
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 itโs 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
moderateWhere is Forks of the Credit Road?
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Okay, picture this: Forks of the Credit Road, tucked away in Caledon, just north of Toronto. This isn't just any road; it's a winding 7-kilometer (4.34-mile) ribbon of smooth pavement stretching east to west from Escarpment Sideroad to McLaren Road. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This road is a legit thrill, a playground for cars and bikes with incredible views and one heck of a twisty ride. That hairpin turn halfway up (or down, depending on your direction) is legendary โ be ready for it! The speed limit's a chill 60 km/h (37 mph), but no trucks or buses allowed, they just can't handle the curve. Keep an eye out for cyclists too, they love this route. Worth it? Absolutely! Cruising this road without stopping will probably only take you 5-10 minutes, but it's a blast for car and bike lovers. Weekends can get busy. Fall is the prime time to visit when the trees explode with color. Try to catch it before all the leaves are gone, though! One last thing: this road is a special place for the local community, and they're asking everyone to be respectful. Stick to the speed limits, park only where you're supposed to, and pack out your trash. Let's keep this beauty spot pristine for everyone.
moderateWhere is Hardscrabble Mountain?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to check out Hardscrabble Mountain in Colorado's Eagle County. Nestled south of Eagle in the White River National Forest, this beast tops out at a cool 10,698 feet! Forget the pavement โ you're in for a 20.7-mile off-road rumble on Forest Road 413 (aka Hardscrabble Mountain Road). Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! Some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10%. The views, though? Unreal. Think panoramic vistas of the Sawatch and Gore Mountain Ranges. Just be warned: this is a summer-only kind of trip. Winter? Nope. But trust me, those summer views are worth the wait!
moderatePioneer Lift
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Pioneer Lift at Winter Park Resort in Colorado! We're talking about hitting an elevation of 10,708 feet in Grand County. Fair warning: the road ain't paved. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. This is a legit chairlift access trail, so conditions are always shifting. Basically, be prepared for a wild ride where a 4x4 is a MUST. This isn't your grandma's scenic drive, folks. Winter likes to hang around here for a loooong time, so your best bet for a safe trip is mid-summer. But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth the challenge!
hardWhere is Taylor Mountain?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Taylor Mountain in Colorado's Chaffee County is calling your name! This isn't just any mountain; we're talking a whopping 12,791 feet above sea level! Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, this route, also known as Taylor Mountain Trail (Chaffee County Road 228), is a real beauty. Heads up, this is a proper off-road experience. We're talking unpaved, rocky, and steep! Think switchbacks thatโll test your skills and some tight shelf sections where you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance for this one. The adventure kicks off near Monarch on US-50, winding its way up for about 5.44 miles. Don't let the short distance fool you, though โ you'll be climbing over 3,200 feet, so get ready for a seriously steep average gradient of over 11%! Plan your trip carefully, because Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect this route to be snowed in from late October until at least late June or early July. But trust me, those views from the top are worth the wait!