Where is Cumbres Pass?
Usa, north-america
75.8 km
3,057 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Cumbres Pass in southern Colorado is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. Nestled high in the Rio Grande National Forest, near the New Mexico border, this beauty tops out at a cool 10,029 feet. "Cumbres" means "crests" in Spanish, and trust me, the views are worth it!
This paved ribbon of road – that's Colorado State Highway 17 – stretches for about 47 glorious miles, starting near Antonito, Colorado, and winding down toward Chama, New Mexico. It's been around since the late 1800s, with improvements made in the early 1920s, so you're driving on a piece of history!
Now, heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. You'll be tackling some serious inclines, with grades hitting nearly 13% in spots! The north approach averages around 5.8%, while the south side chills out a bit at 4%.
While this pass is generally open year-round, Mother Nature can throw curveballs, especially in winter. Snow is common, and short-term closures can happen due to wicked weather. But don't let that deter you. The San Juan Mountains offer views you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,057 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is 8 Mile Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising east of Vegas, deep in the Nevada desert, heading toward the shimmering blue of Lake Mead. The adventure starts when you turn off State Route 41A and hit 8 Mile Road. Now, this isn't your typical paved paradise – it's a 3.5-mile stretch of sandy, unpaved road that leads straight to the lake. Expect a washboard gravel surface, but don't worry, it's generally well-maintained. You'll definitely want a 4WD vehicle for this trek. But hold up! As of August 1, 2024, the National Park Service shut down motorized vehicle access, along with camping, due to excessive damage. You can still hike, bike, or boat in to the shoreline, but the roads are blocked. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes – they're known to hang around! If you manage to access the area, the endpoint is a fantastic sandy beach where you can relax and soak in the views of Lake Mead.
hardHilman Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Hilman Lake in Colorado's Conejos County is calling your name, but fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a heart-pumping climb to 11,000 feet! The road? Let's just say "rough and rugged" is an understatement. Think rocky, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those without 4x4). Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe grab a postcard instead. Winter? Forget about it – this road's a no-go when the snow flies. And heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. The trail keeps going up until you reach the top of an unnamed peak at 11,430ft! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Just picture yourself surrounded by pristine alpine scenery, with a sparkling lake as your reward. It's an unforgettable experience, as long as you're prepared for the challenge!
easyThe Mysterious Light of Saratoga on the haunted Ghost Road Scenic Drive of Texas
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, listen up! Bragg Road (aka Ghost Road Scenic Drive) in Hardin County, Texas, is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising 75 miles northeast of Pasadena, deep in the southeastern heart of Texas, surrounded by the eerie beauty of the Big Thicket. This isn't just any road; it's THE most haunted road in Texas, they say! This legendary stretch of road, located outside of Saratoga, earned its spooky reputation in the early 1900s thanks to tales of a mysterious light – the Light of Saratoga. People claim to see this ghostly orb appear and disappear at random on dark nights. Legend has it that it's the lantern of a railroad worker who lost his head in a tragic accident, forever searching for it along this very road. Spooky, right? The road itself is an unpaved, super-straight shot that used to be a railroad track connecting Bragg Station and Saratoga. Built in 1901 and converted to a road after 1934, it's wide enough for two cars now. Expect a dry, dusty ride – unless it's been raining, then things can get muddy. Traffic is light, but stay alert, especially after dark! Clocking in at 7.8 miles (12.55km), this eerie route runs north-south between Farm-to-Market Road 1293 (near the ghost town of Bragg) and Farm-to-Market Road 787 (near Saratoga). Drive carefully!
hardArcher Avenue is one of the most haunted roads in the Chicago area
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, listen up! Archer Avenue, just east of Lemont, Illinois, is calling your name. This paved road, nestled in Cook County, is rumored to be one of the most haunted spots around Chicago. Picture this: you're cruising along, surrounded by eerie forests, serene lakes, and, oh yeah, a ton of cemeteries, each with its own chilling backstory. The real hot spot for paranormal activity lies between Resurrection Cemetery and St. James-Sag Church. We're talking ghostly monks hanging around St. James-Sag, the creepy "Gray Baby" at Sacred Heart Cemetery, and phantom horse riders galloping across 95th & Kean. But the main attraction? Resurrection Mary. Legend says this ghostly hitchhiker, dressed in white, appears near Resurrection Cemetery. She's supposedly the spirit of a young woman killed in a car crash after a dance at the old O'Henry Ballroom. Pick her up, and she'll vanish before you know it! Besides Mary, drivers have reported phantom cars and other spooky happenings along this stretch of road. Buckle up – you're in for a ride!