
Where is Indiana Pass?
Usa, north-america
12.55 km
3,645 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit some serious altitude in southern Colorado? Then Indiana Pass is calling your name! This gem sits way up high in the Rio Grande National Forest, north of the tiny town of Jasper, clocking in at a whopping 11,958 feet!
The road, known as Summitville Road, is a well-maintained dirt road, but don’t let that fool you. While a 4x4 is recommended, a 2x4 might do the trick if you're feeling brave. Just be sure you have decent clearance.
Keep in mind, though, this baby's usually snowed in for a good chunk of the year. Aim for late July at the earliest to make sure the drifts have melted enough for access.
The 7.8-mile stretch between Forest Service 332 Road and the old Summitville mine is absolutely stunning. Picture this: you're winding your way up, surrounded by thousands of vibrant aspens putting on a show.
And for the truly adventurous? A little spur road northwest of the pass will take you even higher, to a dizzying 12,641 feet! Get ready for some breathtaking views.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.55 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,645 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Hardscrabble Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
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!
extremeWhere is Sheep Mountain in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sheep Mountain Pass in California's Mono County is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here – almost 12,000 feet! Nestled in the Inyo National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This mostly unpaved road stretches for about 28 miles, and you'll be cruising above 10,000 feet the whole time. Think incredible views of the White Mountains! But fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. It's steep, and a misstep could have serious consequences. The road's typically open from mid-May to the end of November. Winter? Forget about it! This area gets buried under a mountain of snow, literally! So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience with scenery that'll blow your mind, Sheep Mountain is waiting. Just be prepared for a challenging, unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Kingman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kingman Pass! You'll find this beauty nestled in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, chilling at a seriously high elevation. The pass is named after Lieutenant Dan Christie Kingman, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers legend who tamed this tricky stretch of road. Speaking of the road, it's been paved smooth since the 40s, so your ride will be comfy. The route stretches about 53.5 miles between Gardiner, Montana and West Yellowstone – buckle up for the adventure! Expect gorgeous scenery. The road's got lots of twists and turns. Just a heads up: this pass is usually closed from December through April, buried under snow in Yellowstone National Park.
hardMoki Dugway is a breathtaking Utah off-road adventure
🇺🇸 Usa
# Moki Dugway: Utah's Most Dramatic Switchback Adventure If you're cruising through southeastern Utah near Mexican Hat and want to experience something truly unforgettable, the Moki Dugway is calling your name. This 3-mile stretch of the legendary Route 261 is basically a roller coaster carved straight into the face of Cedar Mesa—and trust me, it delivers. The Numbers: You're looking at dropping 1,200 feet from the mesa top to the valley floor below on a steep 11% grade of well-maintained gravel. It's not technically difficult to drive, but if you're the passenger glued to the window while your driver casually admires the scenery, buckle up. The State of Utah politely suggests keeping your vehicle under 28 feet long and 10,000 pounds—basically, leave the massive RV at home. There are no guardrails, which adds to the whole "you're perched on the edge of a cliff" vibe. **The History & the Name** Built back in 1958 to haul ore from the Happy Jack Mine, the road carries a name rooted in history. "Mokee" comes from the Spanish word "moqui," used by 18th-century explorers to describe the Pueblo Indians and their ancient ruins. Settlers loved it, and the name stuck. **Why You Need to Go** Every switchback reveals jaw-dropping views of Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley stretching across the horizon. Grab the pullout near the top—seriously, your camera will thank you. This is the kind of drive that makes for legendary road trip stories. **The Catch: Weather Matters** The dugway is typically open year-round, but here's the deal: after rain, this road can go from manageable to sketchy fast. Mud transforms the gravel into a slippery challenge even for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Always check the forecast before heading out, and come prepared. No facilities means you're on your own once you commit to the drive.