Where is Ptarmigan Pass?

Where is Ptarmigan Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

9.65 km

Elevation

3,590 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for Ptarmigan Pass in Colorado! This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 11,777 feet, right on the border of Summit and Eagle counties. You'll find it smack-dab in the White River National Forest, in the heart of Colorado.

Now, the road – Forest Road 747 – is all-dirt, so be prepared for some serious off-roading! 4x4 is definitely recommended, although 2WD might be able to make it from the west side. Get ready for some tight switchbacks, a rocky trail that hugs the creek, and some potentially tricky sections. When it’s wet, watch out! It gets extra slippery.

The road stretches for about 6 miles from Resolution Creek Road to Turkey Creek Road (Forest Road 709). If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there's a 4x4 gravel road heading west that takes you even higher, up to a peak at 12,076 feet.

Keep in mind, this road is a no-go in the winter. It's nestled high in the Rockies, so snow makes it impassable. But trust me, the views and the thrill of the drive are totally worth it when it's open!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
9.65 km
Max Elevation
3,590 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017hard

Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017

🇨🇦 Canada

Imagine driving across a frozen river and ocean! The Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road was a real thing in Canada's Northwest Territories, stretching 177km (109 miles) from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. Talk about an off-the-beaten-path adventure! Part of the legendary Dempster Highway, this icy marvel was one of the world's most northern roads. For a few months each winter (December to March), when the Mackenzie River Delta froze solid, it transformed into a highway of ice. The rest of the year, Tuktoyaktuk was only accessible by plane or boat. While it was open, it was a vital supply route, servicing gas hydrate fields and remote outposts. Picture convoys of trucks hauling fuel, equipment, and supplies across the frozen landscape! The road wasn't for the faint of heart. The ice, though about 8 feet thick, was riddled with cracks and ridges. Inuvik's freezing temperatures, hovering between -7°C and -17°C during the day, made for an icy ride. Sadly, this iconic ice road closed for good on April 29, 2017. It was replaced by the all-weather Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway.

Larkspur Mountainmoderate

Larkspur Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna conquer a beast in the Colorado Rockies? Larkspur Mountain, clocking in at a cool 11,253 feet, is calling your name! You'll find it nestled in the White River National Forest. The road to the top – Larkspur Mountain Road (aka Christmas Tree Road or Lenado/Johnson Creek Road) – is a proper gravel and rock rollercoaster. Think rugged, think real! Winter? Forget about it, this road laughs in the face of snow. Now, if you're not comfy with unpaved mountain tracks, maybe give this one a miss. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. Oh, and if heights make you queasy? Yeah, probably not your best day out. But for killer views and a proper off-road thrill, Larkspur is where it's at!

Trail Creek Road in Idaho is not for novice mountain drivershard

Trail Creek Road in Idaho is not for novice mountain drivers

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for a wild ride on Trail Creek Road! This super scenic route straddles Blaine and Custer counties in Idaho and is a total hidden gem. Clocking in at just over 40 miles, the road kicks off near Ketchum, winding its way up to Highway 93 close to Chilly. Heads up: the pavement doesn't last long! You'll quickly be bumping along on gravel, and then it's mostly dirt and some seriously aggressive, pyramid-shaped rocks. Think insane drop-offs, a skinny, one-lane gravel path, and views that'll knock your socks off. You don't *need* 4WD, but be prepared for some rocky and potholed sections. This drive is no joke! If you're not comfortable with mountain driving, this might not be for you. Seriously steep sections and unforgiving terrain mean you need to be on your game. There's a reason big rigs and trailers are a no-go. This road has a reputation for flat tires, so make sure your spare is in tip-top shape (and full-sized!). Rockslides and washouts are common, so keep your eyes glued to the road. Did I mention the views are amazing? Just don't become one of them! Located in the heart of Idaho, give yourself 1-2 hours to conquer this incredible drive without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. The actual time depends on the road conditions and how often you pause to soak in the scenery. You'll climb to Trail Creek Summit at a whopping 7,910 feet above sea level. This gravel, mostly unmaintained road is snowed under in winter but opens up as soon as the weather warms. We're talking double-digit feet of snow! Plus, rock and dirt avalanches often cause damage during the colder months.

Where is Radical Hill?extreme

Where is Radical Hill?

🇺🇸 Usa

Radical Hill? More like Radically Awesome Hill! This beast clocks in at 12,618 feet above sea level, nestled in Colorado's Summit County near Montezuma, just west of Webster Pass. Forget pavement, this 7.1-mile climb is all about conquering rocks and navigating a seriously narrow, shelf-like track. Imagine tight switchbacks that'll have you holding your breath! It's tippy, steep, and has plenty of rocky sections to keep you on your toes. We're talking aggressive stock SUVs only, folks, with experienced drivers at the wheel. Low range and skid plates? Essential. Timing is everything! Aim for late August or early September for the best chance of a snow-free adventure. Any other time, and you might be facing a winter wonderland...or a winter nightmare. The road throws a mix of rocky terrain, switchbacks, and loose climbs your way. Watch out for those extra-narrow spots and the off-camber section near the tailings pile. The final push to the top is loose, rocky, and eroded, so be prepared. Not for the faint of heart, this trail serves up steep drops and challenging terrain! But the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The summit is super flat with tons of parking to soak in the views. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Continental Divide, Webster Pass, Handcart Peak, and Teller Mountain. Plus, you'll stumble upon remnants of Colorado's rich mining history along the way. It's a tough climb, but the rewards are epic!