Is the road to Rhyolite Mountain unpaved?
Usa, north-america
2 km
3,230 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Rhyolite Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in Teller County at a cool 10,597 feet above sea level, getting here is half the fun.
Forget smooth sailing; the road to the top is a rugged, unpaved rollercoaster, so you'll want a vehicle that's up for a challenge. You might even spot it marked as Rhyolite Mountain Mesa on your maps.
Heads up though, this isn't a year-round joyride. Typically, Old Man Winter shuts things down from late October until late June or early July, depending on how much snow decides to stick around.
Starting from good ol' Highway 67, you’ve got a quick 1.24-mile sprint to the summit. Don’t let the short distance fool you; you'll gain about 400 feet in elevation, giving you an average incline of around 6%. Get ready for some seriously stunning views as you climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,230 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateTrail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado's Trail Ridge Road, snaking through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a must-do! This 48-mile (77 km) stretch of U.S. Highway 34, weaving between Estes Park and Grand Lake, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. It's famed as the highest continuous paved road in the USA, reaching a dizzying 12,209 ft (3,721 m) above sea level. The road itself is in great shape and fully paved, but be prepared for some switchbacks and steep drop-offs – though honestly, it's not as hair-raising as some other Colorado mountain routes. The speed limit is nice and low. Keep in mind this route is typically closed during winter and can stay shut well into spring/early summer depending on the snow. Also, you'll need access to Rocky Mountain National Park to drive it. Conditions can change rapidly, especially in the shoulder seasons. The name comes from the old trails native people used to cross the Rockies. Building this amazing road started back in 1929, and it was finished by 1932, with the steepest bits at a manageable 7% gradient. Plan at least half a day for the trip, longer if you can swing it. This route is super popular and can get crowded, especially during holidays and on summer weekends between 9 am and 3 pm. Take your time, soak in the views from the many overlooks, and watch out for tourists who might be a little unsure of themselves on the road! It’s a truly remarkable driving experience!
easyMagnetic Hill in Moncton: Canada’s Classic Gravity Illusion
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick, is a total mind-bender! People come from all over the globe to witness this gravity-defying phenomenon, and trust me, it’s worth the hype. You'll find this iconic spot just outside Moncton on Magnetic Hill Road. The landscape? Think gentle slopes, rolling hills, and just enough trees to mess with your perception of reality. Here's the deal: it’s an optical illusion. The road actually slopes *downhill*, but the surrounding terrain plays tricks on your eyes, making it look like you’re going *up*. Put your car in neutral, and prepare to be amazed as you seemingly roll uphill! The paved section, aka Magic Mountain Road, is only about a kilometer long. It's super smooth and well-kept, perfect for experiencing this weird and wonderful effect. Absolutely! Magnetic Hill is a full-blown tourist attraction. Think viewing spots, signs explaining the science (or lack thereof!), and even a zoo and amusement park nearby. It’s perfect for families, road trip enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good head-scratcher. This place is legendary and has been featured in tons of travel shows and commercials. It’s the OG gravity hill, the one that sets the standard for all others.
extremeCumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're tackling Cumbres de Maltrata, a stretch of México 150D that connects Mexico City to the Gulf! Word on the street is, it’s got a rep for being the most intense highway in Mexico. Think dramatic curves, seriously steep hills, and a whole lotta traffic. Keep an eye out for braking ramps (you’ll see trucks using them!), plus three tunnels and a few bridges to keep things interesting. Now, heads up: This road throws some serious curveballs. We're talking foggy weather, rain, and even snow in the winter. Add in a mix of risky drivers, brake failures (especially on big rigs), and some folks who aren’t so great at navigating those twists and turns, and you've got a recipe for a white-knuckle ride. But hey, it's not all adrenaline! You'll also be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and the majestic Pico de Orizaba mountains. You'll climb to a staggering 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level at the highest point, before dropping down near Orizaba to around 1,300m (4,265ft). Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeWillow Divide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Willow Divide! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in southwest Colorado's Dolores County, clocking in at a dizzying 10,439 feet. You'll find it nestled in the stunning San Miguel Mountains, part of the mighty Rockies. Getting to the top is a proper off-road escapade. County Road 45 is the name of the game, but you'll need a serious 4x4 to handle the relentless climb and those tight switchbacks. Speaking of serious, Mother Nature calls the shots here. Keep a close eye on the weather – this road is a no-go in storms. We're talking avalanches, mega snowdrifts, and landslides, plus the ever-present risk of icy patches. But hey, if you time it right, the scenery is absolutely epic!