The road to Dallas Divide in Colorado provides stunning views in Autumn
Usa, north-america
37.49 km
2,743 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Dallas Divide in southwest Colorado, nestled right in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This beauty sits high, I'm talking 8,999 feet above sea level, right on the border of San Miguel and Ouray counties.
Fun fact: it's named after some Vice President guy from way back when. But the real story is this pass, first carved out in 1880, which was a lifeline for early explorers.
Now, State Highway 62 is your path to the top. It's a smooth, paved ride stretching just over 23 miles from Placerville to Ridgway. And don't worry about killer climbs – the grades are mellow, averaging around 4%, so most vehicles can handle it year-round.
But the real reason to come is the views! You'll catch glimpses of charming towns like Ridgway and Telluride. Seriously, landscape photographers, this is your dream spot, especially in autumn when the colors explode. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you.
Where is it?
The road to Dallas Divide in Colorado provides stunning views in Autumn is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.4554, -95.7749
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.49 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,743 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.4554, -95.7749
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe unpaved road to Palomar Mountain High Point Lookout
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near northern San Diego County, you HAVE to check out Palomar Mountain. This peak hits an altitude of 6,148 feet, offering views that stretch all the way to the coast. Tucked away in the Cleveland National Forest, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, so you’ll definitely need a 4x4 to make it. Keep an eye out for the fire lookout at the summit, built back in 1935. Did you know it used to be called Smith Mountain? Glad they brought back the original Mexican name – Palomar, meaning "place of the pigeons." The climb starts near Oak Grove and covers about 7.9 miles, with a whopping 3,353 feet of elevation gain. That's an average gradient of over 8%, so get ready for a steady climb. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top are worth every bump and grind!
hardWeston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventurers! Let's talk about Weston Pass, a high-altitude gem nestled in the heart of Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,938 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Park and Lake counties in central Colorado. This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 22 (Co Rte 7), stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285. Now, the road isn't too tricky, but keep an eye out for a few rocky patches, especially if your vehicle sits low. Heads up: the eastern side is generally easier to navigate compared to the western slope. Coming from Highway 285 to the east, most passenger cars can handle it with a bit of care. However, if you're approaching from Highway 24 to the west, high clearance and maybe even 4-wheel drive are recommended. Be prepared for some washboards near the bottom that can make for a bumpy ride. For the full traverse, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is your best bet, especially with some sections hitting a steep 12% gradient. Keep in mind that Weston Pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan accordingly. Historically, this route, located within Pike National Forest, was a bustling toll road back in the 1860s and 1870s, earning the nickname "The Road to Riches." It was used by everyone from Native Americans to prospectors chasing gold and silver dreams, serving as a vital wagon road between Fairplay and Leadville. Today, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll spot remnants of old cabins, charming beaver dams, and panoramic mountain vistas. Near the summit, you'll even find Weston Pass Hut, a backcountry lodging that boasts the highest elevation of its kind in Colorado. For the thrill-seekers, there's a 4x4 trail on the west side leading up to an old gold mine – definitely a challenge that requires some expertise and good clearance.
moderateWhere is Jones Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Jones Pass in Colorado is calling your name! This epic mountain pass sits at a whopping 12,480 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand Counties, west of Denver, in the Arapaho National Forest. The road to the top? It's Jones Pass Road (Forest Road 202), a totally unpaved dirt road with some seriously steep sections. You'll want a vehicle with medium to high clearance to tackle some of the tougher spots, but in good conditions, most vehicles can make it. Don't let the winding turns and grades scare you off, though! Think hairpin turns with incredible views, and be prepared for a bit of a thrill if you're not a fan of heights – some of those switchbacks are right on the edge. But the road is generally well-maintained. Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so aim for a late summer adventure. Starting near Berthoud Falls off Hwy 40, it's a 5.4-mile climb to the top with an average gradient of 9.14%. It's a steady climb, then a steep drop on the other side. Factor in about an hour from the highway to the summit, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely stunning! Think wildflowers, alpine vistas, and glimpses into Colorado's mining history. Plus, there's parking at the top so you can soak it all in. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery!
extremeThe road to Little Mount Hoffman in CA isn’t an easy one
🇺🇸 Usa
Little Mount Hoffman is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.231m (7,319ft) above the sea level, located in Siskiyou County, in the U.S. state of California. Set high in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the road to the summit is unpaved. From approximately October through May, there is no guarantee of access to the summit due to winter weather. 4x4 vehicle recommended. The last 4 miles are difficult for RVs and cars with trailers to navigate. Tucked away in the northernmost part of the U.S. state of California, expect a trail pretty steep. Thunderstorm activity can quickly change unpaved roads to four-wheel-drive condition or make them impassable. The summit hosts a lookout tower built in the 1920's, perched on the rim of the largest volcano in the state. The lookout is still occasionally used by the Forest Service in times of extreme fire danger and offers spectacular views of Mt. Shasta. Should I Hire a Lawyer After My Truck Accident? America’s Most Stunning Off-Road Trail Adventures 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.