The beautiful and scenic road to Ohio Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
37.33 km
3,072 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Ohio Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado, a seriously stunning spot that tops out at 10,078 feet. Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, this beauty is super accessible – even your trusty 2WD can handle it in the summer months.
Imagine cruising along Ohio Pass Road (aka Gunnison County Road 730, Colorado Road 730, and Forest Road 730 – it’s got a few names!). You won't find tons of other cars out here, and fair warning: your phone will be taking a digital detox with zero cell service.
This 23.2-mile stretch connects CO-135 near Gunnison to the Kebler Pass Scenic Drive. Just south of Kebler Pass, it's a true Rocky Mountain high! Keep in mind, Old Man Winter shuts this one down from November to May, so plan accordingly.
The first 12.3 miles are smooth sailing on pavement, then you hit the gravel/dirt. But don't worry, it's usually well-maintained. Most cars can handle it, but if your ride scrapes at speed bumps, maybe skip this one. And definitely leave the RV and boat trailer at home – it gets a bit tight near the summit. Expect some punchy climbs too, with grades hitting 10% in places. It's an adventure you won't forget!
Where is it?
The beautiful and scenic road to Ohio Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.6699, -99.6103
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.33 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,072 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.6699, -99.6103
Related Roads in north-america
extremeMount Washington Auto Road is a truly legendary drive in New Hampshire
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Mount Washington Auto Road – it's not just a drive, it's an adventure! This historic toll road, dating back to 1861, winds its way from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch all the way to the tippy-top of Mount Washington. We're talking 7.8 miles of pure adrenaline, climbing to a whopping 6,286 feet above sea level. Located in Coös County, New Hampshire, this fully paved road is STEEP. We're talking an average gradient of 11.37% and an elevation gain of 4,682 feet! Expect countless twists, turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop – when you're not gripping the steering wheel, that is. The weather on Mount Washington is seriously no joke. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're battling gale-force winds and pea-soup fog. So, pack layers and prepare for anything! Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. There are no guardrails, and the drops are seriously steep. And while it's now all paved, it's still narrow in spots. If you're scared of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. But oh, the views! Think panoramic vistas of the Presidential Range in the White Mountain National Forest. You'll need to pull over at the designated spots to really soak it in. Plan on about 30 minutes to reach the summit and another 30-45 for the descent. Keep an eye on closing times, too! Trust me, this road offers unparalleled freedom, fresh air, and memories that will last a lifetime.
hardAmerican Flag Mountain is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real Colorado challenge? American Flag Mountain is calling your name! This beast tops out at a whopping 12,723 feet, and the views? Totally worth the white knuckles. So, picture this: you're in Gunnison County, right? And you're aiming for this peak that miners back in the day loved so much they slapped some flags on it and made the name official. Forget pavement; this is a 4WD-only kinda party. Seriously, you'll need that clearance and some serious driving skills for this climb. We're talking about a roughly 2.5-mile stretch from Italian Creek Road (FR759) where you'll gain around 1200 feet in elevation. The average grade is around 9%, but trust me, it feels steeper in sections. Heads up: this road's usually snowed in from September through July, so plan accordingly! But the payoff? Unreal 360-degree views from the top, where you'll find—you guessed it—more American flags waving proudly. There's plenty of parking up there, so take your time, soak it all in, and snap those Insta-worthy pics. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
easyWhere is Yellowjacket Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Yellowjacket Pass, hanging out way up high in southwestern Colorado, smack-dab in the San Juan National Forest. We're talking 7,785 feet above sea level, people! The road itself? Totally paved – it's actually U.S. Route 160 – so no need to worry about your tires. You can usually hit this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter, because things can get dicey and they might shut it down for a bit. This beauty stretches for about 40 awesome miles, connecting Bayfield on the west to Pagosa Springs on the east. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, there's a little gravel side trip just west of the pass that takes you even higher, up to a relay station at 8,412 feet! Seriously, the views are killer.
hardHow long is the access road to Kachina Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kachina Peak! You'll find this sky-high destination nestled in Taos County, New Mexico. Word on the street is it's one of the highest roads in the whole state. Heads up: This isn't your average scenic byway. It's actually a chairlift access road, so a little pre-planning is a must. Starting at the base, you'll climb about along a route. The elevation gain is a thigh-burner. Expect some pretty views, but remember this road gets seriously wild, and becomes totally impassable in winter. So plan your trip accordingly, and get ready for some unforgettable mountain vibes!