Where is Napoleon Pass?

Where is Napoleon Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

19.9 km

Elevation

3,668 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
19.9 km
Max Elevation
3,668 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Can you drive to Moraine Lake?hard

Can you drive to Moraine Lake?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, picture this: you're in Alberta, Canada, practically straddling the British Columbia border, smack-dab in Banff National Park. Towering peaks surround you. You're headed to Moraine Lake. This blue-green beauty sits way up high at 1,885m (6,183ft). Now, here's the deal: you can't just roll up in your own car anymore (as of 2023). You'll need to hop on a shuttle, public transport, or a commercial tour. Biking is an option too! The road itself (Lake Louise Drive) is paved and winds for 14.3 km (8.88 miles) from Lake Louise to the parking lot near the lake. Heads up: it gets super busy in the summer and late September. But trust me, it's worth the trip. You're driving through the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and the views are insane! Moraine Lake itself? Forget about it. It's one of the most photographed spots in Canada for a reason, even though it's only half the size of Lake Louise. Keep an eye out for grizzly bears! Bring bear spray, make some noise, and pay attention to your surroundings. Important: this road is only open from about mid-June to mid-October. Heavy snow and avalanches close it down for the winter. And if you go right when it opens, don't expect that iconic turquoise water right away. The lake needs time to thaw, and it usually peaks in late June.

How long is CanAm Highway?easy

How long is CanAm Highway?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, road trip dreamers, picture this: the CanAm Highway! We're talking a serious north-south adventure, stretching a whopping 1,975 miles! Starting all the way down in sunny El Paso, Texas, right on the Mexican border, this baby takes you through six US states (Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota) before crossing into Canada. Keep heading north to La Ronge, a cool little town nestled in the heart of Saskatchewan's boreal forest. And the best part? It's all paved, so no need for a monster truck (unless you *want* to, of course). This epic route pieces together sections of U.S. Route 85 and Interstate 25 down in the States, then hops onto Saskatchewan Highway 35, SK 39, SK 6, SK 3, and SK 2 once you cross the border. Oh, and let's not forget Mexican Federal Highway 45 gets you started south of the border. Get ready for some serious scenery changes!

Where is Cerro El Pitalmoderate

Where is Cerro El Pital

🌍 El Salvador

Cerro El Pital: Straddling the border between El Salvador and Honduras, this peak hits a sky-high 2,709m (8,887ft)! Where is it? Find this gem nestled between Honduras' Ocotepeque and El Salvador's Chalatenango. Why visit? El Pital, the highest point in El Salvador and third highest in Honduras, is a must-see. It’s smack-dab in Reserva Biologica El Pital, a haven for rare plants, animals, and seriously cool cloud forests. Keep your eyes peeled for quetzals and other endangered wildlife! The road to the top? The 12.9 km (8.01 miles) route from San Ignacio, El Salvador, is a wild ride. You'll gain 1,705 meters in elevation, making for a steep 13.21% average gradient. Forget pavement – this is a strictly 4x4 kind of adventure. Get ready for some stunning scenery!

Camino a Canoasmoderate

Camino a Canoas

🇲🇽 Mexico

Get ready for an epic climb on the Camino a Canoas! This wild road winds its way up to the town of Canoas in Durango, acting as a vital link between Zacatecas and Nayarit. Starting from Huejuquilla Jalisco, prepare for a seriously steep ascent – we're talking a whopping 1800 meters in under 30 kilometers! You'll start near the Atengo River at a comfy 1030 meters above sea level, and then BAM! You're up near Canoas at a dizzying 2800 meters. Talk about diverse scenery! You'll cruise through pine forests, oak woodlands, and even a desert-like landscape dotted with small acacias. Make sure to pull over at "Pico del Aguila" (Eagle's Peak) for breathtaking views of the Atengo Canyon. Once you pass Canoas, you'll hit a T-junction near Jesús María where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44. No matter which way you turn, you're in for stunning vistas of the Sierra Madre Mountains, like Mesa del Nayar or the Ruta Tepehuana. This road is a visual feast around every bend!