Is the Road to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado Paved?

Is the Road to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado Paved?

Usa, north-america

Length

97.36 km

Elevation

3,158 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along County Road 8, also known as the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, deep in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest. You're headed for Ripple Creek Pass, a whopping 10,360 feet above sea level!

This isn't your average Sunday drive though. The 60.5-mile journey from Buford to Yampa is mostly unpaved, a mix of paved sections at either end and a pretty decent gravel road in the middle. Be warned, there are some seriously steep bits!

The views are unreal: lakes, mountains, and meadows galore. Just remember, you'll likely be off the grid, so download your maps beforehand.

Important note: this road is a no-go in winter. They usually plow it open around Memorial Day and close it up around Thanksgiving. Even in the summer, be prepared for those classic afternoon thunderstorms!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
97.36 km
Max Elevation
3,158 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Dead Man's Peakhard

Dead Man's Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico, Dead Man's Peak is calling your name. Nestled in Rio Arriba County, inside the Santa Fe National Forest, this bad boy tops out at a cool 8,799 feet. Now, don't expect a smooth Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and gets pretty dicey in spots – definitely a 4x4-only situation! Plus, the weather up there can flip on a dime, and closures are common, so only tackle this one when it's dry. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck. But the views? Totally worth it! And at the summit, you'll find a cool, old lookout tower built back in '33. Get ready for some serious mountain vibes!

A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaksmoderate

A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaks

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Nuevo León state of Mexico, nestled within the Sierra Madre Oriental Range, lies Cerro el Potosí, a peak reaching a staggering 3,721m (12,208ft). This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road to the top? Pure, unadulterated dirt, carved out back in the '60s to service a microwave relay station. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here, so leave your low-riders at home! Starting near Dieciocho de Marzo, you'll embark on a 27.6 km (17.14 mile) ascent, gaining 1,724m in elevation with an average gradient of 6.24%. Keep an eye on the sky because the weather here can turn on a dime. But trust me, the views? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive.

Is the drive through Long Creek Mountain Summit in Oregon worth the drive?moderate

Is the drive through Long Creek Mountain Summit in Oregon worth the drive?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: Long Creek Mountain Summit in Oregon. We're talking a seriously gorgeous drive, winding up to 5,088 feet above sea level in Grant County. Trust me, the views are worth it! You'll cruise through a stunning forest—think towering ponderosa pines, larches, Douglas firs, and spruce trees as far as the eye can see. The road itself? It's U.S. Highway 395, all paved and smooth sailing. This north-south stretch of road, also called the World War I Veterans Memorial Highway, clocks in at about 95 miles from Nye (in Umatilla County) down to Mount Vernon (in Grant County). So, pack your camera, roll down the windows, and get ready for a proper road trip adventure.

Where is Tehachapi Pass?moderate

Where is Tehachapi Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're heading through Southern California and want a cool drive? Check out Tehachapi Pass! This beauty winds through the Tehachapi Mountains, connecting Mojave on the east with Bakersfield to the west. The road, also known as Blue Star Memorial Highway, is totally paved, though the asphalt is a little rough in places. Just a heads-up: this isn't a deserted back road. Expect plenty of other cars and trucks, especially during peak hours. The whole shebang stretches for about 58 miles, climbing to a summit of around 4,071 feet. You'll find the town of Tehachapi right at the top, and some pretty steep grades along the way. Keep your eyes peeled near the top for one of California's biggest wind farms – it’s quite a sight! Normally, you can cruise this pass year-round, but remember, this is a mountain road. Winter can throw curveballs, so check conditions before you go. Chains might be required between Bakersfield and Mojave when the snow flies.