Where is Ohio Pass in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
37.33 km
3,072 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ohio Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Nestled in Gunnison County, this stunner of a pass hits a whopping 10,078 feet above sea level. Think panoramic views and that crisp mountain air!
You'll find it in the western part of Colorado, right in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. History buffs will dig that a wagon road was carved through here way back in 1879.
The road itself, Ohio Pass Road (County Road 730), is a 23.2-mile stretch of pure Colorado bliss connecting CO-135 near Gunnison to Kebler Pass Scenic Drive. Word to the wise: you'll be off the grid with no cell service, so download those maps beforehand!
Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from November to May. The first 12.3 miles are smooth paved sailing. After that, it's gravel and dirt, but generally well-maintained. Most 2WD vehicles can cruise through in the summer, but super low riders might want to sit this one out. Also, leave the mega-RV and boat trailer at home; things get a little tight up near the summit. Be prepared for some climbs, too – a few sections hit a 10% gradient. All in all, it's a bucket-list drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.33 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,072 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the Bunny Man Bridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Bunny Man Bridge in Fairfax County, Virginia. It's basically a one-lane road that goes under a double railroad track. Think creepy, wooded vibes. Locals swear it's one of the spookiest spots around, especially around Halloween. The story goes that a dude in a bunny suit used to (or still does?!) hang out there, maybe with an axe...or something equally terrifying. The legend's got a few twists, but the main one talks about an old mental hospital nearby. A patient named Douglas Griffon escaped, and suddenly, dead rabbits started showing up in the woods. On Halloween, some kids got found hanging from the bridge, all gutted like those rabbits! Real? Probably not. But that doesn't stop the spooky vibes! Even though there's no proof of the hospital or the escapee, the Bunny Man Bridge is totally a local legend. Definitely worth a visit if you're into ghost stories and creepy places.
hardSola de Vega Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for the Sola de Vega road, also known as Mexico 131 or the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido highway! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Think twisty mountain roads for over six hours, taking you through cute villages (watch out for those speed bumps!), and offering incredible views of the Sierra Madre. Word to the wise: if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. It's a popular route connecting Oaxaca to the beaches of Puerto Escondido, which means a lot of traffic on a fairly narrow road. Expect hairpin turns, steep climbs and descents – using your engine to brake is highly recommended. You'll climb to 2,180 meters near Sola de Vega before dropping all the way down to sea level at the coast. Good news: there's a new highway (Mexico 131D) in the works that should offer an alternate route, but for now, this is the way to go!
hardDettah Ice Road is a cold highway in the Northwest Territories
🇨🇦 Canada
Ready for a unique winter adventure? Head to Canada's Northwest Territories and cruise the Dettah Ice Road! Located in the North Slave Region, this incredible seasonal route connects Yellowknife to the charming community of Dettah, cutting straight across the frozen expanse of Great Slave Lake. Clocking in at just 6.4 km (4 miles), it's a quick trip, but the experience is unforgettable. Imagine driving on a road made entirely of ice! When the ice reaches a meter (42 inches) thick, it's strong enough to support fully loaded trucks weighing over 40 metric tons. Keep in mind that this icy highway is rebuilt every year and open only during the coldest months, typically from late December to early April, though the exact dates can vary. Pay attention to posted speed limits, which are there for your safety, and be aware that some sections can be rough. Maximum vehicle weight is 40,000 kg. The short, scenic journey across Yellowknife Bay takes around 15-20 minutes if you drive straight through. But don't rush! There's a convenient pull-out spot about halfway along the ice road where you can stop, soak in the stunning winter scenery, and maybe even try some winter activities. Snap some incredible photos on this accessible and beautiful ice road, a true tourist magnet. Just remember, it's illegal to drive on the ice until it's officially open! During the summer, the alternative is a 27km drive via the Ingraham Trail, an all-weather track.
moderateEightmile Mesa
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Eightmile Mesa in beautiful Archuleta County, Colorado! This gem sits way up high at 8,182 feet, nestled in the San Juan National Forest. You'll be cruising on FR-651, which is a gravel road that can get pretty rocky and bumpy – expect a bit of a tippy ride! While a passenger car can make it with some careful driving, a 4x4 is definitely recommended, especially since this road is usually snowed-in from October to June. The destination is a lookout tower built in 1963, used during emergencies. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast, and stay away if there's any chance of thunderstorms! The reward for your efforts? Oh man, the views! From the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of Pagosa Springs, the sprawling mesa, and the majestic San Juan Mountains. It's a vista you won't soon forget!