
Trout Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,591 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're itching for a serious off-road challenge in Colorado, Trout Mountain is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting 11,781 feet above sea level in Mineral County.
This isn't your Sunday drive. The road to the top is a gravel track, strictly 4x4 territory. And seriously, check the weather before you go – this area can get hit hard with snow, avalanches, and landslides. You might find ice patches, too, so be prepared. Expect a rocky and muddy ride – it's all part of the fun (if you're into that sort of thing!). The payoff? Epic views and a serious sense of accomplishment!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,591 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Christmas Tree Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Christmas Tree Pass is a super cool mountain pass chilling at almost 4,000 feet in Nevada's Clark County. You'll find it in the southern part of the state, not far from Arizona and California. So, why "Christmas Tree Pass?" Well, legend has it there's a tree along the way decked out with Christmas ornaments! The road, Christmas Tree Pass Road (NPS Road 20), is all unpaved gravel, stretching for about 16 miles. It'll take you from just outside Laughlin, right off NV Highway 163, to the little town of Searchlight on US Highway 93. The road cuts through the Newberry Mountains, and while mostly in good shape, there are some steep and rough spots, especially on the eastern side right below the pass. A high-clearance vehicle can be helpful for those occasional deep ruts, but careful driving can usually get a passenger car through. Just watch out for soft, sandy spots and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! The views are incredible! You'll be cruising through the Nevada desert with amazing mountain scenery. You'll start on the desert floor and then gently climb into the mountains. This is a drive for the journey, with lots of hiking and rock-scrambling spots. Make sure you stop at Grapevine Canyon! You can clamber on granite boulders and check out a crazy amount of ancient rock art. Give yourself about an hour to drive the whole thing without stopping. This scenic drive goes through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and takes you to a huge petroglyph site in Grapevine Canyon. The road winds through a desert landscape that's important to many Native American tribes. Get ready for awesome desert and mountain views as you drive between wilderness areas.
extremeHow long is the Million Dollar Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in western Colorado, about to tackle the legendary Million Dollar Highway! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 25-mile (40 km) rollercoaster from Silverton to Ouray that'll take your breath away – literally! Give yourself around 42 minutes to fully soak it in, but be warned, RVs also love this route, so patience is key. Now, this beauty is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva, especially in winter. We're talking possible closures and chain requirements thanks to those snowy conditions. You'll be scaling three epic mountain passes – Coal Bank (10,640 ft / 3,240 m), Molas (10,970 ft / 3,340 m), and Red Mountain (11,018 ft / 3,358 m). Summer days? Expect temps ranging from a balmy 70-90°F at the ends to a cooler 50-70°F up high. Rain can turn things dicey, creating surprise waterfalls, and did I mention this stretch has some serious avalanche risk? So, yeah, it's not all sunshine and roses. This road demands respect. That initial drive? Get ready for sweaty palms! You'll be hugging the "outside" lane with views that are both stunning and slightly terrifying. Some of those mountain turns require a snail's pace of 10 mph. The real heart-pumper is that 12-mile stretch south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge leading to Red Mountain Pass. Think steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a distinct lack of guardrails! Those hairpin turns are no joke. And drivers sometimes get a bit "frozen" mid-route. Going south, you're the one on the exposed side. The origin of that name? Mystery! Some say it cost a million bucks a mile to build, others claim the dirt's laced with gold ore. No matter the truth, it was hand-carved in the 1880s as a toll road, and today, it's one of the most spectacular drives in the US, if you don’t drive too fast for conditions. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You’ll be cruising through the San Juan Mountains, spotting wildflowers, elk, mountain goats (maybe even a bear!), and soaking in views that'll stay with you forever. It's a true bucket-list adventure!
moderateSuccess Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Success Summit in Nevada's White Pine County is calling your name, boasting an elevation of 8,996ft. Picture this: you're cruising along NF-423, part of the Success Loop Scenic Drive, surrounded by groves of gorgeous aspen trees (fall colors, anyone?!). Now, fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and can get pretty bumpy. Think tippy! It's generally closed from October to May due to snow. This is definitely a route for experienced drivers comfortable with unpaved mountain roads. Expect a steep climb with plenty of twists and turns. And if you're afraid of heights... well, let's just say you'll be getting cozy with the scenery. Wet conditions can turn the road muddy and tough, but in dry weather, most cars can make it, though high clearance is recommended. The reward? Jaw-dropping views of the Schell Creek Range and Steptoe Valley. Trust me, the bragging rights are worth it!
extremeWhere is Atigun Pass in Alaska?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Atigun Pass in wild Alaska! Perched way up at 4,822 feet, this is the highest year-round pass in the state, and it's a real beast. Located north of Coldfoot, right where the Dalton Highway crosses the Continental Divide, Atigun Pass links Alaska's oil country with the rest of the state. We're talking serious inclines here – up to a 12% grade in spots! This isn't your Sunday drive. Plus, the road is entirely unpaved, which just adds to the thrill (and the challenge). Be warned: this remote spot sees some seriously harsh weather and even avalanches in winter, so come prepared. So, is braving Atigun Pass worth it? Absolutely! Keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep clinging to the mountainsides. You'll be crossing the Continental Divide, with rivers flowing north to the Arctic and south to the Bering Sea. The scenery is unreal – pure, untamed Alaskan wilderness. This high altitude Arctic drive is not for the faint of heart, but for those who love a challenge, this is a bucket-list road trip.