Mosquito Pass in Colorado is the highway of the frozen death
Usa, north-america
29 km
4,026 m
extreme
Year-round
# Mosquito Pass: Colorado's Thrilling High-altitude Adventure
Nestled at a breathtaking 4,026m (13,208ft) between Lake and Park counties in Colorado, Mosquito Pass ranks among the state's most spectacular—and challenging—mountain drives. Situated in the heart of the Mosquito Range within Pike National Forest, this isn't your average road trip.
The 29km (18-mile) unpaved route stretches east-west from Highway 9 near Alma to Leadville, technically split between Mosquito Pass Road (County Road 12) and County Road 3. Locals have earned it the nickname "the highway of the frozen death," a nod to treacherous ice patches that can materialize without warning. There's also a legendary mining road climbing north toward Mosquito Peak at 4,165m (13,664ft)—a peak worth exploring if you've got the skills and the stomach for it.
This is serious terrain. You're navigating a rough, narrow track carved along dramatic cliff faces with some genuinely hair-raising drop-offs. Multiple stream crossings, steep grades, and technically demanding sections demand respect and experience. The road occasionally pinches tight enough that passing oncoming traffic requires careful maneuvering—not ideal when you're perched above a steep ravine.
Only those driving high-clearance 4WD vehicles with solid off-road experience should attempt this drive. Stream crossings and rocky sections make 2WD vehicles a non-starter. Come prepared with proper equipment, sharp driving skills, and the kind of nerves you need for narrow ledges with airy views below. The scenery is genuinely stunning, but it comes with serious strings attached.
Where is it?
Mosquito Pass in Colorado is the highway of the frozen death is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.4187, -93.7359
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 29 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,026 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.4187, -93.7359
Related Roads in north-america
extremePan-American Highway is the longest road in the world
🇺🇸 Usa
The Pan-American Highway: it's not just a road, it's an *epic*. We're talking about a sprawling network stretching almost 19,000 miles from Alaska all the way down to Argentina, snaking through 14 countries in North and South America. Forget your average Sunday drive – this is the Mother of All Road Trips! Okay, so no single road is officially "the" Pan-American Highway in the U.S. or Canada, but who cares? The adventure starts in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and winds its way south. You'll hit incredible elevations – peaking at over 11,000 feet at Cerro de la Muerte (Death Hill!). Prepare for some serious scenery. Think diverse landscapes around every bend – mountains, jungles, deserts, glaciers... you name it, this road's got it. The catch? You'll need a ferry to bypass the infamous Darien Gap. This 60-mile stretch of swampland and dense rainforest, straddling Panama and Colombia, is truly wild. Think indigenous tribes, exotic critters, and yeah, maybe even some guerrilla activity. The road itself serves up its fair share of challenges too. Expect intense heat, potential landslides, steep drop-offs, and the occasional critter crossing (livestock, anyone?). Some sections become impassable during the rainy season, and those extreme winters up north and down south? Best to avoid them. A full journey usually takes about a year and a half, so plan accordingly! Keep your wits about you, be aware of local conditions, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
hardWhere is Mount Mansfield?
🇺🇸 Usa
Mount Mansfield is a mountain peak at an elevation of above sea level, located in Lamoille County, in the U.S. state of Vermont. The road to the summit offers along the way, with plenty of twists and turns. It’s one of the highest roads in Vermont Where is Mount Mansfield? The peak is located in the northern part of Vermont, within the Mount Mansfield State Forest . At this elevation, it’s the highest peak in Vermont. The drive provides stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks When Was the Road to Mount Mansfield Built? The road was originally completed in 1870 for horse-drawn carriages , making it a historic route to the summit. Is the Road to Mount Mansfield Unpaved? The toll road to the summit is paved only for the first ; the rest is entirely unpaved. This road is known as the Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road How Long is the Road to Mount Mansfield? The road is quite steep. Starting from . Over this distance, the elevation gain is , with an average gradient of . The road ends at a parking area near Mt. Mansfield's Visitor Center. How Challenging is the Road to Mount Mansfield? The road is barely wide enough for two vehicles. It has and is not recommended for novice drivers or for vehicles longer than a pickup truck. It’s advised to drive down in to avoid overworking your brakes. Vehicles should be in good condition, and brakes, radiators, and transmissions should be checked beforehand. There are along certain points, and descending vehicles have the right of way, so be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic. Although narrow, the drive is not particularly frightening. Can I Drive My Vehicle on the Road to Mount Mansfield? Trailers, RVs, campers, vans converted to RVs, mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles are not permitted on the road. Is the Road to Mount Mansfield Open in Winter? The road is open only from due to snow, with operating hours from . Keep in mind, weather at the summit can vary significantly from the base. Exploring the scenic Mouse's Tank Road in Nevada Crossing the Briceburg Bridge in California isn't for the sissies 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.
hardHow long is Deer Park Road in WA?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deer Park Road is a defiant drive located in Clallam County, in the US state of Washington. There are a number of sharp turns and dangerous ledges. Gravel, narrow, winding and steep in places. This is one of those roads that is easier for the driver than the passengers. How long is Deer Park Road in WA? Located within the Olympic National Park, the road is 28.96km (18 miles) long. It runs from Highway 101 to the Blue Mountain Trail Head parking lot. It’s a scary drive known for its stunning views. Go slow, take your time and pay attention to the road. Please use caution. It is narrow and steep with occasional turn-offs. There are a lot of sharp curves where you can't see what's on the other side. It barely wide enough for two cars so when you do meet an oncoming vehicle one must pull over to let the other pass. Expect sheer drops, tight corners and no room to pass. You must go when the weather is nice. Take your time, no rush, both hands on the wheel. The drive is absolutely beautiful. You better have confidence in whoever is driving the car. Is Deer Park Road in WA paved? The road is paved to about halfway, turns to dirt and gets very narrow, 10 feet wide. RVs and trailers are prohibited. Off-road 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended. When descending, watch for washboarding in the corners, things can get pretty bone-rattling at the end of the dry season. Is Deer Park Road in WA open? The road ends at the Blue Mountain Trail Head parking lot, at 1.830m (6,003ft) above the sea level. It is usually closed between October and April at the park boundary, about 9 miles from Highway 101. It should only be attempted in good weather. Is Deer Park Road in WA worth it? This challenging winding road leads to some of the most beautiful views in Olympic National Park. Along its way the drive offers 360 degree views of mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the top of Blue Mountain, the end of the road The road does get busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. It’s an epic alpine climb with expansive views. Pic: Olympic National Park Road Trip Guide: Conquering Indiana Pass in Colorado Driving the road to Little Giant Peak in Colorado is not a piece of cake 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.
hardCrossing the iconic Lions Gate Bridge in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Cruising through British Columbia? You HAVE to experience the Lions Gate Bridge! Seriously, this isn't just a way to get from A to B, it's a total movie-worthy moment (literally, it's been in tons of films!). This suspension bridge clocks in at a whopping 1.8 kilometers (5,890 feet), making it the longest in Western Canada. Opened way back in 1938, it's got some history too! Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning views as you cross. It's one of those drives you won't forget!