The breathtaking road to Red Cone Pass in Colorado

The breathtaking road to Red Cone Pass in Colorado

Usa, north-america

Length

11 km

Elevation

3,905 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Red Cone Pass in Colorado's Park County! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a 7-mile (11km) unpaved adventure that climbs to a whopping 12,811 feet (3,905m). You'll find it nestled in the Front Range of the Rockies, near Keystone and Webster Pass, a quick hop from Denver.

Picture this: steep inclines, loose rock under your tires, and views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance to tackle this beast. Be warned, though – the edge of the slope isn't for the faint of heart, with some pretty extreme drop-offs!

Descending is even wilder, with a narrow, one-way trail clinging to the mountainside. We're talking serious switchbacks down a steep, rocky slope towards the ghost town of Webster, with over 1,000 feet of nothingness below. Trust me, you'll want to be on your A-game.

Keep an eye on the calendar, too. This pass is typically open from late July (depending on the snow) to October, but snow can linger late into summer and the first snows will shut it down fast! Late August or early September is your best bet for a snow-free run. It's an adventure you won't forget!

Where is it?

The breathtaking road to Red Cone Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.9539, -102.1100

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
11 km
Max Elevation
3,905 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
40.9539, -102.1100

Related Roads in north-america

Gunsight Passmoderate

Gunsight Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Gunsight Pass! Tucked away in southeastern Oregon's Malheur County, this beauty sits at a cool 6,332 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along Mahogany Road to get there. Now, heads up: it's a gravel road. When it’s dry, you'll likely have a good time, but those unpaved sections can get seriously gnarly when wet. Seriously, if there’s a hint of rain in the air, maybe save this trip for another day. This route stretches for about 14.4 miles, so you will feel like you're really out there. With the elevation you will have some gorgeous views along the way!

Where is Tombstone Pass?moderate

Where is Tombstone Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, fellow wanderers, let's talk Tombstone Pass in Oregon's Linn County! Nestled about 16.5 miles west of Sisters in the heart of Willamette National Forest, this beauty sits at 4,245 feet. There's even a parking lot up top big enough for about 50 cars — perfect for soaking in the views. Ever wonder about that name? Legend has it that back in 1871, a young man tragically lost his life in an accident here. His mother placed a tombstone in his memory, giving the pass its poignant moniker. The road itself? It's fully paved, smooth sailing on Highway 20. But don't get too comfy! Expect plenty of sharp twists, steep climbs, and jaw-dropping mountain scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes. Clocking in at around 47.5 miles east to west, this drive is a decent chunk of time. And while Tombstone Pass is generally open all year, keep an eye on the weather, especially between November and May. Cascade Range winters can be fierce, leading to temporary closures. So buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!

How to drive the scenic Mexico 175 (Tuxtepec Road)?moderate

How to drive the scenic Mexico 175 (Tuxtepec Road)?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico's Tuxtepec road is a legend, and for good reason: think every landscape imaginable crammed into one epic drive. We're talking mountains, desert vibes, fragrant pine forests, dense jungle, cacti standing tall, serene mountain lakes, twisty curves that'll make you grin, unreal views, hairpin turns that demand respect, rushing rivers, and dramatic canyons. Seriously, the only thing missing is snow! Starting high in Oaxaca City at 1,600m (5,249 ft), you'll immediately climb a series of switchbacks up to a 2,730m (8,957 ft) mountain pass near Ixtepeji. Then, hold on tight as you plunge into the Rio Grande canyon, dropping to 1,530m (5,022 ft) near Gualatao de Juarez. But the fun isn't over yet! You'll then ascend again into the Sierra de Juárez mountains (part of the Sierra Madre del Sur), hitting a peak of 2,970m (9,744 ft) near Humo Chico mountain. From there, it's a loooong and winding descent, full of endless curves, all the way down to near sea level. If you're prone to motion sickness, maybe pack some ginger! The views are phenomenal, though – witness the mountain flora morphing from pine forests to lush tropical jungle as you approach Tuxtepec (30m / 98 ft). Near El Punto, at 2,750m (9,022 ft), the road skyrockets from Oaxaca City (1,600m/5,249 ft) to 2,750m (9,022 ft) in only 18 km! The road transitions from Oaxaca's semi-arid region to a pine forest wonderland. There's a scenic detour to San Miguel del Río, which has 6 paved hairpin curves to access the town. The access point sits at 1,850m (6,070 ft), descending to the river at 1,460m (4,790 ft). Careful -- the road here has a steep grade and tight curves. You’ll find yourself in a popular tourist spot near Guelatao de Juárez, named after Benito Juárez, the former president of Mexico. The road rises from the canyon floor (1,520m/5,019 ft) of Rio Grande de Juárez to Guelatao (1,760m/5,774 ft), continuing to the town of Ixtlán (2,000m/6,561 ft), and eventually reaching 2,990m (9,809 ft) near Llano de Las Flores. Ixtlan de Juárez, Guelatao, and Capulálpan cater to tourists with restaurants, hotels, historic churches, and museums about Benito Juárez. There are also natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls. The road cuts through a resource-rich area of towering pine trees, broad meadows, and canyon vistas. The mountain pass to Humo Chico Pass sits at 2,970m (9,744 ft), the highest point on Mexico 175. You can find a restaurant, observation point, and cabins here. There's also the small dirt road to Humo Chico, starting near the pass of Humo Chico (Mexico 175) at 2,950m (9,678 ft), abruptly ascending into the mountain at a maximum elevation of 3,140m (10,302 ft), the highest accessible point by car in Oaxaca state. This road offers spectacular 360° views in all directions of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains from the top of Humo Chico mountain at 3,230m (10,597 ft). Finally, from Humo Chico Pass (2,970m/9,744 ft), the road gently descends to 90m (295 ft) in Valle Nacional. Keep an eye out for sudden floods and fog; this segment can be challenging due to slippery road surfaces. The changing landscape from pine forest to tropical rainforest is especially interesting. Given the high density of flora, there aren't many panoramic views of the mountains, but it's an engaging drive!

How difficult is the road to East Lone Cone Pass?extreme

How difficult is the road to East Lone Cone Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: East Lone Cone Pass, Colorado. We're talking serious off-the-beaten-path stuff in Dolores County. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Think rugged, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. Tucked into the San Miguel Mountains, a hop, skip, and a jump northwest of the old mining town of Dunton, this pass gives you a front-row seat to Teton Peak, that killer volcanic spire that just dominates the horizon. The whole area's got that classic Colorado vibe: endless evergreens, meadows bursting with wildflowers (when it's not snowed in!), and views for days. So, the road – Forest Service Road 616, aka Middle Creek Road – isn't kidding around. It's gravel and rocks all the way as it snakes west to east, linking up to Middle Creek Road. The real kicker? A set of 7 super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure. Forget your sedan; this road chews them up and spits them out! Now, timing is everything. East Lone Cone Pass is usually buried under snow until late spring. We're talking avalanches and landslides – not exactly ideal for a relaxing road trip! Even in summer, expect surprise ice patches and crazy afternoon thunderstorms. Your best bet is late June through September when the mud dries up, and the views are insane. But always, *always* check with the local forest service before you go. This place can shut down on a dime!