Where are Hancock Lakes?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you wanna find some off-the-beaten-path beauty in Colorado? Head south of the ghost town of St. Elmo (seriously, just a saloon foundation is left!). You'll find Upper and Lower Hancock Lakes tucked away in Chaffee County.
The road there? Totally unpaved, baby! We're talking a bumpy, scenic trail leading to a parking area where the pavement ends. But trust me, the views are worth every jiggle. Think alpine tundra, crystal-clear lakes, killer fishing, and vast mountain valleys. This route clocks in at just under 4 miles.
You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. Plus, this road is closed due to snow until late June, so time your visit right! You'll be cruising through a former mining area so keep your eyes peeled for abandoned relics of that past. And even if it's a scorcher down in the valley, pack layers! You're at a high alpine elevation, and the weather can change on a dime.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardAn awe-inspiring drive to Paulina Peak in Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna experience one of Oregon's highest roads? Head to Paulina Peak in Deschutes County, nestled within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The road, NF-500 (Paulina Peak Road), kicks off from Forest Service Road 21 and stretches for about 3.9 miles to the top. It's unpaved, so expect a bit of a bumpy ride, but most cars can make it. Just be aware that it can get pretty narrow and rough in spots. Shorter vehicles (under 23 feet) are recommended. Don't forget your recreation pass for parking! Get ready for a climb! You'll gain about 1,578 feet in elevation, with some sections hitting a 9% grade. The road is typically open from early July to late October/early November, depending on the snow. Trust me, the views are worth it. This spot offers incredible panoramic views of the Newberry Caldera, the volcano's flanks, the Cascades, and beyond. On a clear day, you can even spot Mt. Shasta in California and Mt. Adams in Washington. Oh, and keep an eye out for bears – they're known to hang around the campsites in the crater! Allocate at least 25 minutes for the drive, but you'll want to budget extra time for photos and exploring.
moderateWhere is Marsh Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk about Marsh Pass! Nestled at a lofty elevation in Arizona, this spot used to be known by the Spanish name , marking a historic boundary way back when. It's even part of the legendary Armijo Route of the Old Spanish Trail! So, is it paved? You bet! You'll be cruising on . Get ready for a mostly flat ride with a total length of 74.4 miles, starting in Coconino County. Keep an eye out for along the way! This is one Arizona adventure you won't forget.
moderateDriving the paved road to Sunwapta Pass through the Canadian Rockies
🇨🇦 Canada
Sunwapta Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.069m (6,788ft) above sea level, located in Canada’s Alberta province. It's one of the highest roads in the country. Set high amid the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Icefields Parkway (also known as Highway 93 north). It’s said to be the highest road in Canada’s national parks. The road runs from Jasper to Banff. Be prepared for hairpin turns as you switchback up to the summit. Located on the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks, the pass is 151 km (93.82 miles) long running north-south from Jasper to Saskatchewan River Crossing. The pass is the second highest point on the road, being Bow Pass in Banff National Park the highest point on the parkway. Completed in 1940, the road does get busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. The parkway is busy in July and August with up to 100,000 vehicles a month. The drive is awe inspiring and the views cannot be captured in photos. It seems no matter where you drive, you always have a photo opportunity. It’s an impressive example of road engineering, producing better and better scenery as you climb higher. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardHow long is the access road to Kachina Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kachina Peak! You'll find this sky-high destination nestled in Taos County, New Mexico. Word on the street is it's one of the highest roads in the whole state. Heads up: This isn't your average scenic byway. It's actually a chairlift access road, so a little pre-planning is a must. Starting at the base, you'll climb about along a route. The elevation gain is a thigh-burner. Expect some pretty views, but remember this road gets seriously wild, and becomes totally impassable in winter. So plan your trip accordingly, and get ready for some unforgettable mountain vibes!