Where is Denver Pass?
Usa, north-america
3.37 km
3,660 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in southwestern Colorado, about 14 miles northeast of Silverton, ready for an off-road adventure. You're heading for Denver Pass, sitting pretty at 12,007 feet above sea level, south of the legendary Engineer Mountain.
Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved road – a real 4x4 job! The route, known as the "Road to Denver Pass," starts near the ghost town of Animas Forks and it's a wild 2.1-mile climb with some seriously steep sections hitting a 10% grade. You'll gain 777 feet in elevation.
Oh, and keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. But if you can make it up there, you'll be rewarded with killer views. Plus, there's a gorgeous lake just near the summit.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.37 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,660 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Crystal Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Crystal Lake in Montana? Picture this: you're cruising about 20 miles south of Lewistown, right in the heart of Montana. You'll be climbing to over 6,000 feet, so expect some steep grades. The road, Crystal Lake Road, starts out paved, sometimes nice and wide, sometimes a little narrow, but then it turns to gravel for the last 5.7 miles of its 21.5-mile length. Keep in mind, being up in the Big Snowy Mountains, that last stretch can be closed in the winter, and the lake itself freezes over. But trust me, the views make it all worthwhile! You'll find campgrounds at the end of the road, ready for you to pitch your tent.
hardDriving the paved Okanagan Connector to Pennask Summit in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Pennask Summit in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to a whopping 1,733m (5,685ft) above sea level, making it the second-highest pass in BC. You'll find it along Highway 97C, aka the Okanagan Connector. This fully paved road stretches for 81.4 km (50.57 miles) across the Thompson Plateau, connecting Aspen Grove to Peachland in the Okanagan Valley. Keep in mind, those westward inclines can be a leg workout for your car, but trust me, the views are worth the effort. Speaking of views, prepare for some serious scenery! Pennask Summit is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable in the winter. So be aware that brief closures can happen. Named after the nearby Pennask Creek, this route is a must-do for any road-tripper looking for an unforgettable experience.
easyWhat highway was the Matrix Reloaded on?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so the legendary "Matrix Reloaded" freeway chase? Not your typical highway! It was actually filmed on a purpose-built freeway constructed from the ground up on an old airplane runway at the abandoned Naval Air Station Alameda in California. This thing was no joke: 1.25 miles long, costing a cool $2.5 million! The builders even added a 19ft wall to mimic concrete barriers. Three lanes each way, all perfectly paved. Keep an eye out for fun Easter eggs like references to "Gulliver's Travels" and a Paterson Pass exit – a nod to the production designer, apparently. Sadly, this awesome stretch of road is no more. Once filming wrapped, the whole thing was taken down. Some scenes were also filmed in Oakland, but that custom-built freeway? Pure movie magic, now just a memory.
hardQuebradas Back Country Byway
🇺🇸 Usa
Escape to the Quebradas National Back Country Byway! This hidden gem winds through the upper Chihuahuan Desert mountains east of Socorro, New Mexico. Seriously remote and peaceful—leave your phone at home, because you won't get a signal anyway! This 24-mile dirt road is perfect for a day of exploring. It's narrow and sees two-way traffic, but don't worry, it's totally manageable. I'd suggest a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle just to be safe, but if it's dry, a regular car should be fine. Just watch out after a big rain, as the road crosses a bunch of dry creek beds that can become impassable. Speaking of remote, come prepared! Pack plenty of water and keep your eyes peeled. You're out in the desert, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you break down, you might be waiting a while for help. And watch out for the locals – bull snakes, king snakes, whip snakes, and even the occasional western diamondback rattlesnake call this place home! You'll feel like you're miles from civilization, even though you're not far from the interstate. The best part? This backcountry byway is open year-round and totally free! You'll be treated to stunning views of the rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready – the scenery is incredible. Plus, you might even spot some of New Mexico's amazing wildlife. Get ready for a fun drive with plenty of twists and turns!