Lizard Head Pass in Colorado is one of the most beautiful drives of America
Usa, north-america
117.64 km
3,127 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Lizard Head Pass! This beauty is perched high in the Colorado Rockies at a cool 10,259 feet. You'll find it nestled between Dolores and San Miguel counties, about 10 miles south of the charming town of Telluride. The name? It comes from a rock formation that totally resembles a lizard's head – how cool is that?
The road itself is Colorado State Highway 145, also known as the San Juan Scenic Byway, and it's smooth sailing all the way, perfect for any car. The whole route stretches for about 73 miles, connecting the Town of Dolores to Placerville.
You can usually hit this road year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Colorado weather can be a bit of a drama queen, changing in a heartbeat. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so earlier is better. And hey, remember you're at a high altitude – watch out for altitude sickness!
The views? Oh man, the views! They're seriously epic. Think stunning mountain ranges like the San Juan, Uncompahgre, Wilson, and Sneffels. Some folks even call it "The Most Beautiful Drive in America," and honestly, they might be right. Whether it's spring waterfalls, summer wildflowers, golden autumn aspen, or a winter wonderland, this drive has it all. Give yourself around 1.5 hours to soak it all in – longer if you plan on stopping (and you WILL want to stop!). Mid-July to early August is prime time, but honestly, any time is a good time to hit this incredible pass.
Where is it?
Lizard Head Pass in Colorado is one of the most beautiful drives of America is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6759, -102.7419
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 117.64 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,127 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.6759, -102.7419
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