Driving the rough 4×4 road to Argentine Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
12.71 km
4,034 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're headed to Argentine Pass, clocking in at a whopping 13,234 feet above sea level in the heart of Colorado! You'll find this bad boy straddling Clear Creek and Summit counties, nestled in the White River National Forest.
Originally a wagon road from way back in 1867, this route (aka County Road 352) stretches for about 7.9 miles from Guanella Pass Road. Forget pavement – it's all about that rugged, unadulterated 4x4 experience here.
Speaking of 4x4, you'll NEED a high-clearance vehicle. Think narrow paths, seriously steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and rocks, rocks, rocks! We're talking moderate difficulty with a few stream crossings thrown in to keep things interesting. Oversized vehicles should definitely sit this one out.
Keep in mind this is a summer-only adventure. Snow can linger well into the season, so plan accordingly. You can only drive to the pass from the Georgetown side, the other side (Horseshoe Basin) is strictly for hikers and bikers.
The payoff? OMG, the VIEWS! And plenty of parking at the top. Don’t miss the Santiago Mine and Ghost Town (but be respectful, it's private property!). Gaze north for killer views of Grays & Torreys Peaks. On the way back, enjoy the fast and furious ride and amazing views of Peru Creek.
Just a heads up, the climb is real. You're gaining over 3,600 feet from Guanella Pass Road. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! But trust me, the panoramic vistas from the Continental Divide are worth every bump and grind.
Where is it?
Driving the rough 4×4 road to Argentine Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9913, -95.3328
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.71 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,034 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.9913, -95.3328
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is Berthoud Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Colorado? You HAVE to experience Berthoud Pass! This paved beauty, also known as U.S. Highway 40, stretches for 46.7 miles (75.15 km) between the charming town of Empire and Granby. Perched on the Continental Divide in the Front Range, it's named after Edward Berthoud, a railroad surveyor back in the day. The views? Unreal! Think classic Rocky Mountain scenery around every bend. Heads up – at 11,307 feet (3,446m), this pass is no joke! While it's generally open year-round, winter can throw a wrench in things. Expect potential closures or restrictions due to heavy snow and avalanches. It's definitely a route that demands respect. The road itself has some steep sections (around 6.3% grade) and plenty of switchbacks, so take it slow. While it can be challenging in spots, guardrails help keep you on track. Budget around 50-70 minutes to drive it without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over at the overlooks and soak in the epic views. Oh, and for the adventurous, a gravel road branches off to the east, leading to the summit of a 12,506-foot (3,812m) peak.
easyDriving the lovely Glendora Mountain Road in Southern California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Glendora Mountain Road, or GMR as the locals call it, is calling your name. Tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, a stone's throw from the buzz of Los Angeles, this isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Spanning just over 21 miles from Glendora to Mount Baldy, crossing both San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, this fully paved beauty is a winding ribbon of smooth asphalt. Think perfect conditions, minimal potholes, and enough elevation to keep the snow away most of the year. Prepare for some serious gradients, though! You'll hit some ramps with up to a 10% incline, enough to make it interesting. And those blind turns? They'll keep you honest, so stay sharp and avoid hugging the center line – you never know what's coming around the bend. Trust me, you'll want to pull over and soak in the views. This is Southern California at its finest, with mountain panoramas that will knock your socks off. Allot an hour to savor the journey, and take advantage of the plentiful turnouts. Word to the wise: weekends can get crazy with motorcycles and cyclists, so if you want a more relaxed experience, aim for a weekday morning. You might even encounter the occasional speed demon, so keep your wits about you. The road crests at a cool 4,537 feet, guaranteeing breathtaking views year-round. What are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the GMR!
hardHow long is Pacific Rim Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for an epic road trip on the Pacific Rim Highway! This incredible 127-kilometer (78-mile) stretch of Highway 4 carves its way across Vancouver Island, linking Port Alberni in the Alberni Valley to the charming fishing village of Tofino. It's the lifeline for the region, keeping goods moving, communities connected, and tourists stoked. Since 1972, the whole road has been paved, so no need for a monster truck! The drive itself takes about 2 to 3 hours non-stop, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. Prepare for mind-blowing scenery as you cruise from the island's central mountains to the Pacific coast. Think ancient forests, jagged mountain ranges, and shimmering lakes. It's like driving through a postcard! Summer is the busy season, but winter has its own charm, even if some spots are closed. Now, fair warning, this beauty comes with a bit of a challenge. This route snakes through the island’s mountainous interior, so expect a steep and twisty ride, and the shoulders can be pretty narrow. Rainy months can get super wet between Sproat Lake and the coast, and flooding can happen, too.
extremeForest Road 4723
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Want a quick thrill in the Utah mountains? Forest Road 4723 in San Juan County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a short but seriously high mountain road, one of Utah's loftiest, topping out at a lung-busting 10,629 feet. Clocking in at just over half a mile, don't let the short distance fool you. This gravel track can get pretty gnarly with rocks and tricky sections. And heads up: the weather here is WILD. It can change on a dime, and closures are common. Four-wheel drive isn't just recommended; it's essential. Seriously, only tackle this when it's dry. Wet or dark conditions turn this from a challenge into a nightmare. If you've got any breathing issues or heart problems, maybe skip this one. The altitude and extreme weather are no joke, any time of year. But if you're prepared, the views will take your breath away (in a good way!).