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
hardWhere is Hat Point?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hat Point in Wallowa County, Oregon, is calling your name. Perched at a dizzying 6,988 feet, this spot serves up views you won't believe, but getting there? It's part of the adventure! You'll find Hat Point tucked away in the northeast corner of Oregon, inside the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Legend has it that the place got its name when a cowboy lost his hat to the brush while wrangling a wild horse. Now, about that road... It's a 22.8-mile gravel grinder starting from Imnaha. The good news? It's generally in pretty decent shape. The bad news? It's narrow, bumpy (think washboards galore), and oh yeah, it climbs a whopping 5,000 feet! That's an average grade of 4.13%, but buckle up because some sections hit a crazy steep 16%. While a passenger car with decent clearance can probably make it, a 4x4 is your best bet. RVs? Proceed with extreme caution, especially in the first six miles, and be prepared for some seriously tight turns. And here's where the fun really begins: the road gets even narrower, and if you meet another vehicle, well, let's just say you'll be holding your breath. No guardrails here, folks! But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. At the top, you're rewarded with mind-blowing panoramic views of Hells Canyon and the Wild and Scenic Snake River. Plus, you can check out one of Oregon's highest fire lookout towers, standing tall at 82 feet. Just a heads-up: this road is usually open from June to October, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for a slow, careful drive – patience is key. Watch those brakes, and if they start feeling weak, pull over and let them cool down. Low-clearance vehicles, RVs, and trailers should tread carefully, especially on the lower sections. And if it's wet or icy? Maybe save this adventure for another day.
moderateMinisters Island: A Road That Appears Twice a Day
🇨🇦 Canada
Ever driven on the ocean floor? Head to Ministers Island in New Brunswick, Canada, near the Bay of Fundy, for a truly unique experience. Forget bridges and ferries; here, you drive across the Bar Road, a natural gravel causeway revealed only when the tide is out. But hold on tight because this isn’t your average Sunday drive! The Bay of Fundy boasts the world’s highest tides, so you’re racing against the clock. You've got about five hours during low tide to cruise across this seabed road to the 500-acre island. The real danger? The speed of the incoming tide. It’s not a gentle rise; the water can surge several centimeters per minute, quickly submerging the road under a whopping 13 feet of saltwater. Miss your window, and your car might become an unexpected submarine! Beyond the adrenaline rush, Ministers Island is a Canadian National Historic Site. Explore the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, former president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, complete with a grand sandstone mansion, a round bathhouse, and a massive barn. Enjoy coastal hikes, but keep one eye on the horizon, because that disappearing road waits for no one!
moderateCan I drive to Lava Point Overlook in Zion National Park?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits! Let me tell you about Lava Point Overlook in Zion National Park, Utah. This hidden gem sits way up high at almost 7,900 feet, offering seriously epic views. You'll find it in the Kolob Terrace section, a bit off the beaten path. The road in? It's a roughly 1.7-mile unpaved stretch called Lava Point Road, winding along a ridge carved out by an old lava flow. Don't worry, you don't need a fancy off-roader; most cars can handle it. Just take it slow and enjoy the ride. Word to the wise: this road is usually closed in winter, so plan your trip between May and September. Trust me, it's worth it, especially for sunset. They say Lava Point is *the* place in Zion to watch the sun dip below the horizon. And the best part? It's usually way less crowded than the other viewpoints, so you can soak it all in without the hordes.
hardDriving Kusawa Lake Road: A Challenging Adventure to the Glacial Blue Lake in Yukon
🇨🇦 Canada
Just outside Whitehorse, near the BC border, lies the stunning glacial blue Kusawa Lake, named "long narrow lake" in Tlingit. This popular fishing and tourist spot is accessed via Kusawa Lake Road, a completely unpaved adventure! Hugging the Takhini River, this 24km (14.91 miles) stretch winds and narrows its way north from Mile 960 of the Alaska Highway (Hwy 1) to a campground near the lake. Reaching an elevation of 754m (2,473ft), the road is a scenic but challenging drive, especially after rain when it can get muddy. Sandy sections can also get pitted, and due to environmental factors, there’s an elevated risk of flooding or mudflows. The steep sections will definitely keep you on your toes! Open seasonally from May to October, this route offers an unforgettable taste of the Yukon's wild beauty.