Where is Last Dollar Pass?

Okay, picture this: Last Dollar Pass, perched way up in Colorado's San Miguel County at a whopping 10,676 feet! Everyone raves about it being one of the state's best backcountry drives, and I'm here to tell you why.

We're talking southwestern Colorado, folks. This isn't your average highway; it's an old mining supply route from the 1800s that's been transformed into a seriously scenic dirt road (aka Last Dollar Road #638).

Now, about the road itself: It's unpaved the whole way. In dry weather, most cars can handle it, but after it rains, things get muddy, and 4WD is your friend. Really though, a high-clearance 4x4 is the ideal ride.

It's about 22 miles long, winding from CO-62 to CO-145. It’ll take you two or three hours because you'll be going slow and stopping for pictures every five minutes. Think of it as the super-scenic shortcut between Ridgway and Telluride.

Heads up: this road is only usually open from June to September when it's dry because winter shuts it down completely. So, plan your trip accordingly and definitely don’t go if the weather looks iffy.

Why bother? Oh, the views! Around every corner are those classic Colorado vistas. The Wilson Range, St. Sophia Ridge, Palmyra Peak, and the Sneffels Range all put on a show.

Seriously, it might just be the best spot to catch the fall colors, with aspen groves for days. Wildflowers explode in early summer, and keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and even bears roaming around. Oh, and fun fact, John Wayne's "True Grit" filmed its opening and closing scenes here. Talk about a legendary backdrop!