What are the highest roads in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
N/A
4,267 m
moderate
Year-round
# Colorado: Where Every Drive is an Adventure
Welcome to Colorado, the ultimate playground for road trippers who live for mountain vistas and adrenaline-pumping drives. This state isn't messing around when it comes to scenery – we're talking about the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains that practically define the entire landscape. Over 50 peaks tower above 14,000 feet (the locals call them "Fourteeners"), and honestly, driving past them never gets old.
Sure, Colorado's got its share of rolling prairies and desert stretches, but let's be real – everyone comes here for the mountains. And boy, do those mountains deliver.
The terrain up here is no joke. We're talking high-altitude passes, switchbacks that'll make your palms sweat, and roads carved into mountainsides that offer some of the most incredible views you'll ever experience from behind a wheel. This isn't your typical Sunday drive – it's the kind of road trip that makes for legendary stories and Instagram photos that actually do justice to how spectacular Colorado really is.
If you're a serious road enthusiast, Colorado is basically mandatory on your bucket list. The combination of elevation, challenge, and pure natural beauty makes these routes some of the most rewarding drives anywhere on the continent.
So buckle up. Colorado's calling, and trust us – you're going to want to answer.
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Colorado? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.0508, -96.2591
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 4,267 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.0508, -96.2591
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Taylor Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Taylor Mountain in Colorado's Chaffee County is calling your name! This isn't just any mountain; we're talking a whopping 12,791 feet above sea level! Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, this route, also known as Taylor Mountain Trail (Chaffee County Road 228), is a real beauty. Heads up, this is a proper off-road experience. We're talking unpaved, rocky, and steep! Think switchbacks that’ll test your skills and some tight shelf sections where you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance for this one. The adventure kicks off near Monarch on US-50, winding its way up for about 5.44 miles. Don't let the short distance fool you, though — you'll be climbing over 3,200 feet, so get ready for a seriously steep average gradient of over 11%! Plan your trip carefully, because Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect this route to be snowed in from late October until at least late June or early July. But trust me, those views from the top are worth the wait!
moderateWhere is Gold Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna experience a real Colorado thrill? Then Gold Hill is calling your name! This beast of a pass tops out at a whopping 12,309 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find this epic trail nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Think Taylor Park on one side, and the glitzy Aspen/Ashcroft on the other. Word to the wise: Gold Hill isn't a year-round fling. Winter slams the door shut with massive snowfall, so plan your trip between July and October. Even then, keep an eye on the weather; early snows can ruin the party! The adventure stretches for about 28.8 miles (46.34km) of glorious, unpaved road. This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive, folks. We're talking high-clearance vehicles only! The views? Absolutely breathtaking, as long as you keep your eyes on the road. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Gold Camp Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because Gold Camp Road is a wild ride! This 32-mile stretch connects Colorado Springs and Victor, Colorado, and it's got a serious past life. Originally, it was a railroad carved into the hills back in the 1880s during the gold rush days. They turned it into a road in 1924, and for a while, it was a free-for-all until part of a tunnel caved in back in '88. You'll find it snaking through North Cheyenne Canyon, just southwest of Colorado Springs. Think gorgeous scenery during the day, but hold onto your hats because this road is also known for its spooky nighttime vibes. Parts of it are paved, parts are gravel, and some sections are closed entirely. You can still cruise through a couple of the tunnels, though. The road can get pretty narrow and rocky in spots, but you don't need a 4x4 to tackle it. Just keep an eye out for bikers and hikers sharing the road! Speaking of tunnels, there used to be nine, but time and vandals have taken their toll. One, tunnel number 3, is completely sealed off, and that's where the ghost stories really kick in. Legend says it collapsed in '88 with a school bus full of orphans inside, but nobody has ever found any official records of that happening. People have reported hearing creepy laughter and seeing tiny handprints on car windows. Some even claim to spot ghostly figures in cloaks. Whether you're a believer or not, this place is definitely atmospheric! Just be careful – some folks like to turn off their lights in the tunnels to try and get a paranormal experience.
hardMount Elbert
🇺🇸 Usa
Mount Elbert is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.504m (11,496ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The summit is located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The road to the summit is very rough, tippy and bumpy at times. Located on the Elbert Massif in San Isabel National Forest, the road is totally impassable in winters, often until July 4th or later. Great trail for experienced wheelers. The trail is narrow with few places for passing so meeting someone can be a challenge. High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude. The mountain was named in honor of a Colorado statesman, Samuel Hitt Elbert, who was active in the formative period of the state and Governor of the Territory of Colorado from 1873 to 1874. The trail to the summit is called Forest Road 110J (Iron Mike Road or Halfmoon Road). It’s an old mining road. Keep an eye on the weather for thunderstorms and lightning. Near the summit there are remants of several abandoned old mining buildings. The road can be driven in many stock SUVs equipped with 4x4 & higher clearance. However, the road is continuously rocky and does present some degree of clearance challenges for stock SUVs. Avoid dangerous afternoon storms. If you see dark puffy clouds building, turn around and get off the mountain. Maverick Mountain: Driving to the 8,086ft lookout in Fort Apache 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.