Where is Bolam Pass in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
17.7 km
3,487 m
hard
Year-round
Bolam Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,487m (11,440ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. Although the lower portions of the road to the summit can accommodate cars, the upper portions should only be traveled by 4WD vehicles with high clearance.
Where is Bolam Pass in Colorado?
The pass is located on the boundary between Dolores and San Juan counties, in the southwestern part of Colorado, within the San Juan National Forest.
Can you drive through Bolam Pass in Colorado?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Service Road 578 (Hermosa Park Road), also known as Bolam Pass Road.
Is the road to Bolam Pass in Colorado challenging?
The trail is very smooth and easy for the first 11 miles. Suddenly, the trail becomes bumpy, and progress is slow for the rest of the way. It's like two different trails. There are spots that are rough, along with some shallow water crossings.
The eastern half of this Jeep trail is well graded, while the western half is somewhat rutted and bumpy. Beware of treacherous stream crossings on the east side. The trail requires 4WD low, high clearance, sturdy tires, and plenty of time.
Is Bolam Pass in Colorado open?
The road is not plowed in winters. It’s usually impassable from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow). The area is quite remote, and good conditions are only likely in summer. Be prepared for changing weather on this high elevation ride.
Where does Bolam Pass start and end?
-south of Silverton- to State Highway 145 -to the north of Rico-.
Is Bolam Pass in Colorado worth it?
The drive is very rewarding with scenic views. The trail follows numerous remnants of Colorado's mining heritage. It’s said to be one of the best and most remote single tracks in Colorado. It serves as a shortcut from Durango (near Hermosa) to Telluride.
Horseshoe Meadow is one of the highest roads of California
Steens Mountain is one of the highest roads of Oregon
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,487 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardTrail Creek Road in Idaho is not for novice mountain drivers
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a wild ride on Trail Creek Road! This super scenic route straddles Blaine and Custer counties in Idaho and is a total hidden gem. Clocking in at just over 40 miles, the road kicks off near Ketchum, winding its way up to Highway 93 close to Chilly. Heads up: the pavement doesn't last long! You'll quickly be bumping along on gravel, and then it's mostly dirt and some seriously aggressive, pyramid-shaped rocks. Think insane drop-offs, a skinny, one-lane gravel path, and views that'll knock your socks off. You don't *need* 4WD, but be prepared for some rocky and potholed sections. This drive is no joke! If you're not comfortable with mountain driving, this might not be for you. Seriously steep sections and unforgiving terrain mean you need to be on your game. There's a reason big rigs and trailers are a no-go. This road has a reputation for flat tires, so make sure your spare is in tip-top shape (and full-sized!). Rockslides and washouts are common, so keep your eyes glued to the road. Did I mention the views are amazing? Just don't become one of them! Located in the heart of Idaho, give yourself 1-2 hours to conquer this incredible drive without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. The actual time depends on the road conditions and how often you pause to soak in the scenery. You'll climb to Trail Creek Summit at a whopping 7,910 feet above sea level. This gravel, mostly unmaintained road is snowed under in winter but opens up as soon as the weather warms. We're talking double-digit feet of snow! Plus, rock and dirt avalanches often cause damage during the colder months.
easyWhere is Fremont Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Fremont Pass in Colorado! Perched way up at 11,335 feet, this beauty straddles Lake and Summit Counties, right in the heart of the state. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax mine, which used to pump out most of the world's molybdenum. The pass itself is named after John C. Frémont, a famous explorer. The road, also known as State Highway 91 and part of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, is paved from end to end. Surprisingly, it's pretty straight for a mountain pass, with just a few twists as you near the top. Clocking in at around 21.7 miles, the route runs from Copper Mountain to Leadville. Don't get fooled by the false summits! Keep going until you reach the real deal. Generally, you can access it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – it can get dicey and lead to temporary closures. The climb is mostly gradual, but be ready for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%. Expect incredible views all the way up!
moderateWhere is Leidy Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits in northeastern Utah! You're heading to Leidy Peak, and let me tell you, it's a trek! We're talking a 24.63-mile (39.63 km) gravel road that climbs to a whopping 11,026 feet (3,361m). Seriously, this is one of Utah's highest roads! Getting there is half the fun. Just follow the main road, keep an eye out for the Hacking Lake sign, but instead of turning, stick to the right. This’ll lead you to the trailhead's start. Word of caution: this road is a no-go in winter. It's buried under snow and totally impassable. The sweet spot is late June/early July when it usually opens up, but don't dilly-dally; the road closes again with the first big snow, usually sometime between mid-September and mid-October. So time your visit right to experience those stunning Uintah Mountain Range views!
hardWhere is McKenzie Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to check out McKenzie Pass! This epic road trip straddles the Linn and Deschutes county line in the Cascade Range, linking the high desert vibes of Central Oregon to the lush Willamette Valley. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (aka Oregon Highway 242) is a fully paved dream that clocks in at around 36 miles, stretching from Belknap Springs all the way to Sisters. Traffic's usually chill, even during peak season, and the winding road keeps things nice and slow. You'll practically be retracing the steps of pioneers on an old 1860s wagon trail! Heads up though, this pass is a seasonal gem. It's usually snowed in from November to around mid-June. But here's a local tip: before it officially opens, cyclists sometimes sneak in for a ride before the cars arrive! Also, leave the big rigs at home! Vehicles over 35 feet are a no-go, and trailers aren't recommended due to those super tight curves and narrow lanes. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you HAVE to climb up the Dee Wright Observatory. This quirky lava rock building, built way back in 1935, offers mind-blowing views of six Cascade peaks on a clear day. Plus, you'll be smack-dab in the middle of a 65-square-mile lava flow! Don't forget to check out Clear Lake nearby, famous for its crystal-clear waters and diving scene.