clear day, you can spot the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and even the skyscrapers of Montreal! Seriously, this is a drive (and a view) you won't forget.
hardHow long is Deer Park Road in WA?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deer Park Road is a defiant drive located in Clallam County, in the US state of Washington. There are a number of sharp turns and dangerous ledges. Gravel, narrow, winding and steep in places. This is one of those roads that is easier for the driver than the passengers. How long is Deer Park Road in WA? Located within the Olympic National Park, the road is 28.96km (18 miles) long. It runs from Highway 101 to the Blue Mountain Trail Head parking lot. It’s a scary drive known for its stunning views. Go slow, take your time and pay attention to the road. Please use caution. It is narrow and steep with occasional turn-offs. There are a lot of sharp curves where you can't see what's on the other side. It barely wide enough for two cars so when you do meet an oncoming vehicle one must pull over to let the other pass. Expect sheer drops, tight corners and no room to pass. You must go when the weather is nice. Take your time, no rush, both hands on the wheel. The drive is absolutely beautiful. You better have confidence in whoever is driving the car. Is Deer Park Road in WA paved? The road is paved to about halfway, turns to dirt and gets very narrow, 10 feet wide. RVs and trailers are prohibited. Off-road 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended. When descending, watch for washboarding in the corners, things can get pretty bone-rattling at the end of the dry season. Is Deer Park Road in WA open? The road ends at the Blue Mountain Trail Head parking lot, at 1.830m (6,003ft) above the sea level. It is usually closed between October and April at the park boundary, about 9 miles from Highway 101. It should only be attempted in good weather. Is Deer Park Road in WA worth it? This challenging winding road leads to some of the most beautiful views in Olympic National Park. Along its way the drive offers 360 degree views of mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the top of Blue Mountain, the end of the road The road does get busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. It’s an epic alpine climb with expansive views. Pic: Olympic National Park Road Trip Guide: Conquering Indiana Pass in Colorado Driving the road to Little Giant Peak in Colorado is not a piece of cake Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeSacramento Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising around south-central New Mexico in Otero County and have a hankering for heights, Sacramento Peak is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 9,262 feet above sea level! You'll be winding your way up the Sunspot Highway (NM Hwy-6563) through the Sacramento Mountains. The road's paved, but get ready for some seriously curvy action and a fairly steep climb. Once you conquer the ascent, you'll be greeted by incredible views and a collection of observatories perched right at the top. Just a heads-up – winter brings the white stuff, so be prepared for snow if you're visiting then. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!