Shrine Mountain Inn

Shrine Mountain Inn

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,431 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you're heading to Eagle County, Colorado? Sweet! You HAVE to check out Shrine Mountain Inn. Picture this: three cozy cabins – Walters, Chucks, and Jays – nestled high up in the Gore Range, between Vail Pass and the cute town of Red Cliff. You'll be cruising on Shrine Pass Road (FSR 709), and let me tell you, the views are insane as you climb to 11,256 feet!

The road's mostly gravel and usually in decent shape, but it can get a bit narrow and rocky in spots. I'd recommend an SUV or 4WD, just to be safe, though sometimes a high-clearance 2WD vehicle can make it. This gem is usually open from June to September, but remember you're in the mountains! The weather can flip on a dime, and they close the road sometimes, so check conditions before you go. High altitude and crazy weather are always a possibility here, no matter the season. Trust me, it's worth it for those views!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,431 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Sunrise Park Resort?moderate

Where is Sunrise Park Resort?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're headed to Sunrise Park Resort in Arizona? Awesome choice! Picture this: you're cruising about four hours northeast of Phoenix, right into the wild beauty of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, smack-dab in the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The road's a breeze – fully paved and generally in good shape. You'll hop off the main drag (Arizona State Route 273) and embark on a short, scenic climb up to the resort. While it's not crazy long, remember you're gaining some serious altitude. Sunrise Park Resort sits high, so be ready for some breathtaking views... and maybe a little shortness of breath if you're not used to it! Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk. Overall, it's a smooth ride with stunning scenery. Get ready for some serious mountain vibes!

15 Most Dangerous Cities for Driving in the USAhard

15 Most Dangerous Cities for Driving in the USA

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because I'm about to tell you about this seriously epic route. We're talking the Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap. It straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee border and clocks in at just 11 miles, but hold on tight! You'll be wrestling your steering wheel through a mind-blowing 318 curves. Yeah, you read that right. Elevation-wise, you'll climb a bit, nothing too crazy, but the real challenge is those relentless twists and turns. Watch out for motorcycles and sports cars – this place is a mecca for them. And keep your eyes peeled for the scenery when you can – think dense forests and stunning mountain views. Just remember: This road is all about the drive, so stay focused and enjoy the ride!

Mount Patterson radio sitehard

Mount Patterson radio site

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Mount Patterson! This cell site in Mono County, California, isn't just any old spot – it's perched way up high at a whopping 9,931 feet! Seriously, it's one of the loftiest drives in the whole state. The road to the top, nestled in the Sweetwater Mountains, is definitely an adventure. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta tippy terrain. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one! This road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly. If unpaved, steep, mountain roads make you nervous, maybe skip this one. Muddy conditions can also make things extra challenging. But if you're an experienced off-roader craving incredible views and a real test of your skills, Mount Patterson could be your next unforgettable adventure. Just remember, this ain't for the faint of heart!

Granite Pass is a beautiful drive through the Bighorn Mountainsmoderate

Granite Pass is a beautiful drive through the Bighorn Mountains

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Granite Pass in Wyoming! This stunner sits way up high at 9,045 feet, right on the edge of Big Horn and Sheridan counties. You'll be cruising on U.S. Route 14, also known as the Big Horn Scenic Byway, a perfectly paved, two-lane road that winds its way to the top. Get ready for some climbs, though – those ramps can get pretty steep, hitting a 7% gradient in places! The whole shebang is about 47.3 miles long, connecting Burgess Junction to Greybull, so pack some snacks. Nestled in the Bighorn Mountains, inside the Bighorn National Forest, this drive is all about the views. Keep an eye out for closures due to snow in the winter and early spring, but summer and fall are generally smooth sailing. Think alpine meadows, fields teeming with deer, elk, and moose – seriously, it's a photographer's dream. The road switchbacks dramatically through a canyon on the western side and then mellows out into a more gradual descent as you head east. Trust me, you won’t regret this one.