Where is Corkscrew Pass?
Usa, north-america
8 km
3,732 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in southwestern Colorado, deep in the Uncompahgre National Forest, ready for an off-road adventure. You're about to tackle Corkscrew Pass!
This baby clocks in at about 5 miles (8km) long, and it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a climb up to a whopping 12,244 feet (3,732m) above sea level! You'll need a short-wheelbase 4x4 with high clearance to make it. This ain’t a Sunday drive in your sedan! This used to be a rough trail built back in the early 1880s to connect Silverton to the mines on Red Mountain.
The road, known as Corkscrew Gulch Trail, is mostly unpaved and includes County Road 20A and County Road 11. The road is wide and graded most of the way but it gets steep and rough with some super-tight switchbacks—especially near the top! Be extra cautious because one wrong move could send you tumbling down a cliff. It's usually dry and easy, but after it rains, the clay soil turns super slick, making things much trickier. Keep an eye out for logging trucks at the lower part of the trail. The pass is usually snowed in from November to June.
But trust me, the views are WORTH IT! You'll get an incredible bird's-eye view of Como Lake. This route is incredibly scenic, with a fantastic perspective of nature's flora and fauna. In the fall, the aspen trees in the Ironton valley turn the landscape into a golden paradise. Be prepared for company, it’s a popular trail. Bring your camera, because you'll want to capture every moment of this epic journey!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,732 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhen Was Canal Road Built?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because Canal Road in Ontario is a wild ride! Picture this: you're cruising through Southern Ontario, right next to a river. Sounds idyllic, right? But hold on, because this "shortcut" between towns is anything but relaxing. Originally built to help farmers access their fields, this paved stretch is only about 6.4km long. After a major flood, they rebuilt it even closer to the water's edge — genius, right? 😉. Now, let's talk danger. This road's got a reputation! It's narrow, with the river lurking just inches away. In winter, think black ice and zero visibility. Over the years, this route has seen far too many accidents, with cars ending up in the drink. Since 2000, lives have tragically been lost. The scenery *is* pretty — if you can take your eyes off the road. Think water views and farms. They've made a few improvements, like barriers in some spots and speed display signs. But honestly, if you're not familiar with the area, maybe skip this one at night. Stay safe out there!
hardDriving the challenging road to Mount Princeton in Colorado's Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you in the heart of Colorado's Chaffee County: Mount Princeton Road (Forest Service Road 322A). This bad boy climbs to a whopping 12,137 feet, earning its stripes as one of Colorado's highest roads. You'll find it nestled within the San Isabel National Forest. The road is a 6.2-mile unpaved climb from County Road 321. The first section is a breeze. But don't get too comfy! The last half-mile is where things get spicy, demanding a 4x4 beast. Most stock SUVs with some clearance should handle it, but leave your low-riders at the Young Life Camp and hike the rest. Prepare for a serious workout—we're talking an elevation gain of 3,520 feet! The average grade is a leg-burning 10.76%, with ramps hitting a max of 14%. Keep an eye on the calendar! Winter owns this place, so aim for a summer adventure. Snow typically shuts it down from November to June, and even in summer, the summit might be snow-covered. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, plenty of parking at the top, and a cool old weather station plus the Bristlecone Park Chalet to explore. Get ready for some serious bragging rights.
hardHow long is Skyline Drive Utah?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising along the Skyline Drive Scenic Backway in Utah, a 96.5-mile (155 km) adventure that carves its way along the Wasatch Plateau’s spine. We’re talking serious altitude here, folks, with most of the road hovering above 10,000 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Starting near Tucker (close to U.S. 6) and winding south to the east of Salina, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The elevation ranges from 9,000 to a dizzying 10,897 feet (3,321m) at its peak. You'll be navigating ridges that barely fit the width of your vehicle – so keep your eyes on the road! This gem, nestled inside Manti-La Sal National Forest, is a mix of FR150, 0173, UT31, and 150 roads, with mostly unpaved stretches that lead you through dense forests, vibrant alpine meadows, and past tons of lakes, streams, and campgrounds. While some parts are chill enough for regular cars (especially the northern section, which is usually open year-round), you'll definitely want a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive beast for the rougher patches to the south. Heads up: this road is usually only accessible from July to September because snow makes it impassable the rest of the year (and even summer storms can shut things down). Budget around 5-6 hours to soak it all in (without stops, of course – but you’ll WANT to stop). The views? Epic. Think: The Oquirrh Range, the Tavaputs, Mount Nebo, and the Roan Plateau stretching out before you. Perfect for camping, fishing, hunting, and leaf-peeping in the fall. It's also known as the Utah Adventure Highway. Bonus tip: cell service is spotty, so come prepared!
hardWhere is the South Willow Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! South Willow Canyon Road in Utah's Tooele County is calling your name. Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this drive is a wildlife photographer's dream. Keep your eyes peeled! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. South Willow Canyon Road, or Forest Road 171, clocks in at about 7.1 miles of mixed terrain. Most of it's paved, but those last 4 miles turn to gravel, adding a little off-road flavor. Nothing too crazy, though – most cars should be able to handle it. Just watch out for some potholes if you're towing a trailer. Heads up – this road climbs! You'll start near the Mormon Trail and end up at 7,447 feet, right where the Deseret Peak Trail begins. There's a parking area and restrooms there. Expect snow from November to mid-June up there. It's a fairly steep climb, gaining 2,355 feet with an average gradient of 6.28%, and the road gets pretty narrow. But the views are SO worth it! This is a scenic drive through some interesting narrows you won't forget. Plus, there are five forest service campgrounds along the way if you want to make a weekend of it. Enjoy!