Is the road to Anchorite Pass paved?
Usa, north-america
89.15 km
2,326 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Anchorite Pass in Nevada! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 7,631 feet, placing you right in the heart of Mineral County, practically hugging the California border.
The best part? Smooth sailing all the way! NV-359, your trusty paved path, leads you right to the summit. This pass is the highest point on this route.
Now, fair warning: this is a true escape. We're talking 55 miles of pure, unadulterated road with absolutely zero services. So gas up and pack those snacks!
The pass itself stretches for about 55 miles, cruising from Mono City, California, all the way to Hawthorne, Nevada. And honestly, the drive is pretty chill, mostly straight and easy, without crazy twists or climbs. Get ready for some wide-open Nevada scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 89.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,326 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA scenic unpaved road to Cordova Pass in southern Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled high in southern Colorado, Cordova Pass tops out at a whopping 11,248 feet! You'll find it in Huerfano County, offering a taste of the wild west. Originally called Apishapa Pass, it was renamed in 1934 after Jose De Jesus Cordova, a local legend. The unpaved road itself was built the same year. Most of the time, your average car can make it, but be warned: there are ruts from past mud-slinging adventures that can be tricky in a low-rider. And near the top, watch out for sneaky potholes hiding in the shadows – your suspension will thank you. While it’s generally not too tough, if rain or snow are on the horizon, best to bring a 4x4 friend. The route connects near Gulnare, Colorado, to the paved highway over Cuchara Pass. Heads up, if you're coming from Cuchara Pass (that's FR364), it's a rocky, dirt road – not ideal for RVs or long trailers. East of the pass, on County Road 46, the road gets even bumpier until you hit the south end of the National Forest. Keep in mind, this beauty is usually snowed in from mid-November to late May. There's a parking area with a fee station, restrooms (sometimes open), and picnic spots for a scenic break. Tucked inside San Isabel National Forest, right by the Spanish Peaks Wilderness, the drive is seriously stunning. If you're rolling in from the east, you'll cruise under Cordova Arch (aka Apishapa Arch), a WPA masterpiece from the 30s. This arch is a total showstopper, slicing right through one of the dramatic igneous rock walls that fan out from the Spanish Peaks.
hardDriving the defiant USFS 503 Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! You HAVE to check out USFS 503 in Colorado's Mineral County. Seriously, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest, this super short mountain road is a real gem. We're talking totally unpaved, raw adventure. Clocking in at just over half a mile, don't let the length fool you. This climb takes you up to a whopping 12,877 feet! Yeah, you heard right. Word to the wise: this road is NOT for your average sedan. You're gonna need a 4x4 with some serious clearance. It's steep – like a 12.6% average gradient steep, gaining 344 feet in elevation. Expect it to be snow-free only in the late summer months. But trust me, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Get ready for some killer mountain scenery!
hardWhere is Barlow Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Barlow Pass in northwestern Washington, nestled in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This place is a gem! You can park right at the top (elevation 2,355ft), making it super accessible. Heads up though – bring your own water, as the local stuff has some not-so-friendly heavy metals. You'll cruise up the Mountain Loop Highway to get there. Picture this: towering mountains in every direction – seriously stunning. The road’s paved on both ends, but there's a 14-mile (21 km) stretch around the pass that’s a single-lane gravel road. Keep an eye on conditions, as floods sometimes cause closures. The whole shebang is about 52.5 miles long, winding through some unforgettable scenery. Barlow Pass is also the trailhead for Monte Cristo, a cool old mining ghost town. The road there is blocked off – and for good reason! It's super rough and not for cars, but the trail itself is pretty manageable, though those past floods did leave their mark. Happy trails!
hardIs the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bill Moore Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 11,368 feet in Clear Creek County. The road? It's Forest Service Road 183.1, and it's a total adventure. We're talking unpaved, super rocky, and seriously steep. Think epic views as you climb, but also loose dirt and small rocks that'll test your driving skills. If it's wet, forget about it unless you're prepared. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. The fun starts from the historic town of Empire, and it's about 6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you — you'll climb over 2,700 feet! That's an average grade of 8.5%, so buckle up! Heads up: this road is SEASONAL. It's in the Arapaho National Forest, so expect snow to close it down in winter. Usually, it's good to go from late spring through fall. Is it worth the bumpy ride? ABSOLUTELY! You're right on the edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. Much of the route winds through a dense pine forest. At the top, there's a big parking lot and access to trails and even the historical Conqueror Mine. Seriously, pack a picnic, explore, and make a weekend of it. The scenery is unreal.