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
moderateWhere is Mammoth Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mammoth Mountain in California is calling your name! Perched way up in Madera County, smack-dab in the Inyo National Forest at a whopping 11,036 feet, this peak boasts one of California’s highest roads. Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking totally unpaved, folks! Think rugged, bumpy, and an absolute blast for anyone with a 4x4. This isn't your everyday scenic drive. This road mainly exists to service the ski lifts and lodges, and that final stretch? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. The good news? When the snow melts and ski season's over, the trail opens up, rewarding you with incredible views and bragging rights. Plus, you can grab a bite at Eleven53, a cafe that claims to be California's highest. Who can resist that?
hardDriving Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road of North America
🇺🇸 Usa
# Mount Evans Scenic Byway: North America's Highest Paved Adventure Ready for something epic? Head 60 miles west of Denver to tackle the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, a jaw-dropping 14.4-mile (23.17km) paved toll road that'll take you to 14,130 feet—the highest paved road in North America. You can knock out the drive in 45 minutes flat, but trust me, you'll want to linger. ## Timing & Conditions Summer's your sweet spot for this adventure, and here's a pro tip: aim for a day when thunderstorms are brewing over Denver. There's nothing quite like watching dark clouds roll through the "low country" while you're basking in sunshine at 14,000 feet. The road typically opens Memorial Day (once CDOT finishes plowing) and closes after Labor Day, though it can shut down anytime snow decides to crash the party. Fair warning: that "first significant snowfall" closure? Nobody's quite sure what that means. ## The Drive Itself Buckle up—this isn't your average cruise. Starting from Squaw Pass Road (Highway 103), you're climbing 1,053 meters with an average grade of 4.54%, packed with switchbacks and some seriously exposed drop-offs. No guardrails, so acrophobics might want to stare straight ahead. Vehicles over 30 feet? Don't even think about it. Regular cars work fine (2WD is cool), but save those brakes by downshifting on the way down—there are plenty of pull-offs to let them cool. ## The Scenery This is where it gets magical. You'll pass through five distinct life zones, morphing from ponderosa and juniper meadows into dense spruce forests, then bursting into bare alpine terrain. Ancient bristlecone pines twisted by centuries of mountain winds, alpine lakes reflecting granite walls, mountain goats, marmots, and wildflowers everywhere you look. Spots like Mount Goliath Nature Area and Summit Lake Park are Instagram gold. At the summit, you'll find the Crest House ruins—once a restaurant and gift shop until it burned in 1979, now serving as a windbreak and quirky landmark. The views of the Continental Divide and the sprawling Denver metro below are absolutely surreal. ## Important Details The road opened publicly in 1931 and earned its Forest Service Byway designation in 1993. Altitude hits different though—stay hydrated and take it easy. The elevation change and thin air mean exercise gets way harder up here. Clouds can roll in fast, and snow's possible anytime, but that's part of the adventure, right?
extremeWhere are the 11 Steepest Streets in the USA? See the Ranking, including Waipio Valley's 45% Descent
🇺🇸 Usa
# America's Most Insanely Steep Streets: A Jaw-Dropping Road Trip Ready to experience some seriously wild driving? The USA is absolutely packed with some of the planet's steepest paved urban roads, and we're talking legitimately bonkers gradients. At the top of our list sits Hawaii's mind-blowing Waipio Valley Road, dropping at a jaw-dropping 45% – seriously, you'll feel like you're descending into another dimension. Here's where it gets interesting: California is basically the steep-street capital of America. Eight out of the eleven most extreme slopes are scattered across the Golden State, with LA and San Francisco being the absolute hotspots for these gravity-defying stretches. We're not talking about quirky Instagram fodder here – roads steeper than 30% are serious business. Your standard vehicle will struggle big time, many require four-wheel drive to even attempt, and during rain or snow? Most are straight-up closed to traffic. Want to explore these legendary routes yourself? Check out our interactive map and dive into the most incredible roads across the globe. Whether you're a thrill-seeking driver or just curious about these extreme landscapes, there's something awe-inspiring waiting for you. Got a road in mind that should be on everyone's bucket list? We've got our eyes on over 13,000 cataloged routes, and we're always hunting for the next legendary stretch. Think you know a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight? Drop us a line – you might just help us feature the next great discovery.
hardWhere is Logan Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Logan Peak! This summit in northern Utah, nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is a real treat, topping out at 9,724 feet. The road to the top, Forest Road 042 (aka Logan Peak Road), is a 2.5-mile unpaved climb from Forest Road 168. Don't let the relatively short distance fool you; it's a steady ascent, gaining 843 feet with an average gradient of 6.39%. This isn't your Sunday drive – think narrow sections, a couple of switchbacks, and some serious drop-offs! A 4x4 is pretty much essential. Keep in mind this road is usually snowed in until late June or even July. Winter up here means brutal cold and crazy winds, so plan accordingly. At the top, you'll find a telecommunications tower and a small weather station, but the real reward is the view. On a clear day, you might even spot the Tetons in Wyoming!