Is the road to American Basin in Colorado unpaved?

Is the road to American Basin in Colorado unpaved?

Usa, north-america

Length

1.44 km

Elevation

3,548 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you're thinking of hitting up American Basin in Colorado's Gunnison National Forest? Let me tell you, this place is STUNNING. We're talking serious alpine beauty.

First things first: the road. It's County Road 12, and it's all dirt and rocks. Seriously, you're going to want a 4x4 with decent clearance for this one. It meanders along the edge of a ravine in places, which is exciting (to say the least!).

Is it worth it? 100% yes. The views are incredible, and the wildflowers in the summer are legendary. But be warned: most of the basin is above the treeline, so afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast. Plus, altitude sickness is a real concern up here, so take it easy when you arrive.

The road ends at a small parking lot at 11,640 feet, and the whole area is shut down during the winter months due to snow.

From Cinnamon Pass Road (County Road 30), it's a short but steep climb of about 0.9 miles. You gain about 300 feet in elevation, so it's got an average gradient of just over 6%. Get ready for a beautiful climb!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
1.44 km
Max Elevation
3,548 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

How long is NC-12?moderate

How long is NC-12?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Cruising down North Carolina Highway 12 is like a dream! This epic coastal route hugs the Outer Banks, offering insane views of the Atlantic. Clocking in at 147 miles, this baby's a ribbon of asphalt draped over sand, linking the islands and peninsulas. You'll even hop on a couple of ferries to explore both ends of Ocracoke Island โ€“ score! Starting from U.S. 70 at Sea Level, it winds its way up the Outer Banks past Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and all the way to Corolla. Most of the drive is a chill two-lane road sandwiched between the sound and the sea. Now, word to the wise: Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva here. Coastal storms can get wild, flooding the road and causing erosion. High winds can even shut down the ferries, and breaches from major storms are a real threat. Basically, keep an eye on the weather forecast! Youโ€™ll see sand dunes everywhere, and the wind is always perfect for flying kites. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Plus, there are tons of cool stops along the way. You HAVE to check out the historic lighthouses โ€“ Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Seriously, Hatteras and Ocracoke are total gems!

An iconic road to Kicking Horse Pass in the Canadian Rockiesmoderate

An iconic road to Kicking Horse Pass in the Canadian Rockies

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Kicking Horse Pass is calling your name! Perched way up high at 1,683 meters (that's 5,521 feet for my American friends!), this epic mountain pass straddles the Alberta/British Columbia border, right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. We're talking Yoho and Banff National Parks kinda views. The entire 25.8 km (or 16 glorious miles) is paved, making it a smooth ride for most vehicles. You'll cruise from Lake Louise (Banff) to Field (Yoho) along the Trans-Canada Highway, which was blasted through here back in '62. Fun fact: you're actually hitting the highest point on the entire Trans-Canada Highway right here! Keep your eyes peeled though, this area's known for rockslides, debris flows, and even the occasional avalanche. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, steeped in history. Legend has it, Kicking Horse Pass got its name when a geologist named Dr. Hector got, well, *kicked* by his horse right here back in 1858! So, yeah, watch your step and enjoy the ride!

Breathtaking scenery on the road to Lemhi Pass (Idaho-Montana)moderate

Breathtaking scenery on the road to Lemhi Pass (Idaho-Montana)

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Lemhi Pass Road, straddling the Idaho-Montana border, way up in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. We're talking 7,381 feet above sea level, nestled in the Beaverhead Mountains โ€“ Rocky Mountain views for days! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This is a rural gravel road, a little rough around the edges. Seriously, bring a high-clearance vehicle; some sections are seriously rutted and rocky. A good spare tire is non-negotiable. And heads up: the last few miles get narrow โ€“ basically a one-lane situation. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and be ready to use those turnouts. Remember, downhill traffic usually has the right of way. The weather? Unpredictable. It can snow any time of year, and summer brings thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and maybe even hail. This is remote country; donโ€™t expect any services. You might even see cattle or a moose wandering onto the road, so be alert! But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time, surrounded by sagebrush, bunch grasses, and those classic Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine trees. This is where Lewis and Clark first spotted the Columbia River headwaters, and the historical markers at the pass really bring it to life. It's a drive that connects you to history and nature in a way you won't soon forget.

County Line Hillmoderate

County Line Hill

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk County Line Hill in Mono County, California! We're talking serious altitude here โ€“ a whopping 10,410 feet above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road; it's one of the highest in California, and it's ready to test your off-road skills. The path to the top is gravel and rocky, so leave your low riders at home. This 4x4 track, open roughly from June to October (weather gods permitting), isn't for the faint of heart. Expect a steep climb, and be aware that a wrong move could have serious consequences. The views, though? Absolutely breathtaking. But fair warning: the weather up here is notoriously unpredictable, so be prepared for anything!