The closed road to Devil’s Slide Trestles in Colorado
Usa, north-america
N/A
293 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's Boulder County lies the legendary Devil's Slide Trestles – a seriously sketchy, narrow-gauge railway relic from the Denver & Salt Lake Railroad days. We're talking about a nail-biting crossing of the Continental Divide via Rollins Pass.
Imagine two rickety trestles clinging to the edge of a cliff, with a dizzying 960-foot vertical drop beneath you! These trestles were built right on the edge of South Boulder Canyon way back in 1904. They look like they're barely hanging on over thin air.
Perched high in the Rockies, you can still see much of the original route. Be warned though: some of the trestles have seen better days and have partially collapsed. There are NO guardrails, and the drop-offs are seriously steep. Oh, and did I mention you can see straight through the gaps between some of the boards?
Originally built for trains linking Denver to Winter Park and Salt Lake City, the route was later used by cars. From 1955 to 1979, Rollins Pass was a scenic route until a rockfall blocked the way. It briefly reopened in 1988, only to be permanently closed again in 1990. It's a truly stunning location, with the kind of scenery that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. Just be prepared for some serious exposure!
Where is it?
The closed road to Devil’s Slide Trestles in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.5150, -101.2069
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 293 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.5150, -101.2069
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhy Is It Called the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, a 115-mile thrill ride through the Colorado Rockies! Nestled in Lake, Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit Counties, this byway lives up to its name, boasting seriously high elevations – think mostly above 9,000 feet! You'll start on Colorado State Highway 82, cruise along U.S. Highway 24, and if you're feeling adventurous, take the spur route north from Leadville to Copper Mountain for a loop. You'll be tackling Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, and Tennessee Pass! Speaking of passes, Independence Pass is the real showstopper at 12,095 feet. Keep an eye out for views of Mount Elbert (14,440 feet) and Mount Massive (14,428 feet), the giants of the Rockies. The whole route is paved and mostly open year-round, but a heads-up: Independence Pass usually closes from late October to late May because of snow. You can also connect to the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway!
hardState Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for Utah Scenic Byway 12, a 122-mile (197km) paved adventure between Wayne and Garfield Counties! This road, connecting U.S. 89 near Panguitch to S.R. 24 near Torrey, is a seriously thrilling alternative to the unpaved Hell's Backbone Road if you're heading between Boulder and Escalante. But hold on tight! This drive is a rollercoaster of winding, steep sections, some clocking in at a nerve-wracking 8%. If you're scared of heights, be warned: you'll be cruising along the edges of some seriously impressive drops. Expect sharp curves, narrow stretches, and keep an eye on the weather – even light rain can trigger flash floods. Oh, and did we mention the parts where you're literally on a knife-edge with no guardrails? Reaching a peak of 9,609ft (2.929m) at Boulder Pass, this high-mountain road is generally open year-round, though winter storms can make sections impassable until they're plowed. Heads up: cell service can be spotty due to the remote, rugged terrain. Factor in about 3 hours of driving time (without stops) at an average speed of 40 mph. Spring and fall are ideal for avoiding crowds. Trust us, this route is worth it. Pack your camera, because you'll be stopping constantly to capture the insane beauty. Aim to drive it during daylight, and prepare to be wowed by some of the most incredible scenery in the US. You'll pass through diverse and stunning landscapes, including two national parks, three state parks, a national monument, and a national forest. Epic doesn't even begin to cover it!
hardWhere is Taylor Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high – like, 11,948 feet high! – right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. There’s even a creek crossing that can be tricky – scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and you’re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!
hardCrossing the Haunted Bunny Man Bridge in Northern Virginia
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a ride to the infamous Bunny Man Bridge in Fairfax County, Virginia! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a trip into local legend. Tucked away in Northern Virginia, you'll find this Southern Railway overpass where Colchester Road goes right underneath. Get ready for a creepy vibe! It's a one-lane road that cuts through the woods. The road is gravel, and the whole place is surrounded by trees. Think atmospheric and prime for ghost stories. The legend? Oh, it's a doozy. Think axe-wielding dudes in bunny suits and tales of escaped mental patients from a long-ago asylum. Okay, so maybe there isn't any hard evidence, but that's what makes it so good! This bridge has inspired a whole bunch of media. It's like a rite of passage for those who love a good scare. So, if you're ever in Northern Virginia and want a dash of the paranormal, head to the Bunny Man Bridge. Just remember, it's all in good fun...or is it?