Quartz Mountain Pass is a drive worth taking in OR
Usa, north-america
68.07 km
1,679 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Oregon Route 140 through Quartz Mountain Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Lake County, this beauty tops out at 5,508 feet. The entire route is paved, so no need to worry about those pesky gravel roads. Just a smooth ride as you climb through the Fremont-Winema National Forest.
This pass, named for a quartz ledge, is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow can cause temporary closures, so check conditions before you go.
Clocking in at about 42 miles, the road connects Bly to Lakeview and it’s the highest point on Route 140. Expect stunning views and keep an eye out for wildlife. Get ready to cross this one off your bucket list.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 68.07 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,679 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is Mexican Federal Highway 131?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, fellow road trippers, buckle up for Mexican Federal Highway 131 in Zacatecas! This baby's about 68 km (42.5 miles) of south-to-north adventure, connecting Nochistlán and Jalpa through Tlachichila. Now, let's be real: it's paved, but "paved" is a generous term. Expect a bumpy ride with plenty of potholes to keep you on your toes. Plus, it's steep, super curvy, and packed with hairpin turns galore. You'll be climbing to a whopping 2,547m (8,356ft) above sea level! But hey, it's worth it for the views! That stretch from Tlachichila to Jalpa is seriously gorgeous. Get ready for an epic descent with mind-blowing vistas of the Juchipila River and the city of Jalpa. Trust me, your camera will be working overtime!
moderateIs the road to Billings Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Colorado road trip fans, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Billings Lake in Chaffee County. Perched way up high at 11,791 feet, getting there is half the fun. The adventure starts from Maysville on Forest Road 240, a totally unpaved, 11.4-mile stretch that’s bumpy and rocky in spots. You’ll be gaining 3,553 feet in elevation, so expect some consistent climbing! A stock 4x4 is ideal, though most stock vehicles could handle it. Just be warned, the final bit narrows to a single lane, so keep an eye out. The scenery is AMAZING, seriously worth the drive. And the lake itself? Gorgeous, plus you can even fish there! Keep in mind, because it’s so high up in central Colorado, this road is usually closed for the winter. You'll know you're there when you reach the parking lot near Pride of the West Tunnel at 12,014 feet. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
moderateIs the Road to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado Paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along County Road 8, also known as the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, deep in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest. You're headed for Ripple Creek Pass, a whopping 10,360 feet above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive though. The 60.5-mile journey from Buford to Yampa is mostly unpaved, a mix of paved sections at either end and a pretty decent gravel road in the middle. Be warned, there are some seriously steep bits! The views are unreal: lakes, mountains, and meadows galore. Just remember, you'll likely be off the grid, so download your maps beforehand. Important note: this road is a no-go in winter. They usually plow it open around Memorial Day and close it up around Thanksgiving. Even in the summer, be prepared for those classic afternoon thunderstorms!
hardThe spectacular San Luis Pass Bridge in Texas
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the southwestern tip of Galveston Island in Texas, and BAM! You hit the San Luis Pass Bridge, one of the coolest bridges you'll ever see. Clocking in at just over a mile long, this fully paved road trip takes you right over the San Luis Pass, linking Galveston Island to the mainland via County Road 257, also known as Bluewater Highway. Fun fact: this pass used to be a smuggler's paradise back in the day! Built in '76 after a hurricane wiped out the old causeway, this bridge is seriously tough, built to handle those crazy Gulf Coast storms. Keep an eye out for fog and mist – it's pretty common here. And a heads up: the currents around the bridge can be super strong, so be careful if you're boating or swimming nearby. But trust me, the views are worth it!