Where is Kennebec Pass?
Usa, north-america
22.69 km
3,561 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so Kennebec Pass in Colorado? Get ready for a wild ride! Located northwest of Durango, up in La Plata County, this baby tops out at a whopping 11,683 feet! The road, County Road 124, is an unpaved beast, a relic from the 1800s when prospectors carved it into the mountains.
The adventure kicks off near Hesperus on US-160, and the full journey stretches for about 14.1 miles. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 15% in places. You'll probably want a 4WD for the last couple of miles; near the top, there are some major drop-offs. Take it slow, and keep your eyes on the road.
This isn’t a crowded route, so pack accordingly, especially if you are on a bike!
When can you go? It's nestled high in the San Juan National Forest, so snow usually shuts it down from late spring to late fall.
But the payoff? Oh man, the views! Think mind-blowing panoramas of the Rocky Mountains. You'll find an obvious parking area about a mile before the pass. Keep an eye out for cool relics like old mining gear and abandoned buildings along the way. Trust me, reaching the summit is like stepping into a postcard – pure, breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 22.69 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,561 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is the Sterling Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Sterling Highway in south-central Alaska is an absolute must-do! This beauty, part of Alaska Highway 1, carves its way for 138 miles through the western Kenai Peninsula. Starting from the Seward Highway at Tern Lake Junction (south of Anchorage), it winds down to Homer, a cool little town on Kachemak Bay. And get this – it's named after Hawley Sterling, an engineer who worked on the Alaska Road Commission back in the day. This paved two-lane road opened in 1950 and is generally open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to the weather. The curves can be tricky when it’s wet or snowy. Summer is super busy, so plan accordingly. Trust me, though, it's worth it! The views are insane – think epic mountains, shimmering lakes, rivers fed by glaciers, and those incredible coastal inlets. Prepare to be wowed!
hardHow many miles is the Denali Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Alaska's Denali Highway (Route 8) is like stepping into a postcard! This 135-mile stretch between Paxson and Cantwell offers unbelievable views. Fair warning: most of it's unpaved, so be prepared for gravel, potential potholes, and some serious dust – especially after rain. Think "washboard" roads and keep your speed around 30 mph. Don't expect a perfectly smooth ride, but the scenery? Totally worth it! Just be sure to pack a spare tire, because flats can happen. Some rental companies might not love you taking their cars on this route, so double-check. This beauty is usually closed from late October to late May due to snow. The road climbs from the forest to the tundra near the Alaska Range. Starting at 2,750 feet near Paxson, you'll eventually hit a max elevation of 4,101 feet. Factor in 4-5 hours to drive it straight through, but you'll want to add extra time to soak it all in, snap photos, and maybe even camp overnight. It's not a crowded road, so you might only see a handful of other cars.
extremeExtreme Wilderness Logistics: How to Navigate Canada’s High-Risk Terrains and Winter Roads?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Hurley River Road – a true BC backcountry experience! Clocking in at around 45 kilometers (28 miles), this gravel grinder snakes its way between Pemberton and Gold Bridge. Expect a slow but rewarding journey. Elevation-wise, you're not summiting Everest, but there are some noticeable climbs and dips as you wind through the Coast Mountains. Speaking of winding, be ready for some seriously tight corners and switchbacks – this isn't a cruise control kind of road. Now, let's talk hazards. This road is unpaved and can be rough, especially after rain or snow. Expect potholes, loose gravel, and the occasional washed-out section. High clearance is a must, and 4x4 is highly recommended. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife! But here's the payoff: the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Think stunning mountain vistas, lush forests, and the wild and scenic Hurley River itself. This road is a photographer's dream and a nature lover's paradise. Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is Carson Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let's talk Carson Pass, an awesome high-altitude crossing sitting pretty at 8,592 feet in California's Alpine County. You'll find this gem in eastern California, close to the Nevada border, chillin' within the El Dorado National Forest. The road? Smooth sailing on fully paved California State Route 88, aka Carson Pass Highway. The journey stretches for about 20 miles, cruising east to west from Alpine Village to Kirkwood, hugging the Sierra Nevada range. Word to the wise: the parking lot at the top gets packed on weekends, so plan accordingly! This road usually stays open all winter, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with snow, avalanches, or ice. Closures are rare, but keep an eye on the weather! Avalanche danger is the main concern, especially around Carson Spur (between Silver Lake and Kirkwood) and the eastern side of the pass. Apparently, there are over 20 avalanche chutes just waiting to dump snow on the road. But honestly? The views are worth it. Think dramatic volcanic skylines, lush meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and rugged valleys. This drive is all about those photo ops! There are tons of places to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.