Where is Cinnamon Pass in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
31 km
3,853 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Cinnamon Pass, perched way up at 12,640 feet in the Colorado Rockies, straddling Hinsdale and San Juan counties. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 19.5-mile off-road adventure on Cinnamon Pass Road, part of the legendary Alpine Loop.
You'll need a 4WD with high clearance to tackle this baby. The road's unpaved and can get pretty gnarly, especially on the western ascent, with steep, rocky sections that turn treacherous when wet. Even the easier eastern side demands a capable vehicle. Be prepared for some serious shelf roads, where passing other vehicles can get a little hairy.
The scenery, though? Totally worth it. Think panoramic views of the San Juan National Forest and classic Colorado high country. Just keep in mind this popular route can get crowded in the summer. The pass is usually open from late May to October, but that all depends on the snow situation. If you're not afraid of heights and love a good off-road challenge, Cinnamon Pass is calling your name.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,853 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRoad trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Boreas Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 11,505 feet in the Colorado Rockies, offering killer views between Breckenridge and Como. You'll find it smack-dab on the Summit and Park county line, nestled in the White River National Forest. This 20-mile route follows the path of gold rush prospectors and a historic narrow-gauge railroad that ran from 1872 to 1938! It’s now a county road (CR 10/Forest Service Road 404) that winds through some seriously stunning scenery. The road is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, but usually passable by 2WD vehicles in good weather. Be prepared for some washboards and embedded rocks along the way. It can get pretty narrow in spots with two-way traffic, and watch out for bicyclists! At the top, there's parking and Ken's Cabin, a historic mountain hut. Budget about an hour for the drive, but you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are blazing with color. You'll also get great perspectives of Mount Silverheels and the Tenmile Range. Plus, there are some cool ghost towns nearby if you're into that. Heads up: Boreas Pass is closed to vehicles from October to May, so plan accordingly!
hardWhere is Arizona State Route 261?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Arizona State Route 261. Tucked away in Apache County, near the New Mexico border and smack-dab inside the gorgeous Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this route is a must-do. Clocking in at around 18 miles (29 km), this paved road is generally in good condition and perfect for all vehicles – when it's open, that is. Word to the wise: this beauty gets snowed in during the winter, so plan your adventure accordingly! Starting south of Springerville, you'll climb to a whopping 9,333 feet (2,845 meters) above sea level. The views? Totally worth it! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery as you cruise along. Just keep your eyes peeled – mountain roads always have their share of twists and turns, so stay alert and enjoy the ride.
moderateWickiup Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Wickiup Pass! Nestled high in Utah's Garfield County, this beast of a pass tops out at a cool 9,255 feet. We're talking about BLM 14635, a road that laughs in the face of pavement. Seriously, it's rough, rocky, steep, and a true test of your off-road skills. Expect a windy, twisty, single-lane experience where you'll be VERY grateful for that 4WD with high clearance. Winter? Forget about it. Wet conditions? Hard pass. Heights aren't your thing? Maybe skip this one. But if you're brave enough to tackle it, Wickiup Pass carves right through the stunning Henry Mountains. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wicked sense of humor up here. Expect high winds, sudden weather changes, and even snow in summer! Basically, pack for anything and everything, and get ready for an unforgettable ride. (Pic & video credit: AtomicGeo)
hardWhere is Sawmill Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Sawmill Pass in New Mexico! This beauty sits high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, clocking in at a cool 10,344 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in New Mexico. Find it north of Ranchos de Taos, nestled in the northern part of the state near the Carson National Forest. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday cruise kind of road. We're talking nine miles of unpaved glory, also known as Forest Road 597, that stays entirely above 8,858 feet. Expect some seriously steep sections—maximum gradient!—as you climb from Talpa heading south to north. Keep in mind, Old Man Winter has his say here. Sawmill Pass is usually closed from late fall due to snow. Even when it's open, watch out for unstable conditions. But, if you're up for a rugged drive and breathtaking scenery, Sawmill Pass is calling your name!