Empire Pass
Usa, north-america
1.93 km
2,678 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Colorado's Clear Creek County, you HAVE to check out Empire Pass. We're talking seriously high altitude here – 8,786 feet above sea level!
The road up, called Bard Creek Road, is a rugged gravel track that winds its way to the top. Word to the wise: this one's a no-go in winter. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck up there!
Starting from the charming Town of Empire, you've got a quick but mighty 1.2-mile climb ahead. The views along the way are incredible, making the bumpy ride totally worth it! Just keep your eyes peeled for any unexpected obstacles – this is off-the-beaten-path territory, after all. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1.93 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,678 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWilliams Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Williams Pass in central Colorado is a hidden gem sitting way up high at 11,788 feet. Seriously, this place is only accessible for a few weeks each year, so timing is everything! You'll find it nestled near the old ghost town of Hancock, right on the edge of San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests, marking the boundary between Chaffee and Gunnison counties. Picture this: a totally unpaved, rugged jeep trail (NFST #298) winding through a gorgeous alpine meadow. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a narrow, rocky path, following an old 1880s toll road, with mud bogs adding to the challenge. Expect a bumpy, rocky ride that's tight in spots with trees and shrubs. The Williams Pass Jeep Trail is about 5 miles long, connecting the Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) to the Continental Divide on NFSR #295. It's a steep climb in places, reaching a maximum gradient of 8%. Definitely bring your high-clearance 4x4 for this one! And be warned, after it rains, this trail can get seriously muddy and unsafe. This pass was closed for a long time and only reopened in 1997, and even then, it's usually only open during August, if the weather cooperates. Bottom line? Check conditions before you go to avoid disappointment.
hardFox Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Fox Mountain in Colorado's Mineral County. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 11,177 feet! You'll be cruising through the stunning San Juan Mountains on Fox Mountain Road. Just a heads-up, Mother Nature usually shuts this road down with snow around October or November, and there are no plows coming to your rescue. So, winter trips are a no-go unless you're seriously prepared for white-out conditions. The road itself is a 10.5-mile dirt track, starting from US-160. It's generally in good shape, especially at the beginning, but it gets pretty narrow and steep as you climb toward the summit. The views, though? Totally worth it. Get ready for some serious mountain eye candy!
hardWoody Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Woody Mountain Road in northern Arizona's Coconino County is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 8,006 feet (2,440m) on a gravel and rocky road that'll put your 4x4 to the test. Woody Mountain Road is seriously steep and best tackled when the snow's not flying – winter makes it totally impassable. If heights make you nervous, maybe sit this one out. But if you're game, the payoff at the summit is HUGE. You'll find a lookout with views that'll make your jaw drop. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
hardWhy is it Called El Camino del Diablo?
🇺🇸 Usa
Dare to tackle El Camino del Diablo – the Devil's Highway – in Arizona? This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a backcountry adventure right along the Mexican border, so prior experience is a must. This historic route cuts through the Sonoran Desert. The name? Earned. It's sadly known as one of the deadliest migrant trails, with a tragic history. Clocking in at 120 miles along the southern US border, it winds through some seriously remote and arid landscapes. Forget pavement; expect unpaved, extremely rough conditions in sections. A high-clearance 4x4 is non-negotiable. You're on your own out there – no emergency or tow services. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible: rugged mountains, flat desert expanses, cacti galore, shifting sand dunes, and old lava flows. But heads up! This trip demands detailed planning. No drinking water is available. You'll be trekking through active military bombing ranges, areas with unexploded ordnance, plus zones with illegal activity, abandoned mines, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Never attempt this journey solo. Avoid summer due to scorching heat. Even outside summer, be prepared for extreme conditions. Bring ample supplies, let people know your itinerary, and ensure your vehicle is in top shape.