Where is Cumberland Pass?
Usa, north-america
25.42 km
3,670 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a killer Colorado adventure! Cumberland Pass, clocking in at a whopping 12,040 feet above sea level, sits pretty in Gunnison County. Word on the street is, it’s one of the highest roads you can cruise in a regular car during the summer.
You'll find this gem nestled in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. Built way back in 1882 and spruced up a few times since, it's a historic ride!
Cumberland Pass Road (County Road 765) stretches for about 15.8 miles, running from the quirky town of Tincup down to Pitkin.
Now, about the road itself: it's unpaved but usually in pretty good shape. It can get a little bumpy and washboard-y in spots. Most cars can handle it, whether you've got 4WD or not. It's not crazy steep, but there are some narrow sections and drop-offs, so take it slow and enjoy the ride.
Heads up: this pass is buried in snow most of the year, usually closed from late October to late June or early July.
But is it worth it? Absolutely! This is a seriously scenic and historic drive. You'll wind through gorgeous pine forests, past old mine entrances (stay out!), and eventually pop above the treeline for jaw-dropping views. From the top, you can see over 50 miles of the Continental Divide. It's an unforgettable road trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,670 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Monitor Pass in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Monitor Pass! This stunner sits way up high in east-central California, practically kissing the Nevada border, right where Alpine and Mono counties meet. Think wide-open spaces and that "I'm the only one here" feeling because traffic is usually super light. The road itself, officially CA-89 (aka Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), was carved out in the early 50s and named after the old silver mining town, Monitor. We're talking about a 17.6-mile stretch of pure, paved goodness connecting Alpine State Highway south of Markleeville to US-395 north of Coleville, southeast of Lake Tahoe. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect a seasonal closure from late November to early April due to snow. Speaking of high, we're talking an elevation of 8,343 feet! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road near the top that climbs even higher to 8,942ft. Hold on tight, because this road isn't shy about its steepness! You'll find yourself tackling gradients up to 13% in spots. The eastern side, heading towards US-395, is particularly punchy, so gear down and be prepared for a serious climb if you're heading back up. Give yourself about 30 minutes to cruise this pass without stopping to soak it all in (but you *totally* should stop!).
hardWhere is Bolam Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Bolam Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,487m (11,440ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. Although the lower portions of the road to the summit can accommodate cars, the upper portions should only be traveled by 4WD vehicles with high clearance. Where is Bolam Pass in Colorado? The pass is located on the boundary between Dolores and San Juan counties, in the southwestern part of Colorado, within the San Juan National Forest. Can you drive through Bolam Pass in Colorado? The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Service Road 578 (Hermosa Park Road), also known as Bolam Pass Road. Is the road to Bolam Pass in Colorado challenging? The trail is very smooth and easy for the first 11 miles. Suddenly, the trail becomes bumpy, and progress is slow for the rest of the way. It's like two different trails. There are spots that are rough, along with some shallow water crossings. The eastern half of this Jeep trail is well graded, while the western half is somewhat rutted and bumpy. Beware of treacherous stream crossings on the east side. The trail requires 4WD low, high clearance, sturdy tires, and plenty of time. Is Bolam Pass in Colorado open? The road is not plowed in winters. It’s usually impassable from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow). The area is quite remote, and good conditions are only likely in summer. Be prepared for changing weather on this high elevation ride. Where does Bolam Pass start and end? -south of Silverton- to State Highway 145 -to the north of Rico-. Is Bolam Pass in Colorado worth it? The drive is very rewarding with scenic views. The trail follows numerous remnants of Colorado's mining heritage. It’s said to be one of the best and most remote single tracks in Colorado. It serves as a shortcut from Durango (near Hermosa) to Telluride. Horseshoe Meadow is one of the highest roads of California Steens Mountain is one of the highest roads of Oregon Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our 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 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Pine Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! I just discovered the coolest little detour in Big Bend National Park, Texas: Pine Canyon Road! Seriously, if you're craving breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, this is your jam. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a wild, unpaved route carving its way through the desert. Think loose rocks, dips, climbs, blind corners, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two! Rain can change everything out here, so be prepared for anything. Oh, and keep an eye out for bears! You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one – leave the low riders at home! And trailers? Nope, not a good idea. You might actually encounter other travelers, but that's part of the fun. Clocking in at just over 4 miles, this baby packs a punch! It ends at a parking lot that’s your gateway to the Pine Canyon Trailhead, way up at 4,816 feet. Don't let the short distance fool you—you'll climb almost 1,350 feet, with some seriously steep stretches to get your adrenaline pumping. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and jolt!
moderateWhere is Mammoth Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mammoth Mountain in California is calling your name! Perched way up in Madera County, smack-dab in the Inyo National Forest at a whopping 11,036 feet, this peak boasts one of California’s highest roads. Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking totally unpaved, folks! Think rugged, bumpy, and an absolute blast for anyone with a 4x4. This isn't your everyday scenic drive. This road mainly exists to service the ski lifts and lodges, and that final stretch? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. The good news? When the snow melts and ski season's over, the trail opens up, rewarding you with incredible views and bragging rights. Plus, you can grab a bite at Eleven53, a cafe that claims to be California's highest. Who can resist that?