Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado

Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado

Usa, north-america

Length

34.92 km

Elevation

3,455 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Fremont Pass in Colorado! This beauty straddles Lake and Summit counties, hitting a whopping 11,335 feet above sea level. We're talking serious Rocky Mountain high!

You'll find it right in the heart of Colorado, not too far from Leadville. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax molybdenum mine, which used to be a HUGE deal for the world's molybdenum supply. The pass itself is named after the legendary explorer John C. Frรฉmont.

State Highway 91, also known as the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway," will take you right to the top on a fully paved road. And get this โ€“ it's surprisingly straight for a mountain pass! Just a few switchbacks near the summit.

The whole shebang stretches for about 21.7 miles between Copper Mountain and Leadville, running north to south. Don't get fooled โ€“ there are a couple of false summits on the way up!

Generally, Fremont Pass is open year-round, but be warned โ€“ winter weather can throw a wrench in your plans and cause temporary closures. While most of the road is pretty tame, keep an eye out for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%.

Where is it?

Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.2889, -99.1376

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
34.92 km
Max Elevation
3,455 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
38.2889, -99.1376

Related Roads in north-america

How long is Holland Road?extreme

How long is Holland Road?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising around Kitsap County, Washington, and you stumble upon Holland Road. It's only a mile long, all paved, running from Central Valley Road up to Tracyton Blvd, north to south in Bremerton. It's not just any road, though. Locals whisper stories about it being haunted! The tale goes that a girl on horseback (or maybe it was an old guy getting the mail - the story gets a little fuzzy) was hit by a drunk driver. Now, on foggy nights, some say they've seen strange figures lurking. Spooky, right? Definitely worth a detour if you're into ghost stories!

Rollins Pass is a historic road in the Rocky Mountains of Coloradomoderate

Rollins Pass is a historic road in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Rollins Pass in Colorado is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 11,696 feet of pure Rocky Mountain glory, right on the Continental Divide, straddling Gilpin, Boulder, and Grand counties. Forget pavement. You'll be tackling 10.3 miles of unadulterated off-road terrain (County Road 80, a.k.a. Corona Pass Road). Think potholes, rocks of all sizes, and a road that definitely isn't winning any maintenance awards. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute must, and even then, only when the weather's playing nice in the summer months. The road kicks off near Rollinsville and dead-ends at the infamous, but closed, Needle Eye Tunnel. Fair warning: Rollins Pass is usually snowed in from mid-November to mid-June. When it's open, prepare for some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of up to 9%! You'll be gaining a whopping 2,565 feet of elevation, averaging around a 4.71% grade. Rollins Pass has a colorful past. It was originally part of a railroad route back in 1903 and later became a car route, only to be closed again after a rockfall in the Needle's Eye Tunnel. But hey, the views! We're talking jaw-dropping panoramas of pristine lakes, majestic mountains, and wildflowers galore. Plus, you get bragging rights for conquering a truly epic off-road adventure and a glimpse of the historical Needle Eye tunnel. Trust me, the bumpy ride is 100% worth the reward!

Where is Salmo Mountain?hard

Where is Salmo Mountain?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, road trippers, listen up! We're heading to Salmo Mountain, tucked away in the northeastern corner of Washington, practically spitting distance from Canada and the Idaho border. This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to one of Washington's highest points! You'll find it nestled in the Colville National Forest, right on the edge of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. The reward for making it? The northeasternmost lookout in the state! Picture this: panoramic views stretching into Canada, Washington, and even Idaho. The road itself? It's a well-maintained gravel track that winds for 7.2 miles to the top, gaining a hefty 2,641 feet in elevation โ€“ that's an average grade of 7%! Most vehicles can handle it, though the last hundred yards or so can get a little rocky, so maybe think twice about bringing your low-rider. Be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride near the end, where some four wheel drive might be preferable. Keep in mind, this road is usually closed during the winter months (weather depending). So, if you're chasing those views, plan accordingly!

Where is North Eureka Valley Road?extreme

Where is North Eureka Valley Road?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for North Eureka Valley Road in Death Valley National Park, California! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a journey into the heart of the desert. Stretching from Loretta Mine Road and South Eureka Valley Road, this route clocks in at a decent length, taking you north and eventually granting access to the Sylvania Mountain Wilderness just outside the park's northern edge. Now, here's the real deal: after a while, the pavement vanishes, replaced by about eight miles of dirt and gravel. A high-clearance vehicle is practically a must and 4WD is often needed to reach Hwy 168. Plus, you'll be cruising at a fairly significant elevation! Keep in mind that conditions in Death Valley are always changing, so check the official park website for the latest updates before you go. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!