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
moderateWhat are the highest roads in Montana?
🇺🇸 Usa
# Montana: Where Mountains Meet the Open Road Montana—the name says it all. Derived from the Spanish word for "mountainous," this sprawling Western state is basically nature's playground on steroids. You've got the wide-open Great Plains stretching across the east, and then BAM—the Rocky Mountains absolutely dominate the western half like some kind of geological mic drop. This is seriously untamed country. We're talking massive mountains, dramatic canyons carved by ancient rivers, lush forest valleys, and scenery that'll make your jaw hit the dashboard. The sheer scale of these soaring ranges—spread across a state bigger than many entire countries—means roads here do something pretty amazing: they carve through some genuinely remote, high-altitude passes that rank among America's most spectacular. If you're into driving experiences, Montana's highway network is basically a love letter to adventure seekers. These roads wind through some of the most breathtaking high-mountain terrain you'll find anywhere, offering the kind of vistas that make you understand why people fall in love with the open road. Ready to explore? There's a whole network of incredible routes waiting to be discovered, each one offering its own unique blend of challenge, beauty, and that special something you only get when you're driving through one of America's last great wilderness areas.
extremeWhere is Ubehebe Crater?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a trip to another planet? Head to the northern reaches of Death Valley National Park and hop on Ubehebe Crater Road! This paved path, a cool 5.6 miles long, leads you straight to the jaw-dropping Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic wonder. This isn't just any hole in the ground, folks. We're talking a mile and a half wide and 600 feet deep! The road itself is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the real magic happens as the sun rises, painting the gravel landscape in unreal colors. Word to the wise: the desert can be a fickle friend. Wind is a common character here, especially in spring. Keep an eye out for sudden dust storms – they can kick up when you least expect it. And those crater rims? They're gorgeous, but tread carefully. The ground can be loose and unstable. Oh, and don't count on your cell service out here. Death Valley is seriously extreme. Remember to drink tons of water, especially if you're exploring on foot. If your car decides to take a break, stay put and wait for help. It’s always a good idea to have extra water on hand, just in case. Stay safe, soak up the views, and get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!
easyWhere are the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Lakes?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Nestled in the wild heart of British Columbia's northern Sunshine Coast, you'll find the dreamy Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Lakes. Picture this: stunning alpine lakes shimmering at the base of the mighty Knuckle Mountain. Sounds epic, right? Getting there is half the adventure! Alpha Beta Gamma Lakes Road (AKA the Knuckleheads) is your gateway, kicking off from Lang Bay and stretching 34.4 km into the wilderness. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved, rugged terrain. It used to be car-friendly, but Mother Nature had other plans, washing out sections and turning it into more of a challenge. Think foot, bike, motorcycle, or ATV. You'll likely find snow lingering year-round, adding to the alpine charm, but nothing too tricky to get around. So, if you're craving a true escape and some seriously gorgeous scenery, this might just be your next unforgettable trip!
easyHow to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ready for an adventure. Hop in your car and get ready to climb because you're heading up New Mexico State Highway 475, also known as the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway! This paved road is your ticket to the Ski Santa Fe resort, perched way up high at 10,390 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in New Mexico and puts you among the highest ski areas in the continental U.S. The road winds through the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains for about 16 miles, starting right from the heart of Santa Fe. You'll gain over 3,400 feet in elevation along the way, so buckle up for a steady climb! The views are incredible, and there are plenty of spots to pull over for photos, picnics, or even camping. Trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. The scenery is especially epic in the fall when the aspens are showing off their golden colors!