South Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,248 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about South Pass! This high-altitude gem sits way up in Saguache County, Colorado, clocking in at a cool 10,656 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest, and getting there is half the adventure.
County Road 17FF is your path, but be warned – it's a gravel 4x4 track, so leave your low-riders at home! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. Mother Nature can throw curveballs anytime. Think avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, plus sneaky ice patches that'll keep you on your toes. Expect a bit of rocky and muddy terrain too. But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth it. Just be smart, check the weather, and get ready for an unforgettable backcountry experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,248 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardA truly epic road to Kennebec Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Kennebec Pass in southwest Colorado's La Plata County is a MUST for your bucket list. We're talking serious altitude here – 11,683 feet! You'll find it chilling northwest of Durango, beckoning you towards Snowstorm Peak. County Road 124, a totally unpaved path forged way back in the 1800s by prospectors, is your route to the top. Expect a wild 14.1-mile ride that begins near Hesperus, off US-160. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. The climb gets intense, with gradients hitting a whopping 15% in spots. You'll probably only need 4WD for the last couple of miles. And heads up: the drop-offs near the summit are HUGE. You’ll definitely want to be comfortable navigating these heights. Plus, traffic is super light, so come prepared with tools and repair kits, just in case. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, within the La Plata Range, Kennebec Pass flaunts panoramic mountain views that will blow your mind. Keep an eye out for relics of the past – abandoned mining equipment and structures scattered along the route. There’s a convenient parking spot about a mile from the top. The Rocky Mountain scenery from the summit is simply unforgettable. Word to the wise: This road is typically snowed in from late spring to late fall, so plan accordingly!
moderateKenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Colorado and want a scenic drive? Kenosha Pass is calling your name! This beauty sits at just over 10,000 feet in Park County, and it's a super accessible, paved route – no special vehicle needed. Highway 285 takes you on a 12-mile journey from Jefferson to Grant, with gentle curves and grades that won't make you sweat. The east side is a breeze, while the west has a bit more of a climb. Nestled in the Rockies, Kenosha Pass is famous for its vibrant aspen trees painting the landscape in autumn. The summit boasts spacious parking areas, perfect for soaking in those panoramic views. You'll be treated to incredible sights of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Feeling adventurous? A small gravel road south of the pass takes you even higher, topping out at over 12,300 feet!
moderateHow long is Mulholland Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Mulholland Drive is a must-do for any Los Angeles adventure! This iconic 21-mile stretch winds through the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills, offering killer views of the city skyline and beyond. Starting near the 101 Freeway at Cahuenga Boulevard, the paved road curves past the 405 and into the hills above Encino. Heads up: it turns into "Dirt Mulholland" at Encino Hills Drive, where cars aren't allowed. Built way back in 1924 and named after the legendary engineer William Mulholland, this road is packed with history and Hollywood magic. It's been the backdrop for countless movies, books, and songs, and for good reason! Make sure to stop at the many lookouts and parking spots along the way to soak in the views. While the scenery is stunning, be warned – this two-lane road is seriously twisty with tons of turns, making it popular with motorcyclists but also notorious for being dangerous. Mulholland is famous for its unbelievable views and celeb residents. Keep your eyes peeled for mansions and maybe even a famous face or two! Driving this road is like driving through the heart of Los Angeles.
moderateWauconda Pass, a chillout road in high mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Today we're hitting Wauconda Pass in Washington State, right near the Canadian border in Okanogan County. We're talking about a serious climb here on State Route 20 (SR 20). It's paved, thankfully, but don't let that fool you – it gets *steep*. This baby stretches for 16.9 miles (27.19km) between Wauconda and Republic. Prepare for some seriously stunning scenery as you gain altitude to 4,317 feet (1.316m). Keep your eyes on the road though – those views can be distracting on a road like this.