
Where is Cochetopa Pass?
Usa, north-america
42.32 km
3,076 m
moderate
Year-round
Cochetopa Pass: a killer Colorado climb that tops out at 10,091 feet! You'll find this gem in southern Colorado, right on the Continental Divide, smack-dab between the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests.
"Cochetopa" is a Ute word meaning "Pass of the Buffalo," and this route has been around since way back in 1858! Ready to drive it? Just hop on Saguache County Road NN14, also known as Cochetopa Pass Road.
The good news is, you don't need a monster truck. This well-maintained, graded dirt road is totally doable in your average car as it snakes through those gorgeous national forest lands. Most drivers won't find it too tricky.
The climb is about 26.3 miles long, starting and ending on State Highway 114. Think gentle grades and fairly wide lanes. Just a heads up: there's another pass nearby, a little further north on Highway 114, called North Cochetopa Pass.
Keep in mind this is the Rockies, so the road's usually snowed in from October to June. Plan accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.32 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,076 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateCanAm Highway is a sensational drive from Mexico to Canada through the USA
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! The CanAm Highway is calling your name, a true north-south adventure stretching from the sun-baked border of El Paso, Texas, all the way up to La Ronge, a cute little town nestled in the Canadian boreal forest. We're talking a fully paved, epic 3,178 km (1,975 miles) of pure road trip bliss. You'll cruise through six diverse U.S. states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The CanAm highway is an older route, dating back to the 1920s. The highway comprises U.S. Route 85 and Interstate 25 in the USA; Saskatchewan Highway 35, SK 39, SK 6, SK 3, and SK 2 in Canada and Mexican Federal Highway 45 in Mexico. So, pack your bags, gas up the car, and get ready to experience the CanAm Highway – a journey you won't soon forget!
easyThe road to Dallas Divide in Colorado provides stunning views in Autumn
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Dallas Divide in southwest Colorado, nestled right in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This beauty sits high, I'm talking 8,999 feet above sea level, right on the border of San Miguel and Ouray counties. Fun fact: it's named after some Vice President guy from way back when. But the real story is this pass, first carved out in 1880, which was a lifeline for early explorers. Now, State Highway 62 is your path to the top. It's a smooth, paved ride stretching just over 23 miles from Placerville to Ridgway. And don't worry about killer climbs – the grades are mellow, averaging around 4%, so most vehicles can handle it year-round. But the real reason to come is the views! You'll catch glimpses of charming towns like Ridgway and Telluride. Seriously, landscape photographers, this is your dream spot, especially in autumn when the colors explode. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you.
moderateEureka Highway is a remote drive in the northernmost territory of Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Eureka Highway is an all weather highway located in Nunavut, the largest, northernmost and newest territory of Canada. The highway is centrally located on Ellesmere Island, in the northern part of the country. The road is totally unpaved. It’s 20 km (12 mi) long and runs from Eureka Weather Station to CFB Eureka and the Eureka Airport. Eureka is a small research base on Fosheim Peninsula, Ellesmere Island, Qikiqtaaluk Region, in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, and it's the second-northernmost permanent research community in the world. The station was established in 1947. While the precipitation at Eureka is so low it is classed as a desert, the snow that does fall stays around for the whole winter because of the low temperatures. Keeping the road open is an on-going activity. Between mid-October and late February, the area is plunged into total darkness. Pic: By Ansgar Walk - photo taken by Ansgar Walk, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=606190 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.
extremeDriving the Hazardous California State Route 17
🇺🇸 Usa
Highway 17 in California: buckle up, because this ain't your average Sunday drive! This stretch of road connects the bustling city of San Jose to the laid-back beach town of Santa Cruz, snaking its way for about 26 miles through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Let’s be real, though. This road has earned itself a reputation. Think hairpin turns, blind corners that'll make your palms sweat, and shoulders so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Speed limits can change on a dime, and after it rains (or snows!), the road gets slicker than an eel. Built back in the day, Highway 17 isn't exactly known for its wide, forgiving lanes. Names like "Killer 17" and "Blood Alley" give you an idea of what you're in for. Locals will tell you the sharp turns and blind spots are notorious for causing trouble, and wildlife can make surprise appearances. Seriously, wrecks have gone through the roof in recent years. Speaking of weather, this mountain pass can get dicey. Rain, fog, and even snow can roll in, especially up near Patchen Pass, which sits at a lofty 1,843 feet. If you're driving in winter, be extra careful. But hey, it's not all white-knuckle driving! This road IS gorgeous. The views of the mountains are incredible, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Monterey Bay. Just keep your eyes on the road and maybe leave the sightseeing to your passenger. And if you're into spooky stuff, Highway 17 has a reputation for being haunted! Keep an eye out for apparitions. Some drivers have claimed to see ghosts walking along the side of the road, or even sitting in their backseats! Others have reported seeing weird, vaporous clouds floating around. Creepy, right?