What is the maximum grade on Colorado mountain passes?

What is the maximum grade on Colorado mountain passes?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright road-trippers, let's talk Willamette Pass in Oregon! This isn't just a drive; it's a Pacific Northwest adventure served with a side of stunning views. We're talking a good stretch of pavement, enough to feel like a real journey. As you climb, be prepared for some decent elevation changes.

Now, for the real talk: keep your eyes peeled! This route can have its share of surprises, so stay alert. But hey, you're not just here for the thrill, right? Get ready for some seriously amazing scenery! Oregon's natural beauty is on full display here, with forests, maybe a glimpse of mountains, and that fresh Pacific Northwest air. So, roll down the windows, crank up the tunes, and get ready to make some memories on Willamette Pass.

Where is it?

What is the maximum grade on Colorado mountain passes? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.8572, -104.0963

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
36.8572, -104.0963

Related Roads in north-america

How to get by car to Badwater Basin, the lowest point of North America?extreme

How 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!

Where is the Boulder Basin?hard

Where is the Boulder Basin?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: You're in central Idaho, about 15 miles northwest of Ketchum, ready for an adventure. You're heading toward Boulder Basin, way up in the Boulder Mountains. This ain't your typical Sunday drive, though. Forget the pavement! You're hitting Boulder Creek Road (aka County Road 158A and 158), a 5.7-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt-road fun. Starting from Highway 75, you'll climb a whopping 2,792 feet to nearly 9,800 feet above sea level. That's an average grade of over 9%! Trust me, this road is bumpy, rocky, and rough. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here – high clearance is a MUST, and airing down your tires is a smart move. The higher you go, the wilder it gets, with the road turning into shale rock and sometimes even a stream running right down the middle! Plus, the last mile is a narrow ledge clinging to the mountainside, so hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way. Keep in mind, this road's a no-go in winter thanks to the snow. Aim for July or August for the best shot at getting through. But trust me, if you make it, the views are epic. You'll reach the ghost town of Boulder City and a stunning, secluded alpine lake. Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!

The historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915moderate

The historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915

🇺🇸 Usa

Ever heard of a road made of wood? Deep in California's Imperial County, near the border with Mexico, lies the remains of the Old Plank Road, a seriously cool piece of early 20th-century ingenuity. Back in 1915, this eight-mile stretch was built right across the shifting sands of the Algodones Dunes, a landscape that looks like it belongs in the Sahara! Imagine driving on wooden planks, laid end-to-end like a primitive roadway. It was a single lane, so turnouts were added every mile so cars could pass each other. They called it a success, though it was hard work to keep the sand off the road. Mules were brought in to dust the planks off or even move sections of the road! This quirky road made it possible to travel between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. About 3,000 vehicles a week traveled across the "railroad track for cars" Sadly, the plank road's reign didn't last. The harsh desert and shifting sands took their toll, and by the late 1920s, it was replaced with asphalt. Today, only fragments remain, a historic landmark and reminder of a time when a wooden road was the only way to cross these majestic dunes. The region of towering dunes resembles the Sahara desert and has been featured in films ranging from Rudolph Valentino's “The Sheik” to 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.

Keller Peakhard

Keller Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Keller Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.405m (7,890ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, Southern California, United States. Located in San Bernardino Mountains, the road to the summit is called Keller Peak Road. It’s paved all the way to the summit. The summit was named for Ally Carlin Keller, born in San Bernardino in 1868, who at one time was an employee of the Forest Service. The journey offers an exhilarating driving experience, with superb views. There are excellent views of the San Bernardino Mountains including three lakes: Arrowhead, Gregory, and Siverwood. This is definitely one road trip that you want to record with lots of photographs. On a clear afternoon day views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island are possible. The road is usually open from Memorial Day to mid-November. Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, the road is a narrow two lane road with many blind corners as it winds it's way up the mountainside. Due to the high elevations and exposure, the road is subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes. Please drive slowly and cautiously and keep an eye out for other vehicles as well as pedestrian traffic. At the summit is a fire lookout built in 1926. Just below the lookout there’s a memorial plaque for the WWII aircrew that lost their lives when their B-26 crashed into the peak on Dec. 31, 1941. Some of the wreckage is still visible. The road to the summit is pretty steep. Starting from CA-18, the ascent is 9.1 km (5.7 miles). Over this distance the elevation gain is 579 meters. The average gradient is 6.36%. Be watchful of bear, mountain lion and deer. 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.