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
extremeDriving the rough Wildrose Road in Death Valley
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Wildrose Road in California's Inyo County! Nestled in Death Valley National Park's Panamint Valley, this hidden gem is a super scenic escape east of the Sierra Nevada. For about 9.6 miles, you'll wind through a rugged canyon landscape from Panamint Valley Road to Emigrant Canyon Road. Most of the road is paved, but there's a 2-mile section of graded gravel to keep things interesting. RVs, trailers, and wide buses should sit this one out because the road gets pretty narrow and twisty. Even sedans need to take it slow on the gravel section. Now for the adventurous part: this canyon road can get seriously washed out! Never ever try to cross flowing water, just wait it out. Also, avoid driving in the canyons during rainstorms and watch out for water running in the washes. Oh, and be prepared for extreme weather — it's Death Valley, after all! Winter can bring snow and ice, leading to closures, and heavy rains can cause flooding. But if you're prepared, the views are totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Rabbit Ears Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Rabbit Ears Pass! This beauty sits way up high in northern Colorado, straddling Jackson and Grand counties, at a cool 9,426 feet. You bet you can drive it! It's U.S. Route 40, all paved, but hold on tight – it gets pretty steep in places, hitting almost 7% grade, and throws in a few hairpin turns just to keep things interesting. Cruise three miles east and you'll drop about 500 feet in elevation. This stretch of highway runs for about 52 miles, winding its way from the charming Steamboat Springs to the town of Kremmling. Word to the wise: Rabbit Ears Pass is typically open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect some closures due to wild weather, especially in winter. It's known as one of the tougher Colorado passes when the snow flies. Despite all that, the scenery is amazing!
moderateDriving the Old Kern Canyon Road is not a piece of cake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Old Kern Canyon Road in California's Kern County! Nestled in the Sequoia National Forest, this 13.3-mile paved route (aka County Road 214) is a real adventure. Forget wide-open highways; this is a winding, twisting climb right along the Kern River's southeast side. Think hairpin turns and narrow lanes, but also think stunning views. It's definitely not a boring drive! Just so you know, CA Highway 178 now bypasses it.
moderatePioneer Lift
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Pioneer Lift at Winter Park Resort in Colorado! We're talking about hitting an elevation of 10,708 feet in Grand County. Fair warning: the road ain't paved. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. This is a legit chairlift access trail, so conditions are always shifting. Basically, be prepared for a wild ride where a 4x4 is a MUST. This isn't your grandma's scenic drive, folks. Winter likes to hang around here for a loooong time, so your best bet for a safe trip is mid-summer. But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth the challenge!