Silver Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,004 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for a real adventure? Then Silver Pass in Colorado's La Plata County needs to be on your radar. We're talking a lung-busting 9,855 feet above sea level!
Forget smooth asphalt, this is County Road 253 (aka Missionary Ridge Road) and it’s all about the gravel and rocks. Winter? Forget about it, this road laughs in the face of snowplows. Seriously, if you're not comfortable tackling unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A proper 4x4 is a MUST, and a head for heights is pretty essential. Prepare for some seriously steep sections that will test your nerve, but reward you with incredible views.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,004 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Sangre de Cristo Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Sangre de Cristo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.886m (9,468ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado. Where is Sangre de Cristo Pass? The pass is located on the boundary of Costilla and Huerfano counties, in the south-central part of Colorado, near the border with New Mexico. It serves as a natural divide between the San Luis Valley to the west and the Wet Mountain Valley to the east. Why is it called Sangre de Cristo Pass? The name "Sangre de Cristo" (Spanish for "Blood of Christ") was given to the mountain range by Spanish settlers, likely due to the reddish hues the mountains take on during sunrise and sunset. The pass has historical importance as it was used by Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, and later European settlers. It was part of the route used by early Spanish explorers heading north from New Mexico into Colorado and was the site of a Spanish Fort of 1819. Is the road to Sangre de Cristo Pass paved? The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Highway 160. It is now the principal highway route through this part of the mountain range. Is the road to Sangre de Cristo Pass open in winter? Set high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, part of the larger Rocky Mountain range, the road is usually open in winter. It experiences harsh weather conditions, especially in winter, with snow and ice making the road treacherous. Is Sangre de Cristo Pass challenging? Located to the north of it’s a two lane road, well maintained, with no sharp turns, but going through territory where a road was not intended by Mother Nature. The drive is very scenic but preferably to drive it at night so as not to see the steep drops at the side of the road. How long is Sangre de Cristo Pass in Colorado? The road is 77.24km (48.0 miles) long running west-east from Fort Garland (in Costilla County) to the City of Walsenburg (the county seat of Huerfano County). Aiken Mine Road: Otherworldly Landscapes of Basalt Flows in California A road with lakes, mountains and meadows to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhat are the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located at the eastern end of Southern California, in the USA, the Joshua Tree National Park is immense, nearly 800,000 acres, and infinitely variable. Two desert systems, the Mojave and the Colorado, divide the park into two arid ecosystems. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land with strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. For your own safety and for the protection of the natural features of the park please stay on established roads. What are the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree? is a challenging, unpaved trail located in Joshua Tree National Park . It spans 24.3 km (15.1 miles) and includes steep sections with an 11% gradient. The trail requires a due to obstacles like sandy spots and deep ruts. It offers scenic views and is open year-round, but can change road conditions. Driving without stops takes about Black Eagle Mine Road Black Eagle Mine Road unpaved route through a historic mining district in Joshua Tree National Park . The road gradually becomes rougher and more challenging, requiring a vehicle with good clearance. It passes abandoned mines, including Barry Storm's Jade Mine Black Eagle Gold Mine . The road is blocked near the end, and the area is remote, with no cell reception. is a scenic, unpaved drive through Joshua Tree National Park , the surrounding mountains, and the . The road is suitable for high-clearance vehicles , especially after rain or snow. The drive takes you through Covington Crest Trailhead Joshua Tree National Park , offering a fascinating journey through geological formations shaped by vehicle is recommended beyond the first few miles. The road features 16 interpretive stops, making it a great drive for learning about the park’s geological history. It takes about to complete the loop. 41.68 km (25.9 miles) Joshua Tree National Park , passing through abandoned mines. It’s a challenging drive with sharp rocks and deep sand, requiring a vehicle. The road is remote, with no cell reception, and can take to drive. The best time to visit is from , as summer heat makes it less suitable. Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road unpaved, scenic route in Joshua Tree National Park . It’s a challenging road through soft sand and rocky terrain, requiring a vehicle. The road begins at the Cottonwood Visitor Center . Drivers should be prepared for remote areas and difficult conditions. Driving the gnarly Nellie Creek Road in Colorado Beef Pasture Gap is One of the Highest Paved Roads in Texas Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardTravelling the busy Road Mexico 45
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, buckle up, because Mexico 45, connecting Queretaro and León, is a wild ride! This highway is the main artery pumping traffic from the northwest and north of Mexico and the US through the heartland, so yeah, it's busy. The area has exploded with industry and development in the last couple of decades. Think inland valley ("El Bajío") views – we're talking Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao, Celaya, Queretaro – all sitting pretty at an average elevation of 1,750m above sea level. Now, heads up: with all that growth, infrastructure hasn't quite kept pace. This road can be a bit of a beast, averaging a couple accidents daily. Watch out for speeding, heavy traffic, and less-than-perfect pavement. It's a driver's challenge, no doubt, but keep your wits about you!
hardIs the Highway 180 Route Worth Taking from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising from Flagstaff toward the Grand Canyon, soaking in the Arizona sunshine. That's Highway 180 for you! Also known as Fort Valley Road and AZ Route 180, this paved gem delivers stunning views the whole way. As you get closer to the mountains, prepare to be wowed by the Kaibab National Forest and the towering Humphrey’s and Kendrick peaks. Seriously, have your camera ready! The drive itself is just under 50 miles (80.30 km) going mostly straight across the plateau, but it's the views to the east that steal the show. Budget about an hour and a half, but remember, traffic can play a part, so avoid rush hour if you can. Heads up, though! This road climbs pretty high, topping out at around 8,070 feet (2,460m) near the San Francisco Peaks. Winter can bring some serious snowfall, making things slippery. So, definitely check the weather before you go!