Where is Devil Mountain?

Where is Devil Mountain?

Usa, north-america

Length

18.82 km

Elevation

3,026 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you HAVE to check out Devil Mountain in southwestern Colorado, near Piedra, nestled between Pagosa Springs and Durango. Seriously, the views are insane!

Heads up, though – this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking Forest Road 626, aka Devil Mountain Road, and it's all unpaved and super narrow. It's a steady climb, about 11.7 miles from the US-160, gaining over 3,300 feet in elevation, so expect an average gradient of around 5.5%.

Think San Juan National Forest vibes, so summer is really the only time to go. Definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this one. The prize at the top? A fire lookout tower and panoramic views of the south San Juans that will absolutely blow your mind!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
18.82 km
Max Elevation
3,026 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Where is White Mountain Road?extreme

Where is White Mountain Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for an epic adventure on White Mountain Road in California's Inyo County! This isn't just a drive, it's a climb to the top of the world (almost!). Located in the heart of the Inyo National Forest, this 28.3-mile stretch is a gateway to some seriously breathtaking scenery. You'll be winding your way up into the White Mountains, with unmatched views of the Eastern Sierra practically begging for a photo. Plus, you're super close to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest living trees on Earth! Now, a heads-up: the first 10.2 miles are paved, starting from CA-168, but after that, you'll be cruisin' on gravel. It’s doable in a 2-wheel drive if you take it easy, but be sure to watch out for sharp rocks. Heavy-duty tires are your friends here! Speaking of "up," this road is STEEP, averaging a 6% gradient. And the whole thing sits at over 3,000m above sea level! This trail definitely isn't for the faint of heart – there are some spots where you'll want to keep your eyes on the road! You can usually access this slice of heaven from mid-May to late November, weather depending. But keep in mind, the road ends at Barcroft Field Station, where a locked gate restricts the final 2 miles, sitting at 3,800m. If you are searching for a fun old mining road through Joshua Tree, you can also check out Old Dale Road!

Ward Mountainhard

Ward Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an epic off-road adventure in Nevada, Ward Mountain is calling your name. Nestled in the Egan Range, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,944 feet! Think gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle and some solid off-roading experience to tackle this one. It's usually open from mid-May to September, weather permitting, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for some steep climbs, and maybe even some mud if it's been raining. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, this might not be the trail for you! But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. Get ready for some incredible scenery!

Where is Hancock Pass?moderate

Where is Hancock Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Colorado's Hancock Pass: Mining History and Mountain Highs! Craving a scenic adventure packed with history? Hancock Pass, perched on the Chaffee/Gunnison County line in western Colorado, is calling your name! This high-altitude pass tops out at a breathtaking 12,145 feet (3.702m), earning it a spot among Colorado's highest roads. Built in the 1880s, the old mining road is now Forest Road 839 (south) and Forest Road 299 (north), and it's 16.8 miles (27km) long, linking the ghost town of St. Elmo to Pitkin. Be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive! The unpaved route follows an old railroad grade. While it starts easy, the difficulty ramps up after the rail grade disappears. Expect a rocky, slow-going, moderate challenge. Aggressive stock SUVs should be fine, especially with skid plates. The road is narrow and quickly climbs above the treeline. Keep in mind that snow makes this pass impassable from late October to late June/early July. Don't even THINK about attempting it if snow is present! But if you arrive in summer, you'll be rewarded with incredible views! Ample parking at the top means you can soak in the scenery. The views on the other side are even better. This is a high alpine environment, so bring extra supplies and warm clothes, even on a sunny day!

Kootenay Pass is an awe-inspiring route in Canadahard

Kootenay Pass is an awe-inspiring route in Canada

🇨🇦 Canada

Cruising through British Columbia, Canada? Buckle up for Kootenay Pass! This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high at 1,782m (5,846ft). You’ll find it right on Highway 3 (aka the Crowsnest Highway), a fully paved stretch of road connecting Nelson Nelway Highway and Creston. We're talking a 64km (40 miles) east-west adventure! Tucked into the Selkirk Mountains within Stagleap Provincial Park, Kootenay Pass is the highest point on this road. It used to be the highest in Canada, but now it's second to Highwood Pass in Alberta. Don't let that stop you! As one of Canada's highest highway passes, Kootenay Pass stays open all year, but be warned, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. Expect closures for avalanche control – this place gets serious snow! Speaking of snow, from October to April, winter tires or chains are a must. You’re looking at about 45 minutes of driving through Rocky Mountain scenery, linking remote towns with views of expansive lakes and huge mountains. Once you reach the top, take a breather and check out Bridal Lake – it's gorgeous! The road gets steep, with sections hitting a maximum gradient of 13%. Coming from Creston, it's a 40km climb, gaining 1154 meters. From Burnt Flats, it's a shorter but steeper 23.1km ascent, gaining 1134 meters. The climb from Burnt Flats is known for its relentless gradient! On average, around 1,600 vehicles make this trip weekly.