Where is La Manga Pass?
Usa, north-america
75.8 km
3,124 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! La Manga Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Situated high up in Conejos County, you'll find yourself cruising at a cool 10,249 feet above sea level.
Where to find it? Head to southern Colorado, practically hugging the New Mexico border. You can't miss it!
The good news? This beauty is paved, smooth as butter since way back in '54. Just follow State Highway 17 (SH 17).
Get ready for a decent drive, because the pass stretches for about 47 miles, running from Antonito, Colorado, all the way down towards Chama, New Mexico. Fair warning: it's a bit of a climb! We're talking an average grade of 5.5%, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections hitting almost 13%.
Perched in the San Juan Mountains, La Manga Pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit dramatic in the winter. Expect possible closures during heavy snow. Still, the views are worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,124 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhat is at the summit of Bald Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Lake County, Oregon, smack-dab in the south-central part of the state. You're about to tackle Bald Butte, a 7,542-foot peak that's all about volcanic vibes, sagebrush seas, and some serious peace and quiet. You're driving through the Fremont-Winema National Forest, a wild wonderland of snow-capped peaks and views for days. Seriously, this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the untamed heart of the Pacific Northwest. So, what's the payoff? At the top, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that was built way back in 1931. It’s surrounded by forested hillsides and panoramic views. Only two of these kinds of towers still stand in Oregon. You can even rent it out for the night! Talk about a unique stay. Now, let's talk about the road. It's about 24.2 miles long, entirely unpaved, and most cars can handle it just fine. BUT – those last two miles? That's where things get interesting. It's steep, it's rocky, and you might have to do some light rock-moving to clear the way. RVs? Probably not a great idea. High clearance is your friend here. The adventure kicks off from the town of Paisley. Fill up your tank and grab some water because you're heading into the boonies. As you climb, you'll cruise through everything from wide-open sage country to thick forests. And oh yeah, the views of Sherman Peak in California are insane!
extremeWhat’s the Pan-American Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for the ultimate road trip? The Pan-American Highway is calling your name! This epic route stretches about 19,000 miles (30,000 km) from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the very tip of South America. Picture this: you'll cruise through 14 countries, experiencing the most diverse landscapes on the planet. Towering mountains, dense jungles, arid deserts, and even glaciers await! The highest point you'll reach is a staggering 11,322 feet (3,451m) above sea level. While you *can* drive the majority of the way, there's one notorious gap: the Darién Gap. This 60-mile (96 km) stretch of undeveloped swampland and rainforest between Panama and Colombia requires a ferry to bypass. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Be prepared for high temperatures, potential landslides, steep drop-offs, and the occasional critter crossing. The wet season can make sections impassable, and extreme winters at the northern and southern ends are best avoided. It's also wise to be aware of local safety advisories regarding cartel activity. This adventure truly tests your driving skills!
easyThe Peak to Peak Highway Route: From Estes Park to I-70
🇺🇸 Usa
Established in 1918, the is Colorado's oldest scenic byway. Spanning 55 miles (89 km) through the heart of the Front Range, this route offers matchless views of the Continental Divide. It is an essential mountain corridor that connects Rocky Mountain National Park with historic gold-mining districts, blending alpine nature with the rugged ghost towns of the Old West. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Travel Facts ~80 minutes (one way) / 3 hours (round trip) CO Highway 7, 72, and 119 Estes Park, Nederland, Black Hawk The Peak to Peak Highway Route: From Estes Park to I-70 (CO Highway 7), where it connects with the legendary . As you head south, the road passes under the shadows of Lily Mountain and Twin Sisters. After , the route transitions to CO Highway 72, leading to , before finishing on CO Highway 119 through the canyon towards the I-70 junction. Best Stops along the Peak to Peak Highway The Peak to Peak Highway is a gateway to numerous mountain lakes and historic sites. Here are the must-see spots along the way: A beautiful roadside lake offering panoramic views of Longs Peak (14,259 ft). Note: Timed entry permits are required during peak summer months. Known as the "Chapel on the Rocks," this stone church is a historic landmark located just outside Allenspark. Brainard Lake Recreation Area: A short detour from Ward, this area provides access to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and high-altitude hiking trails. Historic Mining Towns: offers a great stop for lunch and a visit to the local Mining Museum, while is famous for its preserved 19th-century architecture and lively casinos. Practical Tips for Driving the Peak to Peak Highway While the Peak to Peak Highway is well-maintained and open year-round, it offers a different experience depending on the season: The most popular time to visit is late September. The "Golden Ascent" occurs when the aspen forests turn vibrant yellow, creating one of the most photographed road trips in the USA. The road crosses the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Be alert for moose and bighorn sheep, especially at dawn and dusk. Off-Road Exploration: Gravel roads branching off the main highway lead to ghost towns like . If you plan to explore these side routes, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Ensure your brakes and cooling systems are in good shape, as the route includes several long descents through mountain canyons. As Colorado's first designated scenic highway, the Peak to Peak remains a classic American drive. It offers a perfect balance of accessible pavement and the wild, untamed history of the Rocky Mountains, making it a favorite for motorists and photographers alike. Driving an easy dirt road to Muddy Pass in Eagle County How to drive the Three Forks Road of Arizona? 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.
moderateThe Road to Maligne Lake in Alberta is Well Worth the Drive
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: You're in Alberta, Canada, ready to explore Jasper National Park. Buckle up, because Maligne Lake Road is calling your name! This fully paved beauty winds its way up to Maligne Lake, a high-altitude gem sitting pretty at 5,610 feet. Maligne Lake itself is a showstopper. At 22 kilometers long, it's one of the largest glacier-fed lakes *in the world*. Seriously, the water color is unreal, and you'll spot three glaciers clinging to the surrounding peaks. Oh, and don't forget Spirit Island, that iconic little islet you've probably seen in a million photos! The drive? Let's just say it's 43.6 kilometers of pure Canadian Rockies magic. Starting north of Jasper from the Trans-Canada Highway, you'll climb and curve through a landscape of snow-capped mountains. It's a bit of a challenging drive, but trust me, the views are worth it. Keep your eyes peeled, especially around Medicine Lake – you might just spot some bighorn sheep hanging out. Get ready for a road trip you won't soon forget!