How long is Witter Gulch Road?
Usa, north-america
7.4 km
2,809 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts! Witter Gulch Road in Colorado's Clear Creek County is calling your name! This 4.6-mile beauty is a twisty-turny adventure, winding its way between Squaw Pass (Highway 103) and Upper Bear Creek Road.
Now, don't let the "fully paved, good condition" fool you. This road is not for the faint of heart! We're talking 14 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, plus some seriously steep sections. You'll climb (or descend!) from 7,454 feet to a breathtaking 9,215 feet above sea level. That's a hefty 2,000-foot elevation change with an average gradient of 7.1%. The scenery is absolutely stunning, so make sure your passenger is ready with the camera while you focus on those curves! Just be prepared for a thrilling ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,809 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Bullion King Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway. We're talking about a serious elevation gain here – almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds. This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
moderateWhere is Cochetopa Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cochetopa Pass: a killer Colorado climb that tops out at 10,091 feet! You'll find this gem in southern Colorado, right on the Continental Divide, smack-dab between the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. "Cochetopa" is a Ute word meaning "Pass of the Buffalo," and this route has been around since way back in 1858! Ready to drive it? Just hop on Saguache County Road NN14, also known as Cochetopa Pass Road. The good news is, you don't need a monster truck. This well-maintained, graded dirt road is totally doable in your average car as it snakes through those gorgeous national forest lands. Most drivers won't find it too tricky. The climb is about 26.3 miles long, starting and ending on State Highway 114. Think gentle grades and fairly wide lanes. Just a heads up: there's another pass nearby, a little further north on Highway 114, called North Cochetopa Pass. Keep in mind this is the Rockies, so the road's usually snowed in from October to June. Plan accordingly!
moderatePowder Mountain resort
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Powder Mountain Road! This route, also known as state Route 158, is your ticket to North America's largest ski area, nestled high up in Utah, straddling Weber and Cache counties. Get ready for some serious eye candy because this paved road is all about the views! You can usually hit it year-round, but keep an eye on winter weather – Mother Nature might decide to close it temporarily after a big storm. Now, be warned, this climb is no joke. Starting from the UT-39 junction, you've got about 11.6 miles of uphill trekking. We're talking an elevation gain of over 3,300 feet! That's an average grade of around 5.5%, so make sure your car is ready for a workout as you make your way up to that awesome 8,257-foot summit!
moderateWhite Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for adventure in New Mexico? Check out White Peak! This beast of a mountain tops out at 8,805 feet in Colfax County. The road to the summit? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lot of "hold on tight!" Seriously, this isn't a joyride – one wrong move and you're in trouble. The road is constantly changing, and winter has a LONG residency here, meaning summer is the only real window to tackle it. You absolutely NEED a 4x4. Experience and a super cautious driving style are essential. But if you're up for it, you'll be rewarded with some killer views from the top!