Driving through the scenic Monarch Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
95.43 km
3,448 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Monarch Pass! This Colorado gem straddles Gunnison and Chaffee counties in the heart of the Rockies and tops out at a cool 11,312 feet. You'll be cruising on U.S. Highway 50, a fully paved road stretching for about 59 miles between Gunnison and Poncha Springs.
Built back in the late 30s, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Expect some serious climbs and descents (we're talking 7% grades!), so downshift and take it easy. Watch out for tight turns, steep sections, and those infamous drop-offs – but don't worry, runaway truck ramps are there for emergencies! And keep an eye out for bears!
Speaking of climbs, the one from Maysville is a doozy – 10.4 miles with a 3,000-foot elevation gain! Give yourself about an hour to soak it all in, plus extra time for photo ops (trust me, you'll want them!).
The views are seriously epic, especially of the Sawatch Range. It's no wonder they filmed part of "Fast and Furious 7" here! At the summit, you'll find a gift shop and restaurant to refuel. If you are feeling adventurous, there's a minor gravel road at the summit that climbs to 11,922 feet above sea level.
Monarch Pass is usually open year-round, but Colorado winters can be intense. Expect heavy snow and potential closures during storms. Oh, and heads up – this area holds the state record for wind gusts! Thunderstorms are common too. Regulars might not even notice the sign for Old Monarch Pass Road near the summit.
Where is it?
Driving through the scenic Monarch Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.9303, -98.6831
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 95.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,448 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.9303, -98.6831
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhy is it called Dante's View?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, buckle up for Dante's View in California's Death Valley National Park! This isn't just a drive; it's a freakin' experience. You'll be cruising up Dantes View Road, a fully paved path to an insane overlook sitting pretty at 5,485 feet. The journey starts near Badwater, the lowest spot in North America, and for the first 15 miles or so, it's a mellow ride. But don't get too comfy! The last 5.5 miles are where things get real, with gradients hitting a brutal 13% and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Vehicles over 25 feet long? Not recommended! There's limited access and those tight corners aren't trailer-friendly. But trust me, the 360-degree views at the top are worth the effort. Seriously, they're out of this world! You'll be gazing down at Badwater and across to Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US. It's a photographer's dream come true. Just remember, this is Death Valley, so the climate is no joke. Expect a temperature drop of around 25 degrees between the valley floor and the summit, so pack a jacket! Plus, the wind can get intense up there. Did I mention a Star Wars movie was filmed here? Time your visit for the morning to catch the best light. Get ready for an unforgettable ride.
hardGarfield Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious dose of Rocky Mountain high, you HAVE to check out Garfield Peak in Colorado's Chaffee County. We're talking a lung-busting 12,372 feet above sea level! The road up, Lincoln Creek Road (aka County Road 23), is a real beast. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "hold on tight!" This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. You'll be tackling this 11-mile stretch off CO-82 in the Sawatch Range, and trust me, it's steep. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and a healthy respect for heights! Wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy mess, so keep an eye on the weather. Oh, and pro tip: don't even THINK about trying this between October and June – it's totally impassable then. The peak itself is named after President James A. Garfield and is a great spot to visit Maggie Gulch mine. But the real reward is the insane scenery. Seriously, the views from the top are worth every white-knuckle moment. So, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a challenge, Garfield Peak needs to be on your list!
moderateWhere is Berdoo Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Berdoo Canyon Road is a demanding trail located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California. Flash floods are a possibility. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in Joshua Tree National Park Where is Berdoo Canyon Road? The road is tucked away in the southern portion of California, within Joshua Tree National Park. How long is Berdoo Canyon Road? The road is no-longer maintained. It’s 24.30km (15.1 miles) long, running from . It has steep sections, hitting an 11% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. How long does it take to drive Berdoo Canyon Road? To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 1.5 and 2 hours. It’s a trail that can be run in either direction. Is Berdoo Canyon Road paved? The road is paved for the first mile or two then becomes a dirt road eventually. How challenging is Berdoo Canyon Road? A 4-wheel-drive with a high-clearance vehicle is required. The trail is relatively easy, but there are a few obstacles and deep sandy spots that can give you trouble if you don't have enough clearance. Flash flooding is a possibility and dramatically changes road conditions. Patches of mud are possible but can be readily negotiated; sand may be deep and require lower tire pressures. There is one moderately difficult section that may be intimidating to new off-roaders and may be difficult to make it through in some smaller/stock 4×4 vehicles, but any stock Jeep or 4×4 truck with moderate clearance can make it. Is Berdoo Canyon Road open? Running through the scenic Berdoo Canyon in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the road tops out at 1,300m (4,262ft) above sea level. Accessible year-round, the best time to travel is between October and June as the route passes by some very scenic locations. Driving the scenic Arizona State Route 260 Carr Canyon Road in Arizona: narrow and steep with no guard rails 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.
hardA wild road to Tomichi Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tomichi Pass in Colorado's Chaffee County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a thrilling, unpaved climb to 11,998 feet! Forest Road 888, that's your ticket. It winds from Brittle Silver Basin up to the old mining town of Whitepine. Picture this: a steep, narrow shelf road carved into the mountainside. Not for the faint of heart (or those with a fear of heights!), but totally doable in a stock, high-clearance SUV with low-range gearing. Dating back to the 1870s and nestled in Gunnison National Forest, this road throws down some serious Rocky Mountain vibes in the Sawatch Range. Heads up – she’s usually snowed in from late October until almost July. Get ready for a climb! The ascent from Forest Service Road 839 is just under a mile, but you'll gain over 500 feet, making for an average gradient of almost 10%. The real kicker? It's tight! Passing other vehicles on the north side is a HUGE challenge. Be prepared to reverse a good distance if you meet someone coming the other way. While there aren't any crazy obstacles, expect some moderately rocky sections. Keep an eye out for the shelf road (stunning but narrow) and the bridge – surprisingly, it's the trickiest part! It's a little worse for wear, and if it's wet, you might find yourself sliding. The southern approach is your basic, smooth forest road. And stay alert – rockslides happen! The views? Absolutely incredible! You'll get a killer look at Hancock Pass and Middle Quartz Creek, but the driver really only gets to enjoy it once you reach the top. The pass is super close to Hancock Pass too.