Where is McClure Pass?

Where is McClure Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

79.82 km

Elevation

2,681 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for McClure Pass in Colorado! This baby climbs to 8,795 feet, so be ready for some serious views. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties in western Colorado, and yep, it's paved the whole way as Highway 133—also known as the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway.

Clocking in at almost 50 miles, you can cruise it north-south from Carbondale to Somerset. Just be prepared for some serious hills! The Carbondale side maxes out at a 9% grade, and the Somerset side isn't much easier with 8% grades.

Good news is, McClure Pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather—heavy snow can close it down. Avalanche risk is real here, so stay alert. And don't forget to stop at the park area near the top for some killer photo ops!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
79.82 km
Max Elevation
2,681 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Canada’s Open Roads: The Ultimate Guide to Thrilling Road Tripseasy

Canada’s Open Roads: The Ultimate Guide to Thrilling Road Trips

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Highway 375 in Nevada, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway. It stretches for about 157 km (98 miles) through seriously otherworldly desert landscapes. The elevation isn't crazy, peaking around 1,524 m (5,000 feet), but the real hazard is… well, the monotony! Seriously, bring a good playlist. But trust me, the lack of traffic and wide-open views of the Nevada desert make it feel like you're on another planet. Keep an eye out for alleged UFO sightings – you never know! The scenery is stark but beautiful, like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Where is Forest Road 132?hard

Where is Forest Road 132?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for Forest Road 132 in south-central Utah's Dixie National Forest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 20.3 miles of unpaved adventure that twists and turns through some serious mountain scenery. You'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle for this one, as the road can get pretty rough and narrow – treacherous in spots. And with a maximum gradient of 13%, you'll definitely be putting that engine to the test! Keep in mind, this road is no joke: it climbs to some serious elevation, so plan accordingly. Sadly, it's usually impassable from late October through June/early July, depending on the snow, so summer/early fall is the window for this epic trek. But trust me, the views are worth the wait! Once you hit the paved Johns Valley Road, you'll be ready to plan your next adventure.

Where is Mount Marston in Montana?moderate

Where is Mount Marston in Montana?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna bag some serious views in Montana? Head just south of the sweet little town of Fortine, in the northwest corner of the state, and set your sights on Mount Marston. First things first: the road to the summit is all dirt, a proper forestry track that'll test your nerve. Think exposed drop-offs and maybe a bit of white-knuckle driving. Seriously, bring a buddy to spot you! This isn’t a Sunday drive, folks. Clocking in at around 9.8 miles, you'll be climbing nearly 3,000 feet. That's a leg-burning average gradient of 5.8%! The Forest Service keeps the road gated during winter, so plan for a summer or fall adventure. What awaits you at the top? A fire lookout and views for days! On a clear one, you can even peep the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park way off in the distance. Trust me, the bumpy ride is worth it!

Where is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?moderate

Where is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising through Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah? You absolutely HAVE to take the Scenic Drive! This little gem starts right off UT-24, near the Visitor Center, and stretches 7.9 miles into the heart of the park. It's paved the whole way, so no need for a special vehicle—even RVs up to 27 feet are welcome! Keep in mind, it's not a loop, so you'll be doing an out-and-back. Rising to a modest 5,977 feet, this road can be a bit temperamental, so watch out for closures due to snow, ice, mud, or flash floods. Give yourself at least 30 minutes for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time. It's a photographer's dream, with pull-offs galore to capture those incredible views of the sheer sandstone cliffs and wild rock formations. Plus, it's your gateway to must-see spots like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. There is an entrance fee per vehicle, but trust me, it's worth it to experience some of Capitol Reef's finest scenery.