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

Riverhurst Crossing is a Canadian ice roadmoderate

Riverhurst Crossing is a Canadian ice road

🇨🇦 Canada

Ever dreamt of driving on water? In southern Saskatchewan, you can! Forget your average highway; this is the Riverhurst Crossing, an ice road built every year across the massive Lake Diefenbaker. Instead of driving around the lake, you can usually zip straight across on this 2.1 km (1.3 mi) stretch of frozen highway. It's part of Highway 42, believe it or not! Think of it as a seasonal shortcut. Typically, you can experience this icy adventure from early February to late March. But here's the deal: Mother Nature calls the shots. The road is only open when the ice is thick enough to handle traffic. Before you head out, you NEED to check with the Highway Hotline (1-888-335-7623) for the latest updates. Driving on this ice road is a unique experience, but Lake Diefenbaker is a destination in itself. It's a massive body of water surrounded by cool communities, and loads to see and do. Seriously, plan some extra time to explore the area. This lake is much bigger than you might expect!

Where is Yankee Boy Basin Road?moderate

Where is Yankee Boy Basin Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Yankee Boy Basin Road is a very scenic trail located in Ouray County, in the US state of Colorado. This drive through the majestic San Juan Mountains is one of the highest roads in Colorado Where is Yankee Boy Basin Road? The road is located to the north of Silverton, in the southwestern part of Ouray County, within the Uncompahgre National Forest in the western part of Colorado. How long is Yankee Boy Basin Road? The trail is totally unpaved. It's 7.56 km (4.7 miles) long and runs from to Yankee Boy Basin, an alpine basin nestled at an elevation of 3,818 m (12,526 ft) above sea level. Is Yankee Boy Basin Road dangerous? The road is really scary if you are afraid of heights. Traveling to Yankee Boy Basin should not be attempted by low-clearance passenger cars. The lower portion of the trail is easy and becomes progressively more difficult. In the middle, the trail gets rocky, narrow, and steep, but is suitable for aggressive, high-clearance stock SUVs. Medium-to-high-clearance vehicles are required to reach the Basin, and 4-wheel drive is recommended beyond the basin to Mt. Sneffels trailhead. This road becomes more "interesting" with each passing mile—turning from a graded dirt road into a slightly bumpy shelf road, finally ending up as a moderate 4WD road with some steep, rough, rutted sections that shouldn't be attempted by any low-clearance 2WD vehicles at all. High-clearance 4WDs are preferred, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. Is the Road to Yankee Boy Basin open? Set high in the San Juan Mountains, the road is accessible when the snow melts, usually from June through October. The upper portion of the trail is closed with a gate in winter. Thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon in the Colorado high country. Note that heavy rains can wash out or clog this road at any time. Visiting early in the day and being back at your vehicle is advisable. Be aware of high altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening, and drink plenty of water. There are no services available. Be sure to take water and lunch on your visit. How long does it take to drive Yankee Boy Basin? To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 1 and 2 hours. The road is narrow at the higher sections, and passing other vehicles is nearly impossible, so be prepared that you can get stuck in traffic on summer weekends. It’s one of the most popular 4x4 roads in the area due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and colorful wildflowers. The wildflowers and waterfalls along this road attract photographers from all over the world, and the abandoned mines are great for history buffs. There are mines, abandoned cabins, waterfalls, wildflowers, and of course, the incredible Mount Sneffels. Shelf Road in Colorado: If you don't like steep drop-offs, don't take the road Lion's Back in Utah: the consequences for mistakes here are severe Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

How to get by car to Puerto Cancun in Baja California Sur?moderate

How to get by car to Puerto Cancun in Baja California Sur?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Baja California Peninsula, heading towards the hidden gem of Puerto Cancún, a sweet little fishing village right on Magdalena Bay. Forget fancy highways, this is an adventure! You'll be bumping along Carretera a Puerto Cancún, a 45.8 km (28-mile) dirt and gravel road that's pretty easy to handle, though keep an eye out for some sandy spots as you get closer to the beach. The adventure kicks off from the México 1 Road, right at the parking for Las Brisas del Desierto (grab a bite before you go!). For almost the entire 41.7 km stretch, it’s straight as an arrow with amazing mountain views. Just watch out for the local cattle enjoying the scenery, too! It's a real off-the-beaten-path experience.

Where is Poughkeepsie Pass?hard

Where is Poughkeepsie Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! Poughkeepsie Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Juan Mountains near Ouray, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Clocking in at 11.5 miles, this west-to-east route from Ironton to Animas Forks is a serious 4x4 adventure. Forget pavement – we're talking gravel, rocks, and some seriously steep climbs. County Road 19 is not messing around! Expect erosion, loose rock, and maybe even some mud wrestling with your Jeep. Oh, and did I mention the potential for legit water crossings with currents that could sweep you off your tires? "The Wall," a famous obstacle, now has a bypass (thank goodness!), but trust me, the whole trail demands respect. We're talking ledges up to five feet and near-vertical sections that will test your nerve. Lockers and a winch? Non-negotiable. That one super-sharp hairpin turn is particularly spicy. Typically open from April to October (depending on snow, of course), the views from the 12,919-foot summit are absolutely breathtaking. Just remember, this road features some narrow shelf sections, so keep your eyes peeled! This isn't a technically crazy trail, but its remoteness and exposure demand your full attention. This pass is a Colorado classic that will leave you breathless—both from the views and the drive!