Is the road to Pikes Peak paved?
Usa, north-america
31 km
4,302 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Colorado, ready to tackle "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak! Originally named "El Capitan" by Spanish settlers, it was renamed to honor explorer Zebulon Pike.
The Pikes Peak Highway, a fully paved toll road, stretches 19 miles from Cascade up to a staggering 14,115 feet above sea level. Be warned, though – this beauty is STEEP, gaining over 6,700 feet with an average gradient of 6.70% and packing in 156 turns! Construction on this scenic route started way back in 1915, opening as a gravel climb, with paving coming later.
The road's usually open year-round, "weather permitting," but closures are common when the snow gets heavy. Keep an eye on conditions before you go. And hey, if you’ve got heart or breathing issues, or you’re traveling with a baby under 4 months, maybe skip this one.
Trust me, the scenery is worth it! Lakes, mountains, wildlife – it’s all there. Stop often to soak it in *and* adjust to the altitude. Up above timberline, the landscape shifts to something almost Martian, all red rock and boulders. Bring a jacket, even in summer – it gets cold and windy up there.
The drive is winding and can be intense. The rangers will be checking the brakes of descending vehicles for overheating. The view from the top is insane, but oxygen is thin, so take it easy.
Just remember: 25 mph is the speed limit. Uphill traffic always has the right-of-way. Use low gears to save your brakes on the way down. And fill up your gas tank – there are no stations along the way.
Oh, and if you’re into racing, the Pikes Peak Hillclimb is legendary!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,302 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe Loneliest Highway to Hickison Summit in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Hickison Summit! This killer pass sits way up in Nevada's Lander County, clocking in at 6,584 feet. You'll find it nestled at the end of the Toquima Mountain Range. The road? Smooth asphalt all the way, part of the legendary "Loneliest Highway in America." Usually, you can cruise it year-round, but winter storms can sometimes throw a wrench in the plans. Get ready for some climbs, folks – we're talking up to 8% grades in spots, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. This stretch runs for almost 70 miles between Austin and Eureka. The whole area is steeped in history, both ancient and not-so-ancient.
easyWhere is Palo Flechado Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Palo Flechado Pass in New Mexico, a sweet spot sitting way up at 9,117 feet! You'll find it straddling the line between Taos and Colfax counties, smack-dab in that gorgeous high desert of northern New Mexico. Good news: this beauty is totally paved as you cruise along U.S. Route 64. The whole shebang stretches for about 30.8 miles (almost 50km), connecting the charming villages of Taos and Eagle Nest. Get ready for some serious Sangre de Cristo Mountain views!
hardHow long is Bella Coola Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Bella Coola Road (Highway 20) in British Columbia – a 454-kilometer adventure from Williams Lake to Bella Coola! Forget your average Sunday drive, this route throws you into the heart of BC's wilderness, from the arid canyons near the Fraser River to seriously stunning glaciated peaks. Think of it as two road trips in one: for the first 319 km, you're cruising on pavement to Anahim Lake. Then, BAM! Gravel time! The rest is an all-season gravel road, not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep grades, and the kind of scenery that will leave you speechless (or maybe muttering a little prayer). But the real kicker is "The Hill" – 11 km of switchbacks climbing to 1,524 m (5,000 ft). Hold tight for the descent; a 43-kilometer stretch of narrow road with those hairpin turns, including a nail-biting 9 km at an 18% grade – supposedly the steepest in BC! First gear is your friend here, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Some sections are single-lane. Believe it or not, they completed this thing in 1953 with just two bulldozers and a whole lot of determination. It's officially Highway 20, but locals still call it the "Freedom Road," a tribute to the valley's long history of isolation. Speaking of remote, facilities are scarce along the way, so fill up that gas tank before you go. While you could technically do it in a day, especially in summer, factor in time to stop and actually soak in the incredible surroundings. Oh, and did I mention Bella Coola was a filming location for The Incredible Hulk? Talk about a scenic hideaway!
moderateWhere is Onion Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in California's Inyo County, Onion Valley Road is a must-drive for those seeking a thrilling ascent! Picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Owens Valley, right between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and the vast Nevada landscape. This 13-mile stretch, formerly known as California State Route 180, kicks off from Independence on US 395 and winds its way westward to Onion Valley Campground. Typically open from May to November, Mother Nature dictates the schedule with snow conditions. Prepare for a climb! They say this is one of the toughest cycling routes in California, and it's no joke. The road gains serious altitude as you go, hitting an average grade of almost 8% over the last ten miles. Starting at around 3,937ft, you'll climb over 5,200 feet in elevation to reach a staggering 9,219ft near the top. The fully paved road features nine switchbacks, offering killer views of the Owens Valley. Keep an eye out for bears, as they're known to frequent the area! The scenery is simply breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the Owens Valley and the Sierras.