Is Dave Wood Road in Colorado paved?
Usa, north-america
31.22 km
2,830 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Dave Wood Road in western Colorado, winding through the foothills of the Uncompahgre Plateau. This isn't your typical highway – it's a 19.4-mile stretch of mostly unpaved adventure starting near Montrose and heading south towards Norwood. For the first seven miles you'll be cruising on pavement, but then the real fun begins!
While most vehicles *can* make the trek, I'd strongly recommend having a four-wheel drive to handle the loose gravel and ever-changing road surface. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is awesome, but keep your eyes peeled!
As you climb, you'll be treated to some seriously stunning views within the Uncompahgre National Forest. And get this: you'll hit a peak elevation of 9,284 feet! Keep in mind that this road is only plowed up to the Dave Wood Winter Recreation Area, so plan accordingly depending on the season. This road runs parallel to Highway 550, offering you a scenic alternative. Enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31.22 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,830 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA beautiful drive to Presa Zimapan
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you, snaking its way through the stunning landscapes where Hidalgo and Querétaro meet in Mexico. This unnamed state route leads you on an unforgettable ride to the Zimapán reservoir. Picture this: breathtaking mountain vistas, the expansive reservoir shimmering in the sunlight, and dramatic canyon walls towering beside you. But wait, there's more! You'll actually *cross* the main dam itself, right on the state line where the Moctezuma River carves its way through the canyon. And the tunnels? Prepare for three! Two shorter ones near the dam, but then BAM – you're plunged into Querétaro's longest tunnel, stretching for a solid 2.5 kilometers! The entire road is paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. Plus, there are plenty of viewpoints and rest stops along the way to soak it all in. Thinking of making it a longer trip? Ferry access and campsites abound around the reservoir – perfect for an extended escape!
moderateDriving the highest paved road in Washington to Sunrise Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Sunrise Point in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park. Perched way up high at 6,420 feet, this is the highest point you can drive to in the whole park! The road itself, Sunrise Park Road (or just Sunrise Road), is paved the whole way. But fair warning: it's a twisty, turny climb, and it's narrow in places. If you're rocking a mega RV or towing anything longer than 25 feet, you might want to chill at the White River Campground intersection. The fun starts from WA-410, and it's a 15.4-mile trek up a super steep and windy road, which opened way back in 1931. This is one of the highest roads in Washington, so keep in mind it's usually only open from late June/early July to late September/early October because of all that glorious winter snow. Even in late September, they close it down at night at the White River Campground junction, opening it up again in the morning if the weather cooperates. You could technically blast up in about 30 minutes without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to take your time. The scenery is insane! There's a big parking lot at the top, and Sunrise Point is just WOW. On a clear day, you're treated to jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the valleys below, majestic Mount Rainier, and a bunch of other Cascade volcanoes like Mount Adams. And if you squint just right, you can even spot the top of Mount St. Helens! It's an absolute must-see.
extremeDriving the treacherous Raton Pass in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! Raton Pass straddles the Colorado-New Mexico border, soaring to a cool 7,841 feet. "Ratón" means "mouse" in Spanish, and this route was a real game-changer back in the day, part of the legendary Santa Fe Trail. The first road snaked through here way back in 1866. You'll cruise between Las Animas County, Colorado and Colfax County, New Mexico. Today, it's all smooth sailing on Interstate 25. The 21.8-mile stretch from Raton, New Mexico to Trinidad, Colorado is in great shape. Just be ready for some climbs! Perched high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this pass is generally open year-round. Winter, though? That's another story. Think wicked winds, slick ice, and blankets of snow. Mother Nature can throw a serious curveball, so keep your wits about you. Expect possible closures when the snow really starts to fly. It's not brutally steep, thankfully. If you're coming from Raton, you'll gain about 1,089 feet over 11.6 miles, a gentle 1.77% average grade. From Trinidad, it’s a bit more of a climb: 1,831 feet over 13.9 miles, with an average grade of 2.49% and a max of 6%. Time to hit the road!
extremeDriving the legendary Rubicon Trail in California is a lifetime experience
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Rubicon Trail: California's Ultimate Off-Road Adventure If you're serious about off-roading, the Rubicon Trail is basically the pilgrimage you need to make. This legendary 22-mile route winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, straddling Placer and El Dorado counties, and it's absolutely legendary for good reason. What started as a stagecoach road connecting the Sacramento Valley to Lake Tahoe back in the day has evolved into one of the most famous 4-wheel drive trails on the planet. Jeepers have been conquering this beast since the early 1950s, and honestly? It's where off-roading culture kind of began. Running from Georgetown to Lake Tahoe via Wentworth Springs Road and McKinney Rubicon Springs Road, this trail is a masterclass in technical driving. You'll encounter some seriously notorious obstacles like Post Pile, Walker Hill, Little Sluice, Spider Lake, and the infamous Cadillac Hill—a steep, tippy section that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Other memorable spots include Rubicon Springs, Thousand Dollar Hill, and various creeks and lakes that showcase the raw beauty of this remote corner of California. The terrain is a wild mix of granite slabs, soft dirt, sharp rocks, and massive boulders that demand precision and skill. When it rains, water crossings can get deep and muddy real quick. Some tough sections can be bypassed, but many rough spots? You're going through them. Fair warning: this isn't beginner territory. Topping out at 7,001 feet, the trail gets snow in winter and is only about 8-10 feet wide throughout. Cell service? Basically non-existent out here. Weather can change in a heartbeat—thunderstorms in summer, snow and ice in fall and winter. Always pack emergency supplies, chains, and expect the unexpected. It's intense, it's beautiful, and it's genuinely one of the most unforgettable off-road experiences you'll ever have. Just make sure you're experienced before you tackle it.