Last Dollar Pass is one of Colorado's best back-country roads
Usa, north-america
35.4 km
3,254 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Last Dollar Pass, perched way up in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, at a cool 10,676 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it’s a 22-mile dirt road adventure (#638, if you're mapping it) snaking between CO-62 and CO-145.
Back in the 1800s, this was the supply route for miners, but now it's a seriously scenic alternative to the highway between Ridgway and Telluride.
Now, a regular car *can* handle it when it's dry, but after a downpour, things get muddy, and 4WD is your friend. Ideally, you want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Allow two to three hours to soak it all in — there's hardly any traffic to rush you.
But hey, keep an eye on the sky! Don't even THINK about tackling this road in bad weather. It's usually open from June to September when things are dry.
The views? Epic. Think massive aspen groves (hello, fall foliage!), wildflowers popping in early summer, and jagged peaks like the Wilson Range and the Sneffels Range dominating the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and maybe even a bear! Fun fact: this is where they filmed the opening and closing scenes of John Wayne's "True Grit"!
Where is it?
Last Dollar Pass is one of Colorado's best back-country roads is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.5753, -97.8284
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 35.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,254 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 40.5753, -97.8284
Related Roads in north-america
moderateStark Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Stark Mountain in Montana! This beast of a peak tops out at a cool 7,358 feet and sits pretty in Mineral County within the Lolo National Forest. Now, the road up, known as Road No. 454, isn't exactly a smooth ride. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. Heads up, the road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout tower, built back in '64 and still going strong! The views are killer, but pro-tip: check the weather before you head up. Lightning and lookouts don't mix, trust me. The whole experience delivers fantastic scenery.
hardWhere is Iron Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Black Hills of South Dakota on Iron Mountain Road. It's 17 miles of pure driving bliss, if you're into curves! We're talking 314 of them, plus 14 switchbacks and a few pigtails – those crazy loops where the road climbs over itself. You'll find this road nestled in the southwestern corner of South Dakota, weaving between Pennington and Custer counties. The whole thing's paved, thankfully, leading you up to a summit of 5,445 feet. Expect to be surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park, with epic views of Mount Rushmore popping up. If you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale, because this road loves to twist and turn. Heads up: this road, part of U.S. Route 16A, takes a winter break. It's not maintained when the snow flies, and the viewpoint at the top closes down. Also, RVers and those with large trailers should be careful. Some parts of the road aren't super friendly to big rigs. Built back in 1933, this road was made for slow-cruising. Think windows down, sunroof open, soaking up the fresh air and the scent of pine and even buffalo. The tunnels are a major highlight – super scenic and just wide enough for one lane. Why is it so famous? Well, those one-lane tunnels frame Mount Rushmore perfectly. You'll be driving just east of that iconic monument with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln staring down at you. Trust me, the views are insane. Every time you drive it, you'll see something new. The road's designed to keep you under 35 mph, so you can actually enjoy the Black Hills' beauty. It's the kind of drive you won't soon forget!
moderateThe Loneliest Highway to Pancake Summit in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Pancake Summit in Nevada is calling your name! Nestled high in the White Pine Range at a cool 6,538 feet, this pass is smack-dab in central-eastern Nevada. You'll be cruising on the iconic Highway 50 (aka "The Loneliest Highway in America"), so get ready for some serious solitude and stunning scenery. Good news: it's paved the whole way! Pancake Summit is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter—things can get a little dicey. Legend has it the name comes from the way the mountains look – just like a stack of pancakes! This route is a good 77 miles long, stretching from Eureka to Ely, and it's not for the faint of heart. Get ready for some steep climbs (we're talking up to 8% in places!) and a whole lotta twists and turns. But trust me, the views are worth it!
hardHow long is Farwell Canyon Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through the Chilcotin District of British Columbia, Canada, you HAVE to check out Farwell Canyon Road. This 117 km (72.7 miles) dirt track stretches from the Taseko Lake Road to the Chilcotin-Bella Coola Highway, south of Riske Creek. The best part? You don't need a monster 4x4, just a regular car and a gentle foot on the gas to avoid any bumps or our bovine friends! It climbs up to 1,592m (5,223ft), giving you seriously epic views. Sure, it's a narrow, dusty road, and you might encounter some steep climbs and lumbering logging trucks, but the scenery more than makes up for it. Expect miles of switchbacks as you descend into the canyon towards the Chilcotin River. Word to the wise: maybe skip this one if it's pouring rain, as it gets tricky when wet. But if you're up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure with incredible vistas, Farwell Canyon Road is calling your name!