Road trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
32.18 km
3,507 m
moderate
Year-round
Boreas Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 11,505 feet in the Colorado Rockies, offering killer views between Breckenridge and Como. You'll find it smack-dab on the Summit and Park county line, nestled in the White River National Forest.
This 20-mile route follows the path of gold rush prospectors and a historic narrow-gauge railroad that ran from 1872 to 1938! It’s now a county road (CR 10/Forest Service Road 404) that winds through some seriously stunning scenery.
The road is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, but usually passable by 2WD vehicles in good weather. Be prepared for some washboards and embedded rocks along the way. It can get pretty narrow in spots with two-way traffic, and watch out for bicyclists! At the top, there's parking and Ken's Cabin, a historic mountain hut.
Budget about an hour for the drive, but you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are blazing with color. You'll also get great perspectives of Mount Silverheels and the Tenmile Range. Plus, there are some cool ghost towns nearby if you're into that.
Heads up: Boreas Pass is closed to vehicles from October to May, so plan accordingly!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 44.1801, -97.1720
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 32.18 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,507 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 44.1801, -97.1720
Related Roads in north-america
moderateAn exciting and pleasant road trip to Sex Peak in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure to Sex Peak in Montana! Don't worry, it's not *that* kind of peak - legend has it the name comes from a rather saucy conversation between a park official and a forester back in the day. You'll find this beauty nestled in Sanders County, within the Kootenai National Forest. The turnoff is south of White Pine, off of MT-200. Road 2222, an 18.8-mile dirt track, will lead you to the 5,797-foot summit. Be warned: you'll need a high-clearance vehicle for this one! Typically, you can hit this route from late June through mid-October. Once you reach the top (after dealing with some seriously bumpy conditions), you'll be rewarded with killer panoramic views. We're talking the Clarks Fork Valley, the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, and the Cabinet Range to the east! Oh, and there's a cool fire lookout tower up there too, dating back to the early 1920s. So, are you ready to get off the grid and experience a truly unforgettable drive?
extremeHow challenging is the road to Urique?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in Chihuahua, Mexico, ready to descend into the legendary Urique Canyon. The road to Urique isn't just a road; it's an *experience.* We're talking a seriously steep, mostly dirt track that's gonna put your driving skills to the ultimate test. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. The 54-kilometer route features over 100 turns, and that last 14-kilometer stretch? Let's just say it's legendary. Think hairpin switchbacks that plummet 2,000 meters, a narrow path hugging a ravine, and absolutely zero guardrails. Oh, and did I mention visibility around those curves is… limited? Locals will tell you this route is a beast, especially when it's wet. Police might even suggest you take the long way around due to "security concerns." Trust me, this is no joke. The road, built back in '75, is rough, unforgiving, and barely wide enough for two cars in spots. But if you're feeling brave – *really* brave – and you've got nerves of steel (and maybe a professional driver's license?), the views are supposed to be epic. Imagine pine forests, dramatic drops, and a sense of accomplishment like no other. Just, you know, maybe ask around about current road conditions before you commit. You've been warned!
moderateWhere is Lakeview Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a quirky road trip on the Road to Nowhere, near Bryson City, North Carolina! Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this isn't just a drive; it's a journey into history and maybe a little bit of the paranormal! Where does this road actually go? Lakeview Drive winds along Fontana Lake's northern edge inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close to the Tennessee border. Both sections offer access to hiking trails and stunning views of the mountains and lake. How long is it? The Road to Nowhere clocks in at 6.5 miles, broken into two parts. The first bit is a short 0.7 miles near Fontana Dam. The second, longer stretch runs 5.8 miles until... well, you'll see. Is it paved? Yep, it's fully paved, making it fine for cars and a challenging workout for cyclists. But heads up, it's curvy, so pay attention behind the wheel! What's the story? Back in the '40s, residents had to move to make way for Fontana Lake. The government promised a road, Lakeview Drive, to reconnect folks and access cemeteries. They started building in the '60s, but stopped in '71 because of environmental issues, unstable rock, and cost. Now, there's a six-mile stretch ending at a tunnel! Why "Road to Nowhere?" That name comes from its unfinished state. The eastern section dead-ends at a 1,200-foot tunnel. It's a remote, isolated place with a bit of a spooky vibe. What's so scenic? Lakeview Drive boasts several viewpoints, like the Fontana Lake Overlook, plus access to the Noland Creek Trails. Get ready for creekside views, mountain vistas, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. Perfect for photos! What trails can I hike? The road gives you access to: Noland Creek Trail North and South: Hike along the creek for forest and water views. The South Trail is a one-mile loop to Fontana Lake. Goldmine Loop Trail: A loop connecting to Lakeshore Trail. Forney Creek Trail: Follows where the road was supposed to go, linking both segments and offering campsites. So, what's at the end? The eastern segment ends at a long tunnel, only accessible on foot. Bring a flashlight – it's dark in there! The other side leads to more hiking trails. Why does everyone think it's haunted? The Road to Nowhere is known for paranormal activity. The tunnel is super eerie at night—cold wind, echoing voices, and total darkness. Its isolation, the tunnel, and the backstory make it a hotspot for ghost hunters! Why is it important? It's a reminder of the past: communities displaced, environmental concerns, and broken promises. In 2010, Swain County got $52 million instead of the road, officially ending the 1943 agreement. Can I drive or bike it? The paved road is good for cars and a challenging bike ride. Cyclists love the curves and views, especially in the fall. You can also fish for trout along Noland Creek or just relax at an overlook. Anything else I should know? Prepare for a remote, winding drive. Drive carefully due to curves and drop-offs. Bring flashlights for the tunnel, and note that some trails are strenuous. Weather changes fast in the mountains, so check the forecast!
moderateWhere is Monjeau Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to southern New Mexico, north of Ruidoso, and you're looking for an adventure? Check out Monjeau Peak! This beauty sits high in the Sierra Blanca range, inside Lincoln National Forest, clocking in at a whopping 9,603 feet above sea level. You can drive most of the way up via Forest Service Road 117, a 5.7-mile dirt track that kicks off from County Road 532. Word to the wise: this road is curvy, rocky, and a little rough. While a regular car *might* make it in good weather, I'd strongly recommend something with high clearance. Also, the last stretch is usually gated, so you'll need to hike the final bit. The climb is pretty intense, gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, so expect some steep and winding sections. Definitely check the weather before you go, and avoid it if rain or snow is in the forecast! This road closes down completely in the winter. The payoff? Stunning panoramic views and a historic lookout tower, Monjeau Lookout, built back in the 30s and still in use today. It's a super popular spot for good reason. Just be prepared for a thrilling (and possibly bumpy) ride!