Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?

Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

83.36 km

Elevation

2,873 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
83.36 km
Max Elevation
2,873 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Beckwourth Peakhard

Beckwourth Peak

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Beckwourth Peak in sunny California! This beast of a mountain climbs to a whopping 7,234 feet in the Plumas National Forest, offering insane views of the Sierra Valley and the surrounding mountains. The road, a dirt Forest Service road, is a bit of a climb. While most of it's doable in a 2WD, you'll DEFINITELY need a 4x4 for the final 3 1/4 miles to the summit where you'll find some comms towers. Be warned: this road is STEEP, averaging an 8.59% gradient! The climb from Portola McLears Road is just over 8km, gaining a hefty 692 meters in elevation. Word to the wise: this road is a NO-GO in winter. But if you hit it right, the views are totally worth the climb! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.

Last Dollar Pass is one of Colorado's best back-country roadseasy

Last Dollar Pass is one of Colorado's best back-country roads

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: Last Dollar Pass, perched way up in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, at a cool 10,676 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it’s a 22-mile dirt road adventure (#638, if you're mapping it) snaking between CO-62 and CO-145. Back in the 1800s, this was the supply route for miners, but now it's a seriously scenic alternative to the highway between Ridgway and Telluride. Now, a regular car *can* handle it when it's dry, but after a downpour, things get muddy, and 4WD is your friend. Ideally, you want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Allow two to three hours to soak it all in β€” there's hardly any traffic to rush you. But hey, keep an eye on the sky! Don't even THINK about tackling this road in bad weather. It's usually open from June to September when things are dry. The views? Epic. Think massive aspen groves (hello, fall foliage!), wildflowers popping in early summer, and jagged peaks like the Wilson Range and the Sneffels Range dominating the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, and maybe even a bear! Fun fact: this is where they filmed the opening and closing scenes of John Wayne's "True Grit"!

Where is the Phinney Canyon Road?hard

Where is the Phinney Canyon Road?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic desert adventure, Phinney Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park (southern Nevada) is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about an 11.7-mile trek north of Beatty that starts out pretty tame but quickly demands respect. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars if you've got four-wheel drive with low-range capability. Trust me, there's a section where you'll need it! But the challenge is SO worth it! This road winds through gorgeous pinyon pine woodlands as you climb into the Grapevine Mountains high country. The views alone are worth the dust and bumps. Be sure to check the Death Valley National Park website for the latest conditions before you go. Happy trails!

Where is the Anniversary Mine Road?moderate

Where is the Anniversary Mine Road?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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.