
Monument Ridge
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,518 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Monument Ridge in southwestern Montana's Madison County is calling your name! We're talking about a serious climb to 9,576 feet above sea level in the heart of the Gravelly Range.
Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest road #290, also known as Gravelly Range Road, which is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy beast. Think teeth-chattering terrain! You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. And a good dose of bravery!
Heads up: winters are a no-go here. The road is usually impassable. Plus, if you're not comfortable with heights or super steep climbs, this might not be your jam. Expect mud if it's wet. But the views? Absolutely worth the challenge. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,518 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyThe unforgettable road to Dunraven Pass, the highest pass in Yellowstone
πΊπΈ Usa
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Dunraven Pass? This stunner sits way up high in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, clocking in at a cool 8,917 feet above sea level. Named after some Irish dude who visited way back when, this is the highest drivable point inside the park. You'll find it on the Grand Loop Road β smooth pavement all the way! Just take it easy and stick to the speed limit as you cruise through this seriously mountainous section. Trust me, those panoramic views are worth the slower pace. This road has been around for a while; they originally built it back in 1915 and then paved it in the 40s. Clocking in at just over 16 miles, the road snakes between Canyon Village and Devil's Den. Keep your eyes peeled not just for the mind-blowing vistas, but also for the local wildlife! The Washburn Area is Grizzly Bear central, so stay alert. Speaking of Washburn Range, this pass is smack-dab in the middle of it. Now, a heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Dunraven Pass is a total snow magnet. Usually closed from early October until late May or early June. Even in the summer, you might see some flurries. So, keep an eye on the weather reports before you go!
hardHow long is Halfmoon Road in CO?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Halfmoon Road (FSR 110) in Colorado's Lake County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think unpaved, bumpy, and totally awesome...if you're prepared. Clocking in at just over 12 miles, this trail winds its way from CO-300 in Leadville all the way up to the historic Champion Mill. But hold up, the adventure doesn't stop there! A smaller gravel track continues south, taking you even higher β topping out at almost 12,900 feet! The main road itself finishes at almost 11,800 feet. Word to the wise: you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. We're talking river crossings (Halfmoon Creek, specifically) where the water can get seriously deep, especially during spring. You might find yourself hood-deep in water during spring thaws! Keep in mind that Halfmoon Road is closed until further notice, generally from late October through late June/early July, thanks to all that lovely snow. You *can* still get to the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds, though. And did I mention it's steep? This road climbs a whopping 2,300 feet from Leadville, with some sections hitting a maximum gradient of 14%! The average incline is a little over 3.5%. But trust me, those stunning Colorado views are worth every single bump and climb.
moderateWhere is Kingman Pass?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kingman Pass! You'll find this beauty nestled in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, chilling at a seriously high elevation. The pass is named after Lieutenant Dan Christie Kingman, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers legend who tamed this tricky stretch of road. Speaking of the road, it's been paved smooth since the 40s, so your ride will be comfy. The route stretches about 53.5 miles between Gardiner, Montana and West Yellowstone β buckle up for the adventure! Expect gorgeous scenery. The road's got lots of twists and turns. Just a heads up: this pass is usually closed from December through April, buried under snow in Yellowstone National Park.
moderateMolas Pass is a challenging climb on the Million Dollar Highway
πΊπΈ Usa
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!