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
moderateWhere is Chrome Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Chrome Mountain in Montana's Sweet Grass County is calling your name! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 28.1-mile unpaved beast of a road – Picket Pin Creek Road – that climbs to a whopping 10,098 feet! Located west of Fishtail in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this route is strictly for those who love to get down and dirty. Expect some serious off-road action as you navigate through ATV trails and old mining roads. You'll probably need a high-clearance vehicle (4x4 recommended!) and make sure you have that permit sorted before you go. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly! But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and bruise. Get ready for some killer panoramic scenery that’ll make your Instagram followers drool!
hardWhere is Wolf Creek Pass Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through southern Colorado? You HAVE to experience Wolf Creek Pass! This epic stretch of U.S. Highway 160 clocks in at around 42 miles, connecting Pagosa Springs and South Fork through Mineral County. The summit sits at a lofty 10,869 feet in the San Juan Mountains. It's named for the nearby Wolf Creek and even has its own country music shout-out. This beauty's been paved since 1950, but don't let that fool you—it's still a wild ride. Expect a solid hour (or a little more) of driving time. Be prepared for some serious grades, especially on the west side where you'll find a thrilling 7% downhill stretch. Winter? Forget about it. This area gets DUMPED on with snow. It's open year-round, but icy conditions are common. Even summer can bring surprise flurries. Word to the wise: watch out for the hairpin curve about 6.5 miles from the top. It's notorious, with a steep drop-off. Truckers, take note – there are runaway ramps for a reason. This road isn't for the faint of heart. But the views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Moab Lake?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, so you wanna check out Moab Lake in Alberta, Canada? Awesome choice! This high-altitude beauty sits way up there, and getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be cruisin' on Range Road 280B, aka Moab Lake Road, and fair warning, it's all unpaved. Think bumpy and slow-going. You'll definitely want a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle to handle it. From the pavement, it's about 10km to the lake. The scenery is super scenic, so keep your camera handy. There are a few spots where you can pull over and soak it all in. Important heads up: this road is a no-go in the winter (roughly mid-October to mid-April/May). It's closed for the season, so plan your trip accordingly!
moderateHow long is Squaw Peak Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Squaw Peak Road in Utah County, Utah! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 28-mile (45km) north-south rollercoaster from Provo Canyon to Hobble Creek Canyon, passing the Rock Canyon Campgrounds. Get ready for some seriously gorgeous mountain views – the scenery here is off the charts. Now, a heads-up: you won't be cruising on smooth asphalt the whole way. The first 4.6 miles are paved, but after that, it's 23 miles of good ol' rough dirt road. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is definitely your best friend here. Parking can be a bit of a puzzle along this narrow road, so be a good neighbor and try not to block things up too much. Keep in mind, this road is a seasonal superstar. It's usually open from mid-May to mid-October, taking advantage of the warmer months high in the Wasatch Mountain range. And speaking of high, the road peaks at a cool 8,549ft (2.606m) above sea level!