How long is the Old Fall River Road?
Usa, north-america
17.21 km
3,602 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, there's a hidden gem called Old Fall River Road. This 10.7-mile dirt road is an absolute must-do for adventurous souls.
This isn't your average scenic drive. We're talking a one-way, uphill climb that winds its way to a whopping 11,817 feet above sea level! Picture this: hairpin turns, no guardrails, and drop-offs that will make your heart race. But trust me, the views are worth it.
The road is usually open from July through October. All passenger vehicles can make the trip in dry weather. Just take your time (the speed limit is a leisurely 15 mph) and soak it all in.
The whole experience is a slow, immersive journey that'll take about 40 minutes to drive with two hours round trip. You'll wind through forests so dense you can practically touch the trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife and make sure to stop at the many pull-offs to really appreciate the scenery.
Heads up: this road was built back in the early 1900s, so it's got some history! Also, be sure to pick up a guidebook at the visitors center for all the juicy details. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Rockies, Old Fall River Road is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.21 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,602 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (aka Highway 37, Dease Lake Highway, Stikine Highway, or Terrace–Kitimat Highway!) This 874 km (543 mi) beauty in British Columbia is your ticket to some seriously isolated and wild landscapes. Built back in '75, this north-south route stretches from Kitimat up to Upper Liard (where it meets the Alaska Highway). Expect a mix of surfaces – mostly hardtop, but with a kilometer or so of gravel to keep things interesting. The northern stretch is paved with a sealcoat, which is narrower than usual asphalt. Watch out for a few 8% grades and a couple of switchbacks that'll test your turning skills. Heads up: this road is basic. We're talking narrow lanes, limited or no shoulders, and sometimes loose gravel, so take it slow to protect your ride (and other drivers!). Keep an eye out for those one-lane bridges too! Open year-round, this highway is the most northwestern in BC, and it's often called the rugged alternative to the Alaska Highway. You'll be driving through some of the most untouched scenery in North America, with absolute solitude for miles. Forget about your phone – there's zero cell service here. But the payoff? Oh man, the payoff! You'll be treated to mind-blowing mountain views that stretch on forever, and some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities. If you're craving an epic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Stewart-Cassiar is calling your name!
easyWhere is Bear Lake in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bear Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 9,491 feet in Larimer County. We're talking Rocky Mountain National Park, about 13 miles southwest of Estes Park. Getting there is a breeze on the fully paved Bear Lake Road. They spruced it up back in 2012, widening the lanes and smoothing things out. The road itself is about 9.3 miles long, starting from US-36. You'll climb around 1273 feet, so it's a gentle climb with amazing views. Word of warning, though: this place is POPULAR. Over two million people a year cruise Bear Lake Road, so expect some traffic, especially during the summer. Get there early on weekends 'cause the parking lot fills up FAST. The good news is, the road is usually open year-round, and they keep it plowed, so you can experience the lake even in winter. Just keep an eye on the weather, 'cause things can change quickly up there! Seriously, you don't want to miss this.
extremeGraham Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Idaho? Let me tell you about Graham Peak! This baby sits high in Cassia County, smack-dab in the Albion Mountains, topping out at a whopping 8,861 feet. Getting to the summit is definitely not for the faint of heart. Forest Road 707 is a gravel grinder, think rocky, tippy, and bumpy – all the fun stuff! Winter? Forget about it, this road's a no-go. It's a trail best left to experienced 4x4 drivers who know their stuff. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, steer clear. And a heads up – it's steep! Wet conditions turn the road into a muddy mess, making things even more interesting. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are totally worth it.
hardWhere is the Phinney Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic desert adventure, Phinney Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park (southern Nevada) is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about an 11.7-mile trek north of Beatty that starts out pretty tame but quickly demands respect. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars if you've got four-wheel drive with low-range capability. Trust me, there's a section where you'll need it! But the challenge is SO worth it! This road winds through gorgeous pinyon pine woodlands as you climb into the Grapevine Mountains high country. The views alone are worth the dust and bumps. Be sure to check the Death Valley National Park website for the latest conditions before you go. Happy trails!