What is the new name for Squaw Pass in Colorado?

What is the new name for Squaw Pass in Colorado?

Usa, north-america

Length

49.56 km

Elevation

2,984 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're cruising around Colorado and looking for a scenic mountain escape, you HAVE to check out Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly known as Squaw Pass). Nestled in Clear Creek County between Evergreen and Idaho Springs, this beauty climbs to a whopping 9,790 feet!

The road, now known as Mestaa’Ėhehe Road (or Colorado State Highway 103), is a fully paved, 30.8-mile ribbon of asphalt that winds through the Arapaho National Forest. Just be warned, it's a bit of a leg burner for your car – some sections max out at an 8% grade! Built way back in the day (the first version in 1923, and fully paved by '56), it's super accessible from Denver.

Keep in mind that even though it's open year-round, Mother Nature can be a real diva. Snow can definitely shut things down in the winter, so always check conditions before you go. But if you catch it on a good day, you're in for some seriously stunning Front Range views!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
49.56 km
Max Elevation
2,984 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Tip Top Mountain?hard

Where is Tip Top Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: Tip Top Mountain Road, smack-dab in San Bernardino County, California. We're talking a proper climb to a summit way up high. The road? Totally unpaved, baby! Forest Road 2N90 is a real rollercoaster, and honestly, even some 4x4s might struggle. Expect crazy inclines, seriously chunky rocks, and ruts that'll test your suspension. You'll find this gem nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, roughly halfway between Big Bear and Pioneer Town. Word to the wise: this isn't a summer jaunt; avoid those scorching months. This place has history! It was mining central back in the day (think silver, lead, and gold!), and the trail winds past old mining relics. Watch your step though – many mines are blocked off for safety. The road stretches for what feels like forever from the pavement to the top, and let me tell you, it's narrow – basically a one-vehicle-wide shelf road. Front and rear lockers are your friend here, and be prepared to hop out and scout the path ahead. Is it worth it? Heck yes! The views are insane. We're talking 360 degrees of pure awesomeness, from the sun-baked desert to lush mountains (sometimes even snow-capped!). It's a true hidden gem and an exhilarating drive, but fair warning: this isn't for newbie off-roaders. You need a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious skills to tackle this one.

Where is Martis Peak?moderate

Where is Martis Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: You're cruising in California, itching for insane views of North Lake Tahoe and the Truckee area. I've got the spot – Martis Peak! Tucked away in the Tahoe National Forest, not far from the Nevada border. So, how do you get there? You'll hop onto Martis Peak Road. It climbs to a whopping 8,700 feet above sea level in just under 4 miles. The road starts off paved, but don't get too comfy – it turns to partial dirt closer to the top. Expect curves and a narrow path, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. What's waiting for you at the top? Get ready for some serious panoramic action. There's an old fire lookout, originally built in 1914, keeping watch during fire season. The views? Unbelievable. Think distant mountains to the north, Castle Peak to the northwest, and the entire Lake Tahoe basin. You'll also get an amazing birds-eye view of Truckee. Word of warning: this road is usually closed in winter, due to its location in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. You might find snow, but it's open for hiking.

Why Are There No Roads in Greenland?moderate

Why Are There No Roads in Greenland?

🌍 Greenland

Okay, Greenland might be the coolest place you'll never drive across! Seriously, this massive island between the Arctic and Atlantic is all mountains, fjords, and glaciers, so forget road trips between towns – they just don't exist. So, why no roads? Well, imagine trying to build a highway across a landscape that's mostly rock and ice. Greenland's got a tiny population of around 56,000, spread out in little villages along the coast. Plus, throw in an ice cap that covers 80% of the island and permafrost that makes the ground super unstable. It's a builder's nightmare! But get this: there *is* one paved road. Just one! This hidden gem is in southwest Greenland, winding 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Ivittuut, an old mining town near Cape Desolation, up to Kangilinnguit, which used to be a naval base. It's a short stretch, but expect it to be snowed in and closed during the winter.

Whitehawk Mountainextreme

Whitehawk Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want a taste of Idaho's wild side? Then point your high-clearance 4WD towards Whitehawk Mountain, nestled in Valley County within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Forest Service Road 569 is your access point, and trust me, it's an experience. We're talking rough, narrow gravel that climbs to a whopping 8,375 feet! The views? Absolutely epic! But be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. Mother Nature throws down the gauntlet here. Watch out for avalanches, heavy snow (even when you least expect it), and landslides. Patches of ice can sneak up on you too. Basically, keep an eye on the weather report and don't even think about tackling this road in bad conditions. The reward for your bravery? A fire lookout at the summit, built way back in 1933. Just remember, if you see a thunderstorm brewing, skip the lookout – safety first! Get ready for a mountain adventure you won't soon forget!