Where is Jones Pass?
Usa, north-america
8.69 km
3,804 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Jones Pass in Colorado is calling your name! This epic mountain pass sits at a whopping 12,480 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand Counties, west of Denver, in the Arapaho National Forest.
The road to the top? It's Jones Pass Road (Forest Road 202), a totally unpaved dirt road with some seriously steep sections. You'll want a vehicle with medium to high clearance to tackle some of the tougher spots, but in good conditions, most vehicles can make it. Don't let the winding turns and grades scare you off, though!
Think hairpin turns with incredible views, and be prepared for a bit of a thrill if you're not a fan of heights – some of those switchbacks are right on the edge. But the road is generally well-maintained.
Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so aim for a late summer adventure.
Starting near Berthoud Falls off Hwy 40, it's a 5.4-mile climb to the top with an average gradient of 9.14%. It's a steady climb, then a steep drop on the other side.
Factor in about an hour from the highway to the summit, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely stunning! Think wildflowers, alpine vistas, and glimpses into Colorado's mining history. Plus, there's parking at the top so you can soak it all in. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.69 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,804 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeForest Road 227
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Forest Road 227 in Utah's Duchesne County! We're talking high altitude here – the entire road sits above 3,000 meters! Tucked away in the Ashley National Forest, this 14.16km (8.8 miles) stretch is no Sunday drive. Think gravel, think rocks, and be prepared for some seriously tricky sections. A 4x4 is your best friend on this one, and only tackle it when the weather's dry. Remember, you're high up, so be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way, any time of year. Speaking of weather, this road's usually a no-go from October to June. It tops out at a whopping 3,165m (10,383ft), so winter is brutal. Even in summer, you might still hit some snow. Bottom line? Pack layers, keep an eye on the forecast, and get ready for some epic views!
hardHow long is the W Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies the legendary W Road, a 3.2-mile paved ribbon of fun that twists between East Brow Road and Mountain Creek Road. Why "W"? Because this baby’s got switchbacks galore! After a gentle start, things get wild near the top with turns bending back on themselves almost 180 degrees. Seriously, you might catch a glimpse of your own taillights! Built way back in 1892, this road has seen some upgrades over the years, but the design? Still the same challenging curves it always was. Speaking of challenges, this isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections (up to 17.6% grade!), so you need your wits about you. Cut those corners too tight, and you'll be scraping your undercarriage, too wide, and you'll be in the opposite lane. Heads up, big rig drivers: this one's not for you. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers are a no-go. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck up there! So, if you're looking for a thrilling (and slightly intimidating) drive with some amazing views, buckle up and take on the W Road!
hardJames Peak Lake: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! James Peak Lake in Colorado's Gilpin County is calling! This alpine gem sits way up high at 11,256 feet, nestled right below the stunning east face of James Peak. Getting there? It's a wild, unpaved ride – about a mile of shelf road that's not for the faint of heart. Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive beast. This road gets steep and rocky, plus it’s mostly above the treeline, so prepare for some incredible views, but be careful. Starting from the James Peak Lookout parking lot, you'll follow an old wagon road across some pretty loose rock. Heads up: this trail is closed to private vehicles. Expect it to be chilly and windy, and remember, snow can hang around even into July at that altitude! But hey, the lake itself? Totally worth it. It's named after Dr. Edwin James, a cool botanist from way back when. Get ready for an unforgettable mountain experience!
moderateWhere is Tibbitt Contwoyto winter road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ever dreamed of driving on water? The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road in Northern Canada is your chance! This incredible ice road, born in 1982, stretches up to 600 kilometers (372 miles) across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Imagine cruising over frozen lakes – they make up 85% of the route! The rest is on land, hopping between lakes. Starting about 65 km (40 mi) east of Yellowknife, this frozen highway twists and turns, ending (depending on the year) near the Ekati or Jericho Diamond Mines. It's not just a scenic drive; it's a vital supply line for mines, accessible only a few months each year (February to early April). The journey takes about 14-18 hours. Speed is seriously controlled to protect the ice, often down to a crawl of 25 km/h (16 mph), or even 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in some spots! Prepare for extreme conditions: high winds, storms, and limited visibility are common. Despite the challenges, this ice road is surprisingly safe, with constant monitoring and strict rules. So, if you're seeking a truly unique adventure, the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road awaits, offering breathtaking, desolate beauty and a drive you'll never forget.