La Plata Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,104 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about La Plata Pass in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there at 10,183 feet in Lake County, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. You'll be cruising on CO-82, a paved road with some seriously steep grades that will test your engine (and maybe your nerves!). Nestled in the majestic Sawatch Range, La Plata Pass offers stunning scenery, but heads up: it's usually closed from October to May due to snow. Plan accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,104 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Big Mountain Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Big Mountain Pass in Utah. This beauty sits high in the Wasatch Mountains, a whopping 7,437 feet above sea level, right on the border between Morgan and Salt Lake counties, just north of Salt Lake City. Fun fact: this pass is part of the OG route the Mormon pioneers used back in '47 on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. These days, it's a fully paved road, called Utah State Route 65 – built back in '31! The whole stretch is about 27 miles long, winding from the Lincoln Highway (I-80) near the Mountain Dell Dam all the way to Henefer, up in Summit County, near I-84. Heads up, though: this road is usually closed during the winter months due to all that lovely snow. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The summit has a parking area, a couple of communication towers, and views for days. The drive itself is super scenic, and near the top, you’ll find some spots to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want your camera ready!
moderateTraveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Joshua Tree National Park? Head to Covington Flat Road, a hidden gem in Southern California! This unpaved road winds through stunning desert scenery and is your gateway to some of the park’s most impressive Joshua trees (the area was named after a local rancher), junipers, and pinyon pines. You'll find both Upper and Lower Covington Flat Roads. At around 9.6 miles long, this backcountry route starts on La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley and takes you to a parking lot that’s the trailhead for Covington Crest. Make a quick 5-minute hike to the top of Eureka Peak! Keep in mind cell service is spotty, so grab a map before you go. Plus, a side trip off Covington Flat Road will get you to Nolina Peak, at about 4,908 feet high. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4WD is highly recommended, especially after rain or snow. The road can get pretty rutted. The drive climbs to a peak of 5,173 feet, so expect some steep sections towards the end. You'll be rewarded with incredible views of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin.
moderateDriving the scenic Emerald Bay Road in Lake Tahoe
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising along Emerald Bay Road in California is an absolute must-do if you’re anywhere near Lake Tahoe. This scenic stretch hugs the western shore of the lake, offering views that will absolutely blow you away. Okay, I’m not gonna lie – it can be a *little* intimidating. This road is carved into the side of a mountain, and in some spots, you’re driving right along steep cliffs with, gulp, no guardrails. It's part of Highway 89, running up the eastern edge of California near the Arizona border. But seriously, don’t let that scare you off! The views are SO worth it. You’re high above the most incredible mountain lakes. Just take it slow and maybe avoid it if you're super afraid of heights. This paved road winds for about 18.6 miles (29.93km) from Lake Valley up to Tahoma, nestled in the Carson range of the Sierra Nevada. The highest point is Inspiration Point, sitting at 6,837ft (2,084m), a full 600 feet above Lake Tahoe! From there, the panoramic view of Emerald Bay, the boats bobbing on the water, Vikingsholm, and tiny Fanette Island is unbeatable. Heads up: parking here can be a beast during peak summer hours, especially mid-morning to late afternoon. Keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections (up to 9% grade). There's a particularly wild quarter-mile stretch where you're riding a ridge between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake, with a 600-foot drop on either side and, yep, still no guardrails. If it’s a windy day, maybe skip it. Beautiful, but whoa!
extremeWhere is Lippincott Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Lippincott Mine Road in Death Valley National Park! This 7-mile beast, nestled in Inyo County, California, between Lone Pine and Stovepipe Wells, is NOT for the faint of heart (or your average sedan). Forget paved perfection; we're talking raw, unadulterated dirt all the way. This isn't a leisurely drive; it's a white-knuckle adventure demanding a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle and some serious off-roading chops. Seriously, if your ride isn't up to snuff, turn back now. Built way back in 1906 to access the Lippincott Mine, this old road is a shortcut, but it comes at a price. We're talking super steep grades, super narrow passages, and cliff-edge washouts that'll have you questioning your life choices. One wrong move and you're staring down a seriously steep drop – hundreds of feet, with not nearly enough of a slope to save you! The climb starts at 2,256 feet and tops out at a saddle at 3,876 feet. This saddle offers a stunning view, perfect for a breather (and maybe a little prayer). You'll be dodging boulders, navigating potential vehicle-breaking rocks, and battling Death Valley's infamous heat. Oh, and did I mention there's no cell service, no water, and no tow trucks? You're on your own out there! Despite the dangers, the scenery is epic. But don't get too distracted – keep your eyes on the road (what's left of it!). Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way. And be aware that the road can be closed after heavy rains. So, if you're feeling brave (and prepared!), Lippincott Mine Road promises an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience. Just don't say I didn't warn you!