
Where is Napoleon Pass?
Usa, north-america
19.9 km
3,668 m
hard
Year-round
Napoleon Pass? Oh, you *need* to add this to your Colorado bucket list! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 12,034 feet in the heart of Gunnison County, smack-dab in the Gunnison National Forest.
Forget pavement – we're talking serious off-road adventure on FR 953, also known as Napoleon Pass Road. You *absolutely* need a 4x4; this isn't a Sunday drive! You'll be splashing through multiple creek crossings as you follow Middle Willow Creek. Prepare for mud, gorgeous scenery, and an unforgettable ride along the west face of the Continental Divide!
The whole shebang stretches for about 12.4 miles, winding its way between the quirky little towns of Tincup and Pitkin. Originally, it was a vital route for hauling ore back in the day.
Fair warning: this one's a summer-only kinda deal. The Sawatch Range throws down some serious weather, so accessibility is limited and closures can happen out of the blue. But trust me, if you get the chance, the views are worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,668 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the Canwell Glacier Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! The Canwell Glacier Trail in Alaska's Valdez-Cordova Census Area (think Denali National Park vibes) is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a 7.87-mile trek following the Canwell Glacier's lateral moraine. Once upon a time, this area was a military ski training ground, which probably tells you something about the terrain! Expect a mix of gravel and some seriously chunky rocks under your tires. You'll be navigating stream crossings and tackling steep climbs, so a high-clearance 4x4 is a must. Trust me, this isn't a trip for the faint of heart. This trail tops out at a whopping 4,822 feet, potentially making it one of Alaska's highest roads! Situated in the Delta Mountains of the Alaska Range, you'll be perched on the glacier's southern moraine, soaking in views that'll blow your mind. Just a heads up: the weather can change in a heartbeat, and the wind can be intense, so be prepared. Your destination? A hut built by the Alaska Alpine Club – a perfect spot to rest up after a day of conquering this epic Alaskan trail.
extremeDriving the challenging Forest Road 120 in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Forest Road 120 in Wyoming's Park County is calling your name—if you're up for a real backcountry experience. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 15.5-mile (24.94km) shortcut off the US-212 Beartooth Highway that climbs to a whopping 10,183 feet (3.104m) in the Northern Rockies. Now, here's the deal: this road is unpaved, rough around the edges, and can be seriously treacherous. Weather? Expect the unexpected—conditions can change on a dime, and closures are common. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Only tackle this beauty when it's dry. Oh, and a word to the wise: altitude is a serious factor here. If you've got respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. But, if you're prepared for a rugged ride with stunning scenery, and you're ready to share the landscape with the local grizzlies, Forest Road 120 is an unforgettable detour. Just be sure to check conditions before you go!
moderateDriving the scenic Klondike Highway from Alaska to the Yukon
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the legendary Klondike Highway, a 708km (440 mile) paved adventure that links the charming Alaskan town of Skagway to Yukon's historic Dawson City, ground zero of the Klondike Gold Rush. Opened in 1979, this route basically retraces the steps of those intrepid 1898 gold prospectors! Split into the South Klondike Highway (Skagway to Whitehorse) and the North Klondike Highway (Whitehorse to Dawson City), this road trip is a north-south stunner, running from coastal Alaska all the way to the Yukon River. Be warned, though: this drive is remote and weather can be a factor. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 11% in places! The highest point is White Pass, near the border, topping out at 1,010m (3,313ft). It’s usually open year-round and you will share it with big trucks hauling various commodities. Allow 8.5 to 10 hours of driving time *without* stops. But trust me, you'll want to stop! Picture this: stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, and landscapes so unique you'll feel like you're the only person on Earth. Keep an eye out for gorgeous lakes and remnants of old mining structures, a testament to the region's rich history.
extremeForest Road 1271
🇺🇸 Usa
Forest Road 1271 is a short mountain road located in Sanpete County is a county in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah running entirely over 3.280m above the sea level. Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the road is gravel, rocky and treacherous in parts. It’s 0.64km (0.4 mile) long. 4wd vehicle required. Only travel on this road when it is dry. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor at any time of year. The road is impassable from October to June. Its highest elevation is at 3.303m (10,836ft) above the sea level. Temperatures here in the winter are brutally cold. The journey is the destination along the Sylamore Scenic Byway in AR 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.