Where is Poughkeepsie Pass?
Usa, north-america
18.5 km
3,938 m
hard
Year-round
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! Poughkeepsie Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Juan Mountains near Ouray, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Clocking in at 11.5 miles, this west-to-east route from Ironton to Animas Forks is a serious 4x4 adventure.
Forget pavement – we're talking gravel, rocks, and some seriously steep climbs. County Road 19 is not messing around! Expect erosion, loose rock, and maybe even some mud wrestling with your Jeep. Oh, and did I mention the potential for legit water crossings with currents that could sweep you off your tires?
"The Wall," a famous obstacle, now has a bypass (thank goodness!), but trust me, the whole trail demands respect. We're talking ledges up to five feet and near-vertical sections that will test your nerve. Lockers and a winch? Non-negotiable. That one super-sharp hairpin turn is particularly spicy.
Typically open from April to October (depending on snow, of course), the views from the 12,919-foot summit are absolutely breathtaking. Just remember, this road features some narrow shelf sections, so keep your eyes peeled! This isn't a technically crazy trail, but its remoteness and exposure demand your full attention. This pass is a Colorado classic that will leave you breathless—both from the views and the drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,938 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is the Anniversary Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in southern Nevada, near the California border, ready for an off-road adventure. Anniversary Mine Road in the Muddy Mountain Wilderness (Lake Mead area) is calling! This isn't your Sunday drive – you'll need a high-clearance vehicle, and honestly, 4WD is your best bet. It's a loop, kicking off and ending on NV-167 (Northshore Road). The eastern side is usually in decent shape, thanks to occasional maintenance. But things get interesting when you hit Lovell Wash – it can get pretty deep, especially after rain. Why bother? Well, the views are killer, and you'll climb up to 2,122 feet. Plus, you'll find yourself near an active mine, some cool campsites, the Ore Car Mine, and trails like the Anniversary Narrows Route. History buffs, take note: you're driving through mining history from way back in 1921 when they were digging for Borax. Just remember, the road dips in and out of the Lake Mead area, so be aware of your surroundings. And hey, tempting as it might be, stay out of the mines! Safety first, adventure second.
hardWhere is Mountain Springs Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruisin' through the Mojave Desert in sunny Southern California, ready for a little off-the-beaten-path adventure. That's where Mountain Springs Road comes in! This isn't your typical smooth highway. It's mostly unpaved – think dusty desert vibes – but don't worry, there are paved sections at the beginning and end to ease you in. Just be warned, it gets pretty steep in places! Mountain Springs Road is your gateway to the radio station perched atop a 3,599-foot peak, offering views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at just over 6 miles, this north-south route connects you from County Route 66, near the quirky town of Goffs, all the way to Mountain Springs Summit where you hit the paved comfort of I-40. So, if you're looking for a taste of the real desert with a dash of elevation, Mountain Springs Road is calling your name!
moderateThe Wild Road to El Capulin
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of El Capulín? This super-high mountain town in Mexico sits way up at 10,088 feet! We're talking one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this hidden gem, famous for its beautiful church, nestled right on the edge of Morelos and Mexico City, smack-dab in the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. Picture this: central Mexico at its finest! Now, for the road itself – Carretera al Capulín. Get ready for an off-road thrill because it's completely unpaved! You'll kick things off from the Xalatlaco-El Ajusco road. The wild ride stretches for about 7.2 miles. Climbing into the Sierra de las Cruces, the road peaks near Volcán El Muñeco, hitting a staggering 11,899 feet! But a word of warning: this area is known for its thick mist. Visibility can get seriously low, so keep your wits about you!
easyRoad trip guide: Conquering the Haines Highway
🇨🇦 Canada
Dude, you HAVE to check out the Haines Highway. Seriously, this drive from Alaska to the Yukon is mind-blowing, especially in the fall! It's also known as Haines Cut-Off or just Haines Road. The whole thing is paved, so no need to worry about gravel. Clocking in at 152 miles (245 km), it links Haines, Alaska, with Haines Junction in the Yukon, and it follows the old trails used by the Chilkat/Tinglit First Nations. Pretty cool, huh? The highway is open all year and usually clear of snow by May. It's a good, two-lane road. If you're thinking of driving between September 15th and June 1st, peep the weather forecast first. Built way back in 1943 by the U.S. Army, this road hugs the Chilkat River for over 20 miles north of Haines. It climbs to a max elevation of 3,320 feet (1.012m). The views? Epic! Think crazy mountains with glaciers. You’ll cruise past high peaks, glaciers, rivers, and lakes the whole way. You’ll go from coastal forests to alpine tundra, climb up to the summit, cruise through an alpine valley, and then gently descend to Haines Junction. Word of warning: there aren't any services along the way, so fuel up and stock up on supplies before you hit the road!