Weston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches
Usa, north-america
42.8 km
3,639 m
hard
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
Weston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.7907, -94.2600
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,639 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.7907, -94.2600
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Forest Road 640?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Forest Road 640 in central Utah! This beauty stretches for about 22.6 miles through Capitol Reef National Park and Fishlake National Forest. But here's the kicker: you'll be cruising *high*, I mean *really* high, entirely above 8,200 feet! At its peak near Niotche-Lost CR Divide, you'll hit a whopping 10,505 feet above sea level, making it one of Utah's highest roads. Expect some serious climbs, with gradients maxing out around 15%. Keep an eye out for Johnson Valley Reservoir along the way! The good news? It's usually open in winter, so you can potentially experience this wonderland dusted with snow. Get ready for breathtaking views, but be prepared for some white-knuckle moments!
hardIs Port Mahon Road in Delaware paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising down Port Mahon Road in Delaware's Kent County is like stepping into a nature documentary. This 3.7-mile stretch hugs the coastline near the Mahon River mouth and is a haven for wildlife lovers. Now, heads up: this isn't your typical smooth ride. You'll find yourself mostly on unpaved ground, with patches of busted-up asphalt thrown in for good measure. And watch out for those potholes towards the end – some are real monsters! Storms can wreak havoc here, and high tide with heavy rain? Forget about it, you might be wading through water. Still, most cars can handle it, so don't let that deter you. Starting from Little Creek (Delaware Route 9), the road winds its way to what's left of an old, bustling port – think fish factories and piers of yesteryear. But the real draw? The birdwatching! Park the car, launch a boat, and get ready for some serious avian action. This place is legendary among birders, especially in late May when the horseshoe crabs are spawning, drawing in migratory shorebirds by the thousands. Keep your eyes peeled for rails, marsh sparrows, and some seriously impressive raptors – especially during the winter months. Trust me, this road is worth the adventure!
hardWhy is it Called El Camino del Diablo?
🇺🇸 Usa
Dare to tackle El Camino del Diablo – the Devil's Highway – in Arizona? This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a backcountry adventure right along the Mexican border, so prior experience is a must. This historic route cuts through the Sonoran Desert. The name? Earned. It's sadly known as one of the deadliest migrant trails, with a tragic history. Clocking in at 120 miles along the southern US border, it winds through some seriously remote and arid landscapes. Forget pavement; expect unpaved, extremely rough conditions in sections. A high-clearance 4x4 is non-negotiable. You're on your own out there – no emergency or tow services. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible: rugged mountains, flat desert expanses, cacti galore, shifting sand dunes, and old lava flows. But heads up! This trip demands detailed planning. No drinking water is available. You'll be trekking through active military bombing ranges, areas with unexploded ordnance, plus zones with illegal activity, abandoned mines, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Never attempt this journey solo. Avoid summer due to scorching heat. Even outside summer, be prepared for extreme conditions. Bring ample supplies, let people know your itinerary, and ensure your vehicle is in top shape.
extremeWhere is Scanlon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Scanlon Road in southern Nevada is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 20 miles of pure, unadulterated adventure near the historic Gold Butte townsite and the Scanlon Ferry Colorado River Crossing. Now, let's be real – this road earns its reputation. The last stretch? Super narrow, super rocky, and honestly, might be better explored on foot. That final climb gains a whopping 1,040 feet in just over a mile. Think of it as a StairMaster from hell, but with way better views. The northern parts *might* be doable in a 2WD high-clearance vehicle, but trust me, you'll want 4WD as you head south. Expect washed-out sections and plenty of sand. But here's the kicker: you're heading into one seriously isolated area. We're talking zero services. No restrooms, no water, no gas, no food – nada. You need to be 100% self-reliant and come prepared for anything. Pack extra everything, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, and make sure your tires have some serious sidewall protection. But for those who crave the off-the-grid experience and breathtaking scenery, Scanlon Road is an unforgettable ride. Just remember to tread carefully!