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
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Blue Ridge in Siskiyou County
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Northern California's Klamath National Forest, you'll find Blue Ridge, a seriously awesome peak reaching 5,951 feet. And guess what? The only way to get to the top is a rugged, unpaved road – 4x4 essential! Trust me, the views are worth it. Up top, you'll find a lookout tower with a cool history, dating back to 1934 and even used during WWII! Plus, it's still staffed for fire detection, so you're basically visiting a living piece of history. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. Starting from Sawyers Bar along the North Fork Salmon River, the climb is about 9.4 miles. Sounds easy? Think again. You'll be tackling some crazy steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 17%! Get ready for an elevation gain of 3,783 feet with an average gradient of 7.58%. It's a beast, but the bragging rights (and the scenery!) are so worth it.
extremeHow to get by car to Badwater Basin, the lowest point of North America?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park in eastern California, heading towards a spot so low, it's almost unbelievable. I'm talking about Badwater Basin, a vast salt flat sitting at a whopping 282 feet *below* sea level – the absolute bottom of the barrel in North America! The road in, Badwater Road (aka CA 178), is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4. You'll hop on from Furnace Creek (off CA-190) for a smooth 15.5-mile ride. It's mostly gentle, with a few short ramps kicking up to a 4% gradient. Keep an eye out for the "SEA LEVEL" sign high up on the cliffs – it really puts things into perspective, showing just how far down you are. The landscape is seriously surreal. This whole area used to be a lake, but over time, it dried up, leaving behind crazy salt formations. The name? Legend has it a thirsty traveler tried to give the water to his mule, but it was so salty, the poor thing refused to drink it! Hence, "Badwater." Now, Death Valley isn't messing around with its climate. It's one of the hottest places on earth, so come prepared. Major rainstorms can flood the valley floor, so be aware of your surroundings. If you're there in a downpour, get to higher ground pronto! And remember, cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone. The drive itself takes about 30 minutes without stops, but you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The basin itself is otherworldly. Word to the wise: it gets crowded, especially on weekends. You can see it from the parking lot, but make sure you check out Artist’s Drive along the way – more mind-blowing Death Valley scenery you won't want to miss. Trust me, Badwater Basin is a bucket-list destination!
moderateHow long is Mulholland Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Mulholland Drive is a must-do for any Los Angeles adventure! This iconic 21-mile stretch winds through the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills, offering killer views of the city skyline and beyond. Starting near the 101 Freeway at Cahuenga Boulevard, the paved road curves past the 405 and into the hills above Encino. Heads up: it turns into "Dirt Mulholland" at Encino Hills Drive, where cars aren't allowed. Built way back in 1924 and named after the legendary engineer William Mulholland, this road is packed with history and Hollywood magic. It's been the backdrop for countless movies, books, and songs, and for good reason! Make sure to stop at the many lookouts and parking spots along the way to soak in the views. While the scenery is stunning, be warned – this two-lane road is seriously twisty with tons of turns, making it popular with motorcyclists but also notorious for being dangerous. Mulholland is famous for its unbelievable views and celeb residents. Keep your eyes peeled for mansions and maybe even a famous face or two! Driving this road is like driving through the heart of Los Angeles.
extremePeon Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Peon Pass in Colorado's Saguache County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a legit high-mountain experience peaking at 10,357 feet! You'll find it nestled deep within the Gunnison National Forest, accessible via County Road 31CC. Now, fair warning: this isn't paved paradise. It's a gravel 4x4 track, so leave the low-riders at home. Expect a bit of a rocky, muddy ride, but that's part of the fun, right? Keep a close eye on the weather! This route can get seriously dicey with avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides, especially with sneaky ice patches lurking about. But if you're prepared and the conditions are right, you're in for some killer views! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery that'll make all those bumps worthwhile.