How long is Interstate 70 in Utah?
Usa, north-america
372 km
2,404 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on I-70 in central Utah! This isn't just any highway; it's a 231-mile (372 km) east-to-west adventure from I-15 near Cove Fort all the way to the Colorado border.
Trust me, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled because the scenery is unreal. We're talking about dramatic landscapes, a mesmerizing cruise through Spotted Wolf Canyon, endless deserts, deep canyons, and those jaw-dropping rock formations Utah is famous for.
Heads up, though: this road climbs to a lofty 7,886 feet (2,404m), so expect potential snow. It's usually open year-round, but winter weather can cause temporary closures. Plan accordingly.
Now, for the real kicker: I-70 in Utah is seriously desolate. We're talking over 100 miles – that's between Green River and Salina – with absolutely *zero* services. No gas, no snacks, no restrooms. And get this: for 106 miles, there is no way to turn around, and there are no towns. Fill up your tank, stock up on supplies, and maybe even bring a portable toilet, because this stretch is the longest in the entire Interstate system without services!
It'll take you around 3-4 hours to drive straight through, but honestly, with views like these, you'll want to factor in some stops. Just be prepared for a truly remote experience and know your limits. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable journey for the prepared traveler.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 372 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,404 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving an old mining road to Mount Lincoln in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through central Colorado, you NEED to check out Mount Lincoln. We're talking serious altitude here, folks – this old mining road climbs to a whopping 14,097 feet! That makes it one of the highest roads in the entire USA, nestled in the Pike National Forest. Word has it, they named this peak after President Lincoln just to poke fun at the Democrats who named the nearby Mount Democrat. Talk about mountain politics! The Mt. Lincoln Road (also known as Crest Drive) is a super rugged, unpaved track winding through the Mosquito Range. It used to be an old wagon road that went past Quartzville and all the way to the Present Help mine near the summit. Now, a word of warning: This road is NO JOKE. It's on private land and definitely closed during the winter – often until July! You'll need a 4x4 SUV with decent clearance to even think about tackling it. The surface is rough, and there will be clearance issues! But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with incredible hiking, fishing, and stunning views. Plus, you can explore the remnants of old mines near the top. It's a chance to witness history combined with breathtaking landscapes. Trust me, it's an unforgettable Colorado experience!
moderateWhy is it called Conway Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Conway Summit in California's Mono County! This isn't just any drive; it's a high-altitude adventure reaching 8,143 feet! Named after a local legend, John Andrew Conway, this fully paved stretch of U.S. Highway 395 is the highest point on the road. Prepare for a feast for the eyes! The views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada are seriously stunning. The drive itself is about 19.5 miles long, cruising north to south from Willow Springs to the town of Lee Vining, right on Mono Lake's edge. Heads up, though: being in the Eastern Sierras, Conway Summit is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with temporary closures in winter. Snow can get intense! Want to go even higher? Just east of the pass, there's a little gravel road that climbs to 8,415 feet where the radio towers are. Word of warning: it's steep (like, 8% steep!), and you'll definitely want a 4x4 to handle it. Get ready for an epic adventure!
extremeWhere is Elwood Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an epic Colorado adventure? Check out Elwood Pass! Nestled in Rio Grande County, this beauty tops out at 11,676 feet above sea level. You'll find it hanging out in the Rio Grande National Forest in southwestern Colorado. The road to the summit, known as East Fork Road (FS 667), is 17.9 miles of pure, unadulterated dirt. Prepare for a steep climb, with sections hitting a 20% gradient! The elevation gain is a serious 4,376 feet, making for an average gradient of 4.63%. Keep in mind, this road is impassable in winter due to the high elevation and heavy snowfall in the San Juan Mountains. The road's narrow, but the views are killer. It can get slick when wet, and be warned: parts of the drive hug a high cliff, so it can be a bit treacherous. The climb is rocky, steep, and definitely a challenge. The first 8 miles are pretty tame, a graded gravel road suitable for most cars. It follows the river through a rocky canyon before opening into a wide valley. You'll find a dip near Silver Falls that might challenge the ground clearance of lower cars. The real fun begins after 10 miles at the Quartz Creek turnoff. Expect lots of climbing and loose rocks. This section demands a 4x4 with high clearance due to multiple water crossings. Lock those axles, drop it into first gear, and use low range. There are spots where the road is carved into near-vertical rock walls with serious drop-offs. Take it slow and steady! Be extra cautious when the road is wet, especially in spring when the river crossings can be deep and swift with snowmelt. Summer rain can also swell the river and make the road muddy and slick in places. Basically, Elwood Pass is a stunner, but it demands respect!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Crown Point Road in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an epic Colorado adventure? Let me tell you about Crown Point Road up in Larimer County! Tucked away in the Comanche Peak Wilderness within the Roosevelt National Forest, this mountain drive is seriously stunning. Now, fair warning, this isn't a paved paradise. Expect mostly dirt and some gravel stretches along the way. The good news is, it's generally wide. Keep your eyes peeled, because nearby, you can even find remnants of a WWII B-17 crash from way back in '43! You'll climb all the way up to 10,639 feet, so be ready for those breathtaking views. The whole 18.2-mile stretch from Pingree Park Road (County Road 63E) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive without stops, and it ends at a parking lot that kicks off the Zimmerman Trail. Heads up though, this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan your trip accordingly!