Is the road to Alma paved?
Usa, north-america
51.33 km
3,224 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Alma, Colorado? Prepare for some seriously high-altitude adventures! This little gem, nestled in Park County, boasts the title of the highest incorporated town in North America, sitting pretty at a whopping 10,578 feet above sea level.
The road to get there? Smooth sailing! State Highway 9 is completely paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. You'll find Alma north of Fairplay (the Park County seat) and south of Frisco, making it a great stop on a Colorado road trip.
The drive itself is about 31.9 miles long, a scenic north-south stretch from Fairplay to Frisco. Keep an eye out for incredible views of the Tenmile Range of the Rocky Mountains as you go. Alma has roots dating back to the 1800s during Colorado's gold rush.
Heads up on the weather: Alma's got a subarctic climate, meaning long, chilly winters and short, mild summers. Snow is a real possibility any time of year, and the winter months can get pretty snowy, so be prepared for all kinds of conditions!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 51.33 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,224 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhen was Missouri Highway 63 built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a ride on Missouri's Highway 63! This bad boy stretches a lengthy 337 miles (543km) from the Arkansas state line near Thayer all the way north to the Iowa border by Lancaster. Built way back in 1926, it's seen better days and is still largely a two-lane road winding through classic Missouri farmland. You'll cruise through tiny towns like Vichy and Vienna, each with its own slice of history. Now, let's be real: this isn't just a scenic drive. Highway 63 has a reputation as one of the state's most dangerous stretches, so keep your eyes peeled. Sadly, it's seen a high number of accidents over the years. What is especially shocking is that it runs through Missouri's capital, Jefferson City! Plus, stretches through 13 different counties mean maintenance can be a little hit-or-miss. So, enjoy the ride, soak in the scenery, but definitely stay alert out there!
hardHow long is the road to Stonewall Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Montana's Lewis and Clark County lies Stonewall Mountain, topping out at a cool 8,284 feet. Getting there? It's a wild ride! Think 18 miles of unpaved, rocky, and sometimes seriously steep road starting from Lincoln. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. The views from the top are unreal, especially of Red Mountain. The road's usually open from July to October, as winter slams the door shut. Up top, you'll find a fire lookout tower, built back in '45. It was staffed until '63 but now it is staffed in the summer. Trust me, this is one off-the-beaten-path gem you won't forget!
moderateThe wild road to the abandoned Albergue Tlamacas
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Mexico, in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, ready for an adventure. We're heading to Albergue Tlamacas, an abandoned hotel perched way up at almost 13,000 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road starts at Paso de Cortés (Tlamacaxco) and stretches for just under 3 miles. It's paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. This place has a story to tell, built in the '70s, it was a hotspot until the Popocatepetl volcano started acting up in '94, forcing everyone to leave. It was a fave for climbers and tourists wanting a peek at the volcano. Now, hold on tight, because this road is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% in places! You'll climb almost 900 feet in elevation, making for an average gradient of almost 6%. The views are insane, but keep your eyes on the road—this drive demands respect! Get ready for an unforgettable (and slightly eerie) experience.
moderateCan you drive around the rim of Crater Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a breathtaking road trip? Cruise along Rim Drive in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, a 33-mile loop that hugs the caldera of the stunning Crater Lake. This isn't just any drive; it's one of the highest roads in Oregon, climbing from 6,500 feet to a dizzying 7,877 feet at Cloudcap! Built between 1926 and 1941, this road is a testament to engineering ingenuity. Heads up: Rim Drive is usually only open from July to October because winter brings serious snowfall – we're talking over 20 feet in most places, with drifts up to 60 feet! Keep an eye on conditions; things can change fast. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. It can be a bit narrow and winding, with no shoulders in places, and you might find some rocks on the road. Those afraid of heights might find it challenging as the road sometimes lacks railing and the hillsides are steep. However, the views are SO worth it! Plan for about 1.5 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. With around 50 turnouts, you’ll have ample chances to soak in the lake views, panoramic vistas, and gorgeous forests and meadows. Each viewpoint offers something unique. Rim Drive is also a highlight along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route connecting Crater Lake with Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Get ready for a drive you won't forget!