Pennock Pass is a great drive in Colorado
Usa, north-america
46 km
2,793 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Pennock Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 9,163 feet in Larimer County, Colorado, and it’s a real treat. The route, also known as Larimer County Road 44H or Buckhorn Road, stretches for about 28.5 miles between Pingree Park Road and Masonville.
The road's generally in good shape, so most vehicles can make it, but be warned: after rain or snow, you'll definitely want 4WD or AWD. Beefy tires (32mm or wider) are also a smart move. The climb is steady, with long, sweeping switchbacks leading to the top. The lower section has some old pavement peeking through a layer of loose gravel and a few tight turns. As you climb, it transitions to mostly gravel and eventually dirt. Watch out for some steep sections that max out around a 9% gradient!
Nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest, Pennock Pass offers epic views of the Mummy Range and Stormy Peaks. It's usually closed from December to mid-June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. You might even find a fallen tree or two blocking your path! Overall, it's a twisty, well-maintained dirt road that’s perfect for hitting the trails or just enjoying a scenic drive through the woods.
Where is it?
Pennock Pass is a great drive in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.2682, -101.6279
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 46 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,793 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.2682, -101.6279
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHancock Summit, a climb on the legendary Extraterrestrial Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375)! This isn't your average desert cruise. We're talking a 159km (98.9 miles) stretch of pavement that slices through the heart of Nevada, from the ghost town of Crystal Springs all the way to Warm Springs. This baby winds through Lincoln County, hitting a peak of 1,711m (5,613ft) in the Pahranagat Range at Hancock Summit. The views? Epic. Vast desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. The drive? Mostly smooth sailing on pavement, though there are some steep climbs to keep things interesting. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. And, of course, this is the Extraterrestrial Highway, so don't be surprised if you spot something... unusual. UFO sightings are practically a local pastime around here. Get ready for a truly out-of-this-world adventure!
hardIs the road to Batopilas paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Batopilas de Manuel Gómez Morín? It's this tiny town in Chihuahua, Mexico, chilling way down at 501m (1,643ft). Getting there is an adventure in itself! The road from Huasarorare is totally paved, but hold on tight – it's 62.5 km (38.8 miles) of pure twists and turns carved into one of the deepest canyons on Earth. Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. We're talking over a hundred curves and 34 hairpin turns! The drive usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. It’s steep, with some sections hitting a crazy 15% gradient. But oh, the views! Batopilas itself is a hidden gem at the bottom of a cliff. Think charming plazas, bridges made of rope and river rocks, and this amazing 19th-century aqueduct. It's a real step back in time, and totally worth the white-knuckle drive.
easyIs the Nucla-Delta Road to Columbine Pass in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Nucla-Delta Road in Colorado, a sweet dirt track that carves its way through the Uncompahgre National Forest. This baby climbs to a whopping 9,154 feet (2.790m) at Columbine Pass in Montrose County! We're talking 50.6 miles (81.43km) of unpaved bliss, stretching from Nucla to Delta. The road's wide and generally smooth, making for a pretty chill ride across the Uncompahgre Plateau. Just a heads-up: there are some lengthy sections with drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the road! Keep in mind, though, that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect the pass to be snowed in and inaccessible from around October to June. But when it's open? Get ready for some killer views in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area!
hardA steep unpaved road to the summit of Wolf S3
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in British Columbia and craving a serious off-road adventure, you HAVE to check out Wolf S3! Nestled way up in the Selkirk Mountains, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 2,164 meters (that's 7,099 feet for my American friends!). Forget pavement – this 4.2 km (2.6 mile) climb is all about the rugged, unadulterated dirt. And when I say climb, I mean it! You're gaining 650 meters, battling an average gradient of over 15%, and tackling 10 hairpin turns that will make your palms sweat. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Word to the wise: this road is a no-go in winter. Also, keep an eye out for rock slides, and be prepared for some seriously muddy conditions if it's been raining. But the views? Oh man, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment! Get ready for some serious bragging rights and epic photo opportunities.