Where is Bear Lake in Colorado?

Where is Bear Lake in Colorado?

Usa, north-america

Length

14.96 km

Elevation

2.505 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bear Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 9,491 feet in Larimer County. We're talking Rocky Mountain National Park, about 13 miles southwest of Estes Park.

Getting there is a breeze on the fully paved Bear Lake Road. They spruced it up back in 2012, widening the lanes and smoothing things out. The road itself is about 9.3 miles long, starting from US-36. You'll climb around 1273 feet, so it's a gentle climb with amazing views.

Word of warning, though: this place is POPULAR. Over two million people a year cruise Bear Lake Road, so expect some traffic, especially during the summer. Get there early on weekends 'cause the parking lot fills up FAST.

The good news is, the road is usually open year-round, and they keep it plowed, so you can experience the lake even in winter. Just keep an eye on the weather, 'cause things can change quickly up there! Seriously, you don't want to miss this.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
14.96 km
Max Elevation
2.505 m
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in north-america

Road trip guide: Conquering Castle Butte in IDhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Castle Butte in ID

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, so you HAVE to check out Castle Butte in Idaho County, Idaho! This peak sits way up high at 6,666 feet in the Clearwater National Forest, and getting there is an adventure in itself. The road is totally unpaved, and seriously, you'll probably need a 4x4 with high clearance to make it. Forget bringing your RV or anything with low ground clearance. The Lolo Motorway, an old single-lane road, is how you get up there, but keep in mind it's usually snowed in from October to June. Expect some steep sections along the way, and be aware that thunderstorms can roll in fast, making the road super tricky or even impassable. But the payoff is SO worth it! At the top, there's this awesome lookout tower built way back in 1950, and the views? Unreal! You get 360-degree panoramas of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Seven Devils Mountains, and the deep canyons of the North Fork Clearwater River. Just remember, cell service is pretty much non-existent, so be prepared!

Mill Creek Trailhard

Mill Creek Trail

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, so you're craving some serious off-road action? Then point your 4x4 towards Mill Creek Trail in southern Madison County, Arkansas! This baby snakes through the Ozark National Forest for a solid 42 miles, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, the whole shebang. Think rugged, remote, and stunning forest scenery. You'll need some off-roading experience to tackle this trail, but if unpaved mountain roads are your jam, you're in for a treat. Plus, it's open year-round, so you can get your adventure on whenever the mood strikes! Just remember to bring your A-game and get ready for a wild ride!

How long is Tremont Road?easy

How long is Tremont Road?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Hey, fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Tremont Road, a sweet little escape tucked away in Blount County, Tennessee, inside the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This north-south route clocks in at about 5.1 miles (8.20km), taking you from Laurel Creek Road up to the Middle Prong Trail Trailhead. The first couple of miles? Easy peasy. That's Tremont Road, smooth pavement that leads right up to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute from Little River Road near Walker Valley. Then, things get a little more rustic. You'll hit Upper Tremont Road, a 3.1-mile (4.98km) gravel stretch that follows an old railroad bed. This section starts at the Institute and winds its way to the Middle Prong Trail Trailhead. Seriously, this drive is a total hidden gem in the northwestern part of the park. It's incredibly scenic and feels like you're miles from civilization. The views are absolutely breathtaking, especially when the leaves change color in the fall. If you're looking for a tranquil escape from the touristy spots, Tremont Road is calling your name!

Where is the White Rim Trail?extreme

Where is the White Rim Trail?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Get ready for an unforgettable ride along the White Rim Road, a classic desert track nestled in Utah's Canyonlands National Park near Moab. This 100-mile loop winds through the White Rim benchlands, far below the "Island in the Sky" mesa, offering views that will leave you speechless. Built in the 50s for uranium exploration (talk about a Cold War relic!), this unpaved adventure is not for the faint of heart. Expect loose dirt, sandy washes, sandstone formations, and only a mere 7 miles of pavement. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is a MUST. Think hairpin turns, steep grades, and cliff edges with absolutely no guardrails! Sections like Shafer Trail, Murphy's Hogback, and Hardscrabble Hill demand your full attention, especially during bad weather. Keep an eye out for changing conditions, as heavy rains can make things tricky, and river flooding can even make the loop impossible. Some sections will test your navigation skills, with boulders and obstacles requiring a spotter. Pack plenty of water – at least a gallon per person per day – because this is a long, rocky, and exposed route with limited shade. While you could technically drive the whole thing in 10-12 hours without stopping, taking 2-3 days is the way to go. Spending at least one night under the stars is highly recommended. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is out of this world, best experienced in the spring or fall. You'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking beauty at every turn, from Musselman Arch and Washer Woman Arch to expansive Colorado River overlooks, Airport Butte, and Soda Springs Basin. This is the ultimate multi-day backcountry adventure for exploring the best of Canyonlands.