Groundhog Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,379 m
hard
Year-round
Groundhog Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.379m (11,085ft) above the sea level, located in Dolores County, in Colorado, USA.
Located in the San Miguel Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains, the road to the summit is gravel and rocky. It’s called Forest Service Road 534. 4x4 vehicle recommended. It’s usually impassable from November to May. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor at any time of year. It suffers the harsh meteorological conditions of the area every winter. Due to the high elevations and exposure, the road is subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes.
Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a scenic loop road to Carlsbad Caverns
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,379 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow to get by car to Oak Island, the paradise for treasure hunters?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ever heard of Oak Island, Nova Scotia? It's this super mysterious place on the south shore that's been called the site of "the world's longest, most expensive treasure hunt." You can't just wander over; it's privately owned, but get this: it's connected to the mainland by a causeway, a little land bridge that takes you right from Crandall's Point to the island! The causeway is your only ticket to the island these days, and it's how you can join one of the guided tours. The whole island is famous for legends about buried treasure and historical artifacts. This isn't just a little path; the causeway stretches for 200 meters (660 feet), and they had to pack in over 1,500 cubic yards of fill to build it! It finished up on October 16th, 1965, by Robert Dunfield and Mel Chappell, and was mainly built so they could get heavy equipment onto the island for all that digging. Now, thanks to the TV show "The Curse of Oak Island," everyone's even more curious about what they might find. A gate blocks the way with warnings — "Private/No Hunting or Trespassing/Danger" — so tours are the way to go.
moderateHow long is the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Nebo Loop in Utah's Uinta National Forest is an absolute must-do! This 35-mile beauty winds through the southern Wasatch Range between Nephi and Payson, taking you up to a whopping 9,353 feet above sea level at the Monument trailhead. Picture this: you're carving through a narrow canyon alongside a babbling trout stream before the road starts its ascent, treating you to killer views of the Wasatch. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle and other wildlife – they love to wander onto the road! Built back in the day by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the road is paved, but hold on tight! There are sections that get pretty narrow with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Translation: sharp turns, switchbacks galore, and epic climbs that'll have your engine working hard. Heads up – this byway usually closes for the winter (late October to June/July) due to heavy snow. Even when it's open, mountain weather is unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you go, and watch out for icy patches. Set aside at least 1.5 hours for the drive itself. But trust me, you'll want to stop! There are tons of overlooks with incredible vistas, especially of Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range. Wildflowers explode in color during the summer, and there are campgrounds and trailheads aplenty. Just try not to let the scenery distract you from the road!
extremeWolf Creek Pass in Colorado: Beware of the wolf
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Wolf Creek Pass in southern Colorado! This baby clocks in at a whopping 10,869 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains. You'll find it nestled in Mineral County, connecting Pagosa Springs to South Fork along U.S. Highway 160 – a 41.7 mile ride. The views? Absolutely stunning. You're riding the Continental Divide, after all! Just keep in mind this pass is no joke, especially in winter. We're talking serious snow, icy conditions, and the kind of storms that can make even experienced drivers a little queasy. It's open year-round, but be prepared! That west side? It's got a 7% downhill grade, making it one of the steepest paved passes in Colorado. Oh, and that hairpin curve about six-and-a-half miles from the top? Legend has it that's where things get dicey. One wrong move and you're staring down a serious drop-off. Truckers, take note: there are runaway truck ramps for a reason! Budget around 60-75 minutes to cruise the whole thing, if you're not stopping to soak in the views (but you should!).
moderateWhere is Stony Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Stony Pass, a wild ride high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,618 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. You'll find it east of the old mining town of Silverton, and trust me, this road has history etched into every rock. Speaking of rocks, that's how it got its name! Stony Pass Road (also known as Forest Road 520 and County Road 3, or even Hamilton Pass) is 10.4 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain. Think rocky, rough, and washed out in sections. This used to be a stage and freight route back in the 1870s, a lifeline for the miners hauling silver and gold. After falling into disuse, the Forest Service revived it in the 50s. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this one. Seriously, leave the Prius at home. The road follows the Rio Grande River for a good stretch, and there are some seriously narrow spots where you'll be praying you don't meet anyone coming the other way! Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. But when it's open, oh man, the views are incredible. Think panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide, fields of wildflowers, gurgling creeks, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, you'll be surrounded by mining history. It's an adventure you won't forget!