Where is Browns Pass?
Usa, north-america
8.9 km
3,475 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, buckle up for Browns Pass, a wild ride topping out at a cool 11,400 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled in Colorado, smack-dab in the heart of the Sawatch Range.
Heads up: this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The 5.5-mile road to the summit is unpaved and starts from the paved County Road 29. It’s a bit rough and rugged, so be prepared for a bumpy adventure!
Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This road isn't plowed, so plan your trip for the warmer months for the best experience. Also, keep an eye on the weather – the trail is totally exposed, so you don't want to get caught in a storm. But oh, the views! You'll be treated to incredible scenery as you climb. Browns Pass is a true escape into the Colorado wilderness.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,475 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow do I get to Angora Lakes?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're trying to get to the stunning Angora Lakes, nestled high in the California mountains south of Lake Tahoe? Here's the lowdown on the road: You'll be cruising along Angora Ridge Road (NF-1214) to get there. The good news is it's mostly paved! But heads up, it gets pretty steep and narrow in sections, so be prepared to pull over and let others pass. The road stretches for about 5.5 miles from the start and climbs to a parking lot sitting at 7,221 feet. There's a small fee to park here. From the lot, it's just a quick one-mile uphill hike to the lakes themselves. Keep an eye on the seasons! Because it's way up in the Sierra Nevada, the road usually closes for winter from around October to May. You'll also pass the Angora Lookout along the way. And of course, expect incredible views the whole drive. These lakes are the source of the little Angora Creek, making the area picture-perfect.
hardWhere is Fortress Mountain Resort?
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for an adventure to Fortress Mountain Resort, nestled high in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta! This place isn't just a ski resort at 2,075 meters (6,807 feet); it's a movie star, famous for its breathtaking mountain views used in countless films. You'll find Fortress in Kananaskis Country, about an hour's scenic drive from Calgary, deep within the Kananaskis River Valley of Kananaskis Park. But be warned, the road isn't for the faint of heart! Fortress Mountain Road is a 7.6-kilometer (4.72-mile) climb on a narrow, winding, and unpaved track. It's a steep one, gaining 481 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.32% — definitely one of the highest roads around! Despite the challenging drive, the payoff is HUGE. Located in the Eastern Ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fortress Mountain's stunning scenery has made it a favorite location for impressive mountain cinematography.
hardHow long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive! Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast! Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast. A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season. Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures. Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!
extremeSherman Pass in California has lots of twists and turns
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sherman Pass in California's Tulare County is calling your name. Perched way up high at 9,200 feet, this is one of the highest drives you can find in the Golden State. You'll find this beauty hugging the eastern side of Sequoia National Forest, right on the edge of the Kern Plateau. Sherman Pass Road (aka Forest Route 22S05) is paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Get ready for a wild ride with tons of twists, turns, and some seriously steep sections. The road's pretty narrow – just 18 feet wide – and those gradients can hit 9%! Plus, you've got those epic mountain drop-offs to keep you on your toes. This climb is definitely remote and challenging. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas of the Sierra Crest and the mighty Mount Whitney. Keep in mind, this road is seasonal. It usually opens around late May or early June, depending on the snow, and closes again in late fall or winter. Summer can also bring some intense heat, so be prepared! Sherman Pass connects the tiny towns of Johnsondale and Linnie, stretching for about 73 miles. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!