Molas Pass is a challenging climb on the Million Dollar Highway
Usa, north-america
11.3 km
3,328 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Molas Pass in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This stunner sits at 10,918 feet above sea level, just a hop, skip, and jump (7 miles to be exact) south of the charming town of Silverton.
You'll find it nestled within the San Juan National Forest, and the summit boasts a handy parking lot with killer views. The road? Fully paved! You'll be cruising along U.S. Highway 550, aka the legendary Million Dollar Highway.
Heads up: while usually open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with early October snowfalls that can close things down. Winter means potential chain requirements, so be prepared. Trust me, the scenery is worth any minor inconvenience. People call this area the "American Alps" for a reason!
Molas Pass is one of Colorado's steepest paved climbs, but don't sweat it too much. While it's high, it has only a few switchbacks on the northern approach. It's a steady climb hitting a maximum gradient of 7% in places, but it's not nearly as intimidating as nearby Red Mountain Pass. Get ready for an epic drive!
Where is it?
Molas Pass is a challenging climb on the Million Dollar Highway is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.9854, -100.2124
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,328 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.9854, -100.2124
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhy is it called Rim of the World Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Rim of the World Scenic Byway is like a VIP tour through Southern California's greatest hits! So, why the name? Because you're literally hugging the ridgeline of the San Bernardino Mountains the whole time. Think mountaintops that'll take your breath away, serene lakes reflecting the sky, and forests so lush they look like a movie set. Clocking in at 110 miles, this beauty stretches from just past San Gorgonio Pass, tracing the rim of the San Bernardinos. The entire route is paved, piecing together portions of California Highways 138, 18, and 38. Without stops, you're looking at a two-hour cruise each way. Pro tip: hit the road early on a weekday to dodge the crowds. And keep an eye out for those friendly officers on busy days – they love this route too! Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be glued to the views from the cliffs overlooking the San Bernardino, winding through everything from desert landscapes to coastal valleys, all the way up to those high-elevation forests and sparkling lakes. Expect jaw-dropping panoramas around every bend. Just a heads-up, summer smog can sometimes play peek-a-boo with those distant views. As for the drive itself, it's good for any car. There are curves and some steep sections, so take advantage of the pullouts and keep an eye on fellow travelers. Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, it’s usually open year-round, but winter can bring occasional closures due to snow. Chains might be your new best friend then. If the white stuff's coming down heavy, expect closures or chain requirements.
extremeDriving the long White Rim Road in Canyonlands NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on the White Rim Road, a legendary dirt track snaking through Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks! We're talking 100 miles of raw, untamed beauty carved into the White Rim benchlands, far below the iconic Island in the Sky mesa. Built back in the day during the hunt for uranium, this loop is a serious test for both you and your rig. A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Think hairpin turns, steep climbs, and heart-stopping drop-offs – sometimes without any guardrails to save you! You'll tackle tricky sections like Murphy's Hogback and Hardscrabble Hill, so be ready for some white-knuckle moments. Weather can change things fast, and flash floods can make parts of the road impassable. This isn't a race! While you *could* technically blast through in 10-12 hours, you'd be missing out. Plan on at least 2-3 days to soak it all in. Trust me, you'll want to camp under those desert stars! The scenery? Absolutely mind-blowing. You'll be surrounded by panoramic views of the Colorado and Green Rivers, plus incredible rock formations like Musselman Arch and Washer Woman Arch. Spring and fall are the sweet spots for tackling this adventure. Just picture yourself cruising (slowly and carefully!) past iconic landmarks, breathing in that fresh desert air. * **Distance:** Around 100 miles * **Time:** 2-3 days is ideal * **Difficulty:** Moderate, for experienced drivers with the right vehicle * **Access:** You can jump on from Mineral Bottom Road or near the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. The White Rim Road is more than just a drive; it's an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless. Just remember to pack plenty of water (at least a gallon per person per day!), be prepared for anything, and get ready for the ride of your life.
moderateRoad trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Boreas Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 11,505 feet in the Colorado Rockies, offering killer views between Breckenridge and Como. You'll find it smack-dab on the Summit and Park county line, nestled in the White River National Forest. This 20-mile route follows the path of gold rush prospectors and a historic narrow-gauge railroad that ran from 1872 to 1938! It’s now a county road (CR 10/Forest Service Road 404) that winds through some seriously stunning scenery. The road is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, but usually passable by 2WD vehicles in good weather. Be prepared for some washboards and embedded rocks along the way. It can get pretty narrow in spots with two-way traffic, and watch out for bicyclists! At the top, there's parking and Ken's Cabin, a historic mountain hut. Budget about an hour for the drive, but you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are blazing with color. You'll also get great perspectives of Mount Silverheels and the Tenmile Range. Plus, there are some cool ghost towns nearby if you're into that. Heads up: Boreas Pass is closed to vehicles from October to May, so plan accordingly!
hardWhere is Sitgreaves Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Sitgreaves Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,096m (3,595ft) above sea level, located in Mohave County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. Very few guardrails give you no leeway for error. Where is Sitgreaves Pass? The pass is located between Kingman and Oatman, in the northwestern corner of Arizona, high in the Black Mountains. Why is it called Sitgreaves Pass? The pass was named for Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, of the Corps of Topographical Engineers. How long is Sitgreaves Pass in Arizona? The road to the summit is entirely paved. It’s called , part of Historic U.S. 66 W. The pass is 35.40km (22 miles) long, running from Oatman to Walnut Creek. The summit is about 3 miles west of Ed's Camp. Is the road to Sitgreaves Pass dangerous? The road is pretty narrow, very curvy, with lots of blind hairpin turns and no shoulders. It’s a fabulous drive if you are not scared of heights or of tumbling down a mountainside. In many places, there are only a few wooden fence posts and a piece of chain between you and the drop over the edge of the mountain. Make sure to look for the old cars off the road near the hairpin curves. This road is built like a bobsled run, with crazy switchbacks and steep drop-offs plunging thousands of feet down. It is slow going, with some of the winding sections slowing down to 20mph. The road is steep, hitting a 12% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. You'll be fine in normal vehicles, but larger RVs are going to have serious issues. Don’t take this road in bad weather, and do not attempt it after dark. Is the road to Sitgreaves Pass in AZ worth it? Plan about 45 minutes to complete the drive without any stops. However, the drive will take longer due to its beauty. Take your time; it's well worth the drive. There are plenty of pull-offs for you to get out and take pictures, so don't try to take pictures while you are driving. A lot of mining took place along the stretch of road between Oatman and Cool Springs. There are some historical buildings, or rather remains of historical buildings, along this route. A road trip to Lobdell Lake in California is truly epic Rim of the World is a Scenic Byway in Southern California 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.