Where is Eureka Highway?
Canada, north-america
20 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Nunavut, Canada, way up on Ellesmere Island – talk about remote! You're cruising along the Eureka Highway. Now, "highway" might be a bit of a stretch, because it's a 20 km (12 mi) stretch of unpaved road connecting the Eureka Weather Station to CFB Eureka and Eureka Airport. Think rugged, not refined. Eureka itself is pretty cool – a research base smack-dab on the Fosheim Peninsula. The views are stark and stunning. Just remember, this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking about a place where even though precipitation is minimal, the snow hangs around forever because, well, it's cold! And from mid-October to late February? Prepare for total darkness. Keeping this road open is a constant battle with Mother Nature!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeRed Mountain Pass in Colorado is a treacherous drive in the wintertime
🇺🇸 Usa
Red Mountain Pass, chilling at 11,018 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a must-do for thrill-seeking road trippers! This stunning stretch of the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) links Ouray and Silverton, treating you to unbeatable views of the "American Alps." Named for the rusty-red peaks that dominate the landscape, this high mountain pass is paved, but don't let that fool you. Expect steep sections, hairpin curves, and drop-offs that demand your full attention. Avalanche season is a real thing here, so be prepared for potential closures. Black Bear Road, known for its extreme danger, kicks off right here. The climb can be intense, featuring an 8% grade on the north side near Ouray and sheer cliffs. But even with winter weather, crews generally keep the road open. Just remember: chains or snow tires might be required, and you definitely want to avoid this drive in the dark or in wet conditions! The lack of guardrails allows for snow plowing, but makes things interesting! Come prepared for one of the most visually stunning, edge-of-your-seat drives in the country! Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe not the drop-offs!).
hardBigelow Divide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! Let's talk about Bigelow Divide, a killer mountain pass nestled in Custer County, Colorado. We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 9,403 feet above sea level! You'll find this gem chilling within the San Isabel National Forest, and the road up? It's paved – they call it Greenhorn Highway. Just a heads up, though, this climb is STEEP. But trust me, the views at the top are totally worth the lung-busting drive. Get ready for some serious Colorado scenery!
extremeDriving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado, nestled in the Rockies, boasts some seriously intense high-altitude roads. Forget gentle slopes; we're talking extreme terrain that'll push your driving skills and your vehicle to the limit. Think stunning views mixed with nail-biting descents – a true test of both you and your ride! First up, Slumgullion Pass in Hinsdale County. This beast is the steepest paved primary road in Colorado, with a relentless 9-10% grade on its north side. Get ready for some serious engine braking! Plus, it winds through the active Slumgullion Slide, where the earth itself is constantly shifting. Talk about a dynamic landscape! Then there's Red Mountain Pass. While not the absolute steepest at 8%, many consider it the most treacherous. Why? Minimal guardrails and sheer exposure will definitely get your heart pumping. Add steep grades and some serious "shelf-road" engineering, and you've got a recipe for a tense drive, especially in winter storms. Don't underestimate Wolf Creek Pass, despite its 7% grade. Long, sustained descents and hairpin turns have claimed their fair share of heavy vehicles. It's a major route, but notorious for sudden white-out conditions that'll test your visibility and composure. The key to conquering these passes? Ditch your everyday driving habits. To avoid brake fade (when your brakes overheat and lose power), use "snub braking" and downshift. And those "Runaway Truck Ramp" signs? They're not just for decoration – heed them! Gravity is your constant opponent here. Colorado's steep passes are a must-do for any true driving enthusiast. From the dizzying heights of Slumgullion to the exposed edges of Red Mountain Pass, these roads are about the raw connection between machine and mountain. Prep your vehicle, keep an eye on those gauges, and get ready to experience the unmatched verticality of the American West!
hardWhere is Taylor Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high – like, 11,948 feet high! – right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. There’s even a creek crossing that can be tricky – scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and you’re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!