Where is Los Pinos Pass?

Where is Los Pinos Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

39.58 km

Elevation

3,213 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Los Pinos Pass in southern Colorado! This bad boy sits way up high, topping out at 10,541 feet, right on the edge of Hinsdale and Saguache counties, deep inside the Rio Grande National Forest. "Los Pinos" literally means "the pine trees," and trust me, you'll see plenty.

This route has some serious history – think Ute Indian trails and the old Saguache and San Juan toll road from way back in 1874. You'll be cruising on George Bush Drive (aka Los Pinos Pass Road), and just a heads up, it's all dirt!

The whole stretch runs for about 24.6 miles, connecting Cathedral (on County Road 50) to County Road NN 14. Don't expect a walk in the park – it’s a bit rocky and can get muddy, plus it's a steady climb. The western ascent from Cathedral stretches for almost 6 miles with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet, giving you an average grade of just over 5%. But nothing too crazy, any high-clearance vehicle should handle it like a champ.

Keep in mind, being nestled in the northern San Juan Mountains, this pass is generally open from summer to early fall. So, if you're looking for incredible mountain views and a taste of Colorado history, Los Pinos Pass should be on your list!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
39.58 km
Max Elevation
3,213 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Inner Basinhard

Inner Basin

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Inner Basin in Arizona's Coconino County! We're talking serious altitude here – almost 10,000 feet! This isn't your Sunday drive. The road to the top, nestled in Coconino National Forest, is a real 4x4 challenge. Think gravel, rocks, and some seriously uneven terrain. Winter? Forget about it – this road is usually snowed in. But if you've got the skills and the right vehicle, especially in the fall, the views are *insane*. Just be warned, it's steep and can get muddy, so maybe skip it if heights aren't your thing or you're not comfortable on unpaved mountain roads. Trust me, though, if you're up for it, this is an Arizona adventure you won't forget!

Why Is It Called the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?easy

Why Is It Called the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, a 115-mile thrill ride through the Colorado Rockies! Nestled in Lake, Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit Counties, this byway lives up to its name, boasting seriously high elevations – think mostly above 9,000 feet! You'll start on Colorado State Highway 82, cruise along U.S. Highway 24, and if you're feeling adventurous, take the spur route north from Leadville to Copper Mountain for a loop. You'll be tackling Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, and Tennessee Pass! Speaking of passes, Independence Pass is the real showstopper at 12,095 feet. Keep an eye out for views of Mount Elbert (14,440 feet) and Mount Massive (14,428 feet), the giants of the Rockies. The whole route is paved and mostly open year-round, but a heads-up: Independence Pass usually closes from late October to late May because of snow. You can also connect to the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway!

South Mountainhard

South Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for South Mountain in southeastern Utah's La Sal Mountains! This beast tops out at 10,688 feet, making it one of Utah's highest drives. Forget pavement—we're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and maybe even some tippy spots along Forest Road 4717. Winter? Nope, impassable! This one's for experienced 4x4 drivers only; high clearance is a must. Not a fan of heights or steep, eroded, and narrow roads? Maybe skip this one. But if you're game, the views are insane. Think stark rock landscapes of the Colorado Plateau meeting the pinyon forest hugging the La Sals. Seriously epic scenery!

Where is Lookout Mountain in Colorado?hard

Where is Lookout Mountain in Colorado?

🇺🇸 Usa

Yo, road trip enthusiasts! Let's talk Lookout Mountain, a total gem in Colorado's Jefferson County. Perched at 7,339 feet, this peak sits just west of Denver, smack-dab in the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. Why bother making the trek? Well, the summit isn't just some pretty view (though the panoramic vistas of Golden, the Denver skyline (just 12 miles away!), and the Rockies are seriously epic). It's also where you'll find Buffalo Bill's final resting place, complete with a museum dedicated to the legend. Plus, the Native American Ute tribe used this spot as a lookout back in the day! The road up, built in 1913 and known as Lookout Mountain Road or the Lariat Loop, is a sweet 7.7-mile paved ride from U.S. Hwy 40 (near Genesee) all the way to downtown Golden. It's a scenic drive, but keep your wits about you. You'll be dealing with some steep inclines, tight hairpin turns (four of 'em!), and a narrow road often shared with cyclists. But trust me, the views are worth it!