Where is Hardscrabble Pass?
Usa, north-america
42.16 km
2,773 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Colorado, smack-dab in the San Isabel National Forest. You're on Highway 96, ready to tackle Hardscrabble Pass. This baby climbs up to 9,097 feet!
Starting near Westcliffe, this paved road stretches for about 26 miles as you head west-northeast towards Wetmore. And get this – if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a short gravel detour north of the pass that takes you even higher, up to 9,557 feet!
Now, a heads up: this road isn't for the faint of heart. It's got some seriously steep sections, hitting a 9% grade in places, plus three or four large sweeping switchbacks, so pay attention, especially on the downhill. Some bikers have even reported accidents there. But the views? Absolutely incredible!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.16 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,773 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere does the Columbia River Highway start?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Historic Columbia River Highway is a very scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Oregon, running through the Columbia River Gorge. It was the country's first scenic highway. Where does the Columbia River Highway start? The road is totally paved. It runs west-east from the Sandy River near Troutdale (a city in Multnomah County) to The Dalles (the largest city of Wasco County). How long is the Historic Columbia River Highway? Running along the state's northern edge, the road, also known as the “King of Roads”, is 121km (75 miles) long and was constructed between 1913 and 1922. It was the first major paved road in the Pacific Northwest. How long does it take to drive the Historic Columbia River Highway? Located to the east of Portland, the drive is very scenic and offers stunning views of the Oregon side of the Columbia River. It’s very busy in summer months. Plan 1.5-2 hours to complete the remarkable drive without stop s, although you may want to block out extra time to stop, take photos and explore the region it passes through. Many travelers take a few days to experience all the sights. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Eureka Peak in Joshua Tree NP 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.
easySea-to-Sky Highway
🇨🇦 Canada
# The Sea-to-Sky Highway: A Coastal Adventure Worth Taking Picture this: a 130-kilometer drive from Vancouver that literally goes from sea to sky. Highway 99, affectionately known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is exactly that—a breathtaking journey that climbs 670 meters as it winds from the sparkling waters of Howe Sound all the way up to Whistler's mountain playground. This route has quite the glow-up story. What used to be a sketchy, two-lane white-knuckler got a major makeover for the 2010 Winter Olympics, transforming into the smooth, modern freeway you'll cruise today. Game changer. The magic starts immediately as you tackle the dramatic crossing over Howe Sound, North America's southernmost fjord. Those aren't just pretty postcards—actual mountains literally tumble straight into the Pacific Ocean here. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for Shannon Falls, a jaw-dropping 335-meter cascade that ranks as BC's third-highest waterfall. Seriously stunning. Stop in quirky, creative Squamish along the way—it's evolved into a legit rock climbing and mountain biking mecca that'll blow your mind. If you want to skip the driving for a minute, ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for some killer panoramic views of the sound spread out below you. The final stretch winds through old-growth forest as you climb higher and higher until you roll into Whistler, the ultimate mountain resort town. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
moderateMexico-Tuxpan Highway is a Marvel of Engineering
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for a ride on the Autopista Mexico-Tuxpan (Mexico 132D)! This road is seriously an engineering marvel. It took over 30 years to build, with all sorts of drama – corruption, funding issues, you name it! But hey, it’s finally here and connects Mexico City to Tuxpan, its closest port on the Gulf. Think smooth pavement, 12 tunnels, and a whopping 60 bridges. One of those bridges, the San Marcos Bridge, is crazy high, offering insane views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. You'll be driving through some seriously diverse landscapes. One minute you're in a tropical rainforest, the next you're surrounded by pine forests, and then you hit semi-desert valleys near Mexico City. Oh, and bonus: this road takes you right by Teotihuacán, so you can easily hop off and explore those incredible pyramids. It's a popular route for tourists heading to and from Mexico City. Get ready for a road trip you won't forget!
hardAnderson Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Anderson Mountain Road in Idaho's Lemhi County is calling your name, but this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a legit mountain pass topping out at 8,054 feet above sea level. The road itself? Think gravel and rocky – rugged, baby! It's Anderson Mountain Road. Forget about hitting this one up in the winter months. Seriously, don't even try. If you're not super confident on unpaved, steep mountain roads, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely want a 4x4 and a spare tire (or two!), just sayin'. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, well, let's just say you'll be getting REAL familiar with that fear. But hey, the views? Totally worth it!