Glorieta Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,286 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're cruising through northern New Mexico, right? You absolutely HAVE to check out Glorieta Pass! It's nestled way up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and we're talking serious elevation – like, 7,500 feet!
You'll be driving on good ol' US Routes 84 and 85, so no need for a monster truck. The pavement's smooth, but keep your eyes peeled! As with any mountain road, the views are ridiculously gorgeous, but stay alert and drive safely.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,286 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
difficultMillion Dollar Highway
🇺🇸 United States
# The Million Dollar Highway: Colorado's Most Legendary Mountain Drive Ready for one of the most epic road trips in the American West? The Million Dollar Highway is a stunning 40-kilometer stretch of U.S. Route 550 that connects the charming mountain towns of Silverton and Ouray in southwestern Colorado. This route is part of the larger San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, and honestly, it's the crown jewel. The drive takes you over three seriously impressive mountain passes – Coal Bank Pass (3,145 m), Molas Pass (3,300 m), and Red Mountain Pass (3,358 m) – all while cutting through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. The name? Well, nobody's entirely sure. Some say it comes from the gold-flecked gravel used in the original construction. Others swear it's because the views alone are worth a million bucks. Then there's the cynical take: "I wouldn't drive that road again for a million dollars." (Spoiler alert: it's actually way more fun than that last explanation suggests.) Built back in the 1880s during Colorado's silver mining heyday, this route has been continuously improved over the decades. The real heart-pounding section? Between Ouray and Red Mountain Pass, where the asphalt literally hugs the mountainside with hundreds-of-meter cliff drops – and yeah, guardrails are basically non-existent in spots. But here's the thing: the views are absolutely insane. You're surrounded by mountains striped in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows from mineral deposits, with weathered old mining buildings and thick alpine forests completing the picture. Come autumn, the aspen trees explode into golden brilliance, making this one of North America's best fall color road trips. Don't let the dramatic reputation scare you off – the road is well-paved and properly maintained. Winter is another story though; ice and snow on those steep grades and hairpin turns demand respect (chains or winter tires are often required). Ouray, the charming town at the northern end, calls itself the "Switzerland of America" and sits in a spectacular natural mountain amphitheater. Silverton, perched at 2,836 meters at the southern end, is a genuine ghost-town-turned-tourist-destination with authentic Victorian architecture everywhere. The highway stays open year-round, making this an unforgettable drive in any season.
moderateDriving the wild Antelope Mountain (in Lassen County, CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let me tell you about a killer drive up Antelope Mountain in northeast California’s Lassen County. We’re talking serious elevation here – this peak tops out at 7,687 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away in Lassen National Forest. The road's a decent forest road, but trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind, this route is a no-go in winter; the snow usually hangs around until late June or even July. The climb is a real workout. From Eagle Lake Road, it's about 5.4 miles to the summit, and you gain a whopping 2,434 feet in elevation. That’s an average grade of over 8%! And the payoff? A fire lookout tower awaits you at the top! Built in '78, it was actually the first solar-powered lookout in the US. Usually, there's someone up there during fire season. The views? Absolutely incredible. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateWhere is Mount Marston in Montana?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna bag some serious views in Montana? Head just south of the sweet little town of Fortine, in the northwest corner of the state, and set your sights on Mount Marston. First things first: the road to the summit is all dirt, a proper forestry track that'll test your nerve. Think exposed drop-offs and maybe a bit of white-knuckle driving. Seriously, bring a buddy to spot you! This isn’t a Sunday drive, folks. Clocking in at around 9.8 miles, you'll be climbing nearly 3,000 feet. That's a leg-burning average gradient of 5.8%! The Forest Service keeps the road gated during winter, so plan for a summer or fall adventure. What awaits you at the top? A fire lookout and views for days! On a clear one, you can even peep the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park way off in the distance. Trust me, the bumpy ride is worth it!
hardA white-knuckle drive to Berthoud Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Berthoud Pass! This Colorado gem sits way up high at 11,307 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand counties. We're talking a fully paved, 46.7-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 40 that'll whisk you from the charming town of Empire to Granby. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this pass, named after surveyor Edward Berthoud, slices right through the Continental Divide on the Front Range. Yes, it's open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect winter weather to throw some curveballs – closures are possible due to heavy snow and potential avalanches. Just west of Denver, Berthoud Pass packs a punch. Parts of it widen to three lanes, but be ready for some serious curves and steep climbs (6.3% grades!), plus those winding switchbacks. But don’t worry, guardrails have got your back. Keep an eye out for the gravel road that branches off east towards Colorado Mines Peak – talk about an epic detour! Factor in about 50-70 minutes of pure driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely unreal, with overlooks at every turn. Prepare to be wowed!