How challenging is the road to Nevado de Colima?
Mexico, north-america
23.4 km
3,991 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about conquering Nevado de Colima in Jalisco, Mexico! This beast of a mountain tops out at nearly 13,100 feet, and the road to get there? Forget about it! We're talking seriously steep climbs – some spots hit a 12% gradient, so you NEED a 4x4 for this mission.
The road kicks off from Carretera Estatal el Grullo-Ciudad Guzman and it's about 14.5 miles of pure, unadulterated challenge, racking up over 7,200 feet of elevation gain. Expect mainly gravel and rock – this ain't no Sunday drive. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, surrounded by insane Nevado de Colima National Park views, inching your way up what feels like a barely-there mule track. Seriously, it gets narrow and if it's been raining? Muddy and slippery are understatements. Be warned, tourist access is often limited to a gate around 11,500 feet, so those comm towers at the very top may remain out of reach! Built originally to service those towers, this route will test your mettle!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,991 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow Long is Highway Mexico 150D?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Highway 150D is a wild, winding 6-lane ride that carves its way through the mountains, offering some seriously jaw-dropping views. This stretch of road climbs to a lung-busting 3,230m (10,597ft) above sea level. This route covers roughly 130 kilometers (80.77 miles), but fair warning: it's known as one of Mexico's most treacherous highways. The curves can be deceiving, and drivers often find themselves in trouble when they take them too fast. And that's not all – Mother Nature throws a few curveballs too! Expect frequent rain, dense fog, and even snow in the winter. A lot of drivers aren't prepared for these conditions, which only adds to the road's risky reputation. With an average of 1,863 accidents per year reported by CAPUFE, you'll want to take it slow and stay alert. Plus, you'll be winding through the Plan de Barrancas in the Sierra Madre, which makes for some stunning scenery. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road!
hardWhere is Colorado Mines Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest, and you're itching for a serious dose of altitude. Colorado Mines Peak is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, topping out at a cool 12,506 feet. The whole reason it's called Colorado Mines Peak is because the Colorado School of Mines has a weather station chilling at the summit. Now, the road itself? It's a 2-mile (3.21 km) unpaved service road—Colorado Mines Peak Road—with some super-long switchbacks and a steep grade averaging 11.7%. Expect an elevation gain of 1,250ft (381m). Heads up, though: private vehicles aren't allowed! Plus, being in the heart of Colorado, this road is usually buried under snow during the winter, so plan your trip for later in the season when things have thawed out. Once you reach the top, yeah, there are a bunch of communication towers and equipment (think 1950s vibes). But honestly, who cares when you're surrounded by unbelievable views in every single direction?
extremeWhere is Gilbert Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on California's State Route 168, also known as Gilbert Pass! This high-altitude connector sits pretty at 6,391 feet in Inyo County, snuggled within the Eastern Sierra. This isn't your average highway, folks. We're talking about a 37.5-mile stretch of pure driving adventure, and by adventure, I mean NARROW. Like, single-lane-sections-where-you-pray-you-don't-meet-another-car narrow. Gilbert Pass is your high-altitude link between the Owens Valley and the Deep Springs Valley, offering a taste of the remote, rugged beauty of northern Inyo County. Picture a landscape of stark high desert peaks and crazy rock formations. It's like stepping back in time! Now, the pavement is generally good, but don't let that fool you. These single-lane sections are the real deal, with blind curves and zero shoulder. Uphill traffic technically has the right of way, but be ready to slam on the brakes and reverse to the nearest turnout if someone's coming down. RVs and long trucks, be warned: some corners are tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. As you wind your way along the 168, be prepared for hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. The desert floor seems to vanish beneath you! This isn't a road to rush – slow and steady wins the race. Visibility can be limited thanks to the canyon walls, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. And a word to the wise: Gilbert Pass is usually closed during the winter months. All that snow and ice turns those single-lane sections into seriously sketchy territory. It usually reopens sometime in the spring, but always check conditions before you go. A sudden storm can shut things down fast, leaving you stranded in a very remote corner of California!
moderateIs Badger Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk Badger Pass in Big Sky Country — Montana, specifically. Is it paved? You bet! Montana State Highway 278 will take you right through it, and the pavement's in pretty good shape. Expect some steep climbs; those ramps will give your engine a workout! This north-south route clocks in at around 60 miles, starting near Dillon, the heart of Beaverhead County. And the views? Oh man, the Pioneer Mountain Range is absolutely stunning! Seriously, you'll want to pull over and snap some pics.