
Shrine Pass in Colorado - A Comprehensive Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Usa, north-america
19.15 km
3,410 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Shrine Pass in Colorado. We're talking about a high-altitude dirt road, sitting pretty at 11,187 feet! It’s smack-dab on the Eagle and Summit County line, nestled in the White River National Forest.
This isn't your average highway. It’s a narrow, unpaved dirt track (aka Shrine Pass Road or Forest Road 709) that used to be *the* way to get between Denver and Glenwood Springs back in the day. Now it's more of a scenic adventure.
The road's generally in good shape, but heads up – it can get narrow and rocky. A sturdy 2WD vehicle, SUV, or 4WD is your best bet but sometimes you can even make it in a high-clearance 2WD. There’s usually plenty of room to pass, plus a few pull-offs to snag some epic photos.
You can only hit this beauty from June to September (weather permitting, of course). Trust me, it’s worth the wait. The views are insane, especially in summer and fall with wildflower meadows, pine forests, and glimpses of Mount of the Holy Cross. It’s an awesome sightseeing route, especially when the leaves start changing, and thankfully, it's never too crowded.
The whole shebang is about 11.9 miles, connecting I-70 near Vail Pass to US-24 near Red Cliff. Get ready for an unforgettable Colorado drive!
Where is it?
Shrine Pass in Colorado - A Comprehensive Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.3348, -94.9742
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,410 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.3348, -94.9742
Related Roads in north-america
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Thunder Mountain in San Bernardino County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Thunder Mountain, a sweet peak sitting at 8,572 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about a 1.3-mile, completely unpaved dirt track called Thunder Mountain Road that climbs to the top of some chairlifts. Think wide road... with a generous helping of rocks. Basically, it doubles as a ski run when the snow flies! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, no question. Hidden away in the Angeles National Forest, near the edge of Los Angeles County, be warned: this road is typically snowed in from late October until nearly July – Mother Nature decides when it's passable. But oh, the views! You'll be treated to stunning vistas of Mt. Baldy to the north and the Lytle Creek area to the east. Just remember, this climb is STEEP, with gradients hitting a whopping 22% in places! Starting from Mount Baldy Road, you'll gain 750 feet in just over a mile, averaging an 11% grade. Get ready for a workout – for both you and your rig!
moderateThompson Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Thompson Pass! We're heading to Sublette County, Wyoming, for this one. Buckle up for a seriously scenic ride up to 8,756 feet above sea level. The route? Forest Road 10128, baby! And just to keep things interesting, it's all gravel. You'll be winding your way through the heart of the Wyoming Range, so prepare for some epic mountain views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, but also watch out for those loose gravel patches – it's all part of the adventure!
hardWhere is Lake Emma in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? Let me tell you about Lake Emma. Or, rather, the *site* of Lake Emma, high up in San Juan County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about County Road 25, also known as Sunnyside Mine Road. Forget pavement, this is a rugged, unpaved mine road that climbs to a whopping 12,496 feet above sea level! Passenger cars can *usually* handle it, but be warned: after a rough winter, it can get seriously rutted. Summer is definitely the best time to go. Here's the deal: Lake Emma used to be a lake, but back in '78, mining operations caused a massive collapse, draining the whole thing into the Sunnyside Mine below. Crazy, right? The road itself starts near the ghost town of Eureka (County Road 2) and it's a 3.6-mile climb. Don't let the short distance fool you, though. You'll be gaining 2,500 feet in elevation, making for a pretty steep average gradient of 13%. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You're in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in South Park. Just remember, this is a high-altitude adventure. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and some seriously stunning views!
hardWhere is Cedar Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Northern California? Let me tell you about Cedar Pass! Nestled in Modoc County, practically hugging the Oregon and Nevada borders (locals call it the Tricorner Region!), this beauty sits at a cool 6,318 feet. You'll find it in the Modoc National Forest, and guess what? There's a parking lot right at the summit so you can soak it all in. The whole 16.7-mile stretch, running from Cedarville to Surprise Station, is totally paved, making for a scenic drive on CA-299. But don't get *too* comfy - it's a *challenging* scenic drive! We're talking some serious climbs, with gradients hitting 6% for a good 3 miles. And speaking of views, being in the Warner Mountains means they're epic! Just a heads up - Cedar Pass is usually open year-round, but those winter months can bring short closures. So, check the weather before you go!