Where is Red Rock Pass?
Usa, north-america
89.47 km
2,180 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits at Red Rock Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits right on the Idaho-Montana border, perched atop the Continental Divide at a cool 7,152 feet.
You'll find it connecting Beaverhead County, Montana, to Fremont County, Idaho. The road itself? It's a well-maintained gravel track, known as Red Rock Pass Road and South Valley Road. Nothing a regular 2WD can't handle!
Keep in mind, though, that winter can be a whole different story. This area, nestled in the Centennial Mountains, gets hammered with snow, making the pass impassable for a good chunk of the year. Even in summer, be ready for those classic mountain weather mood swings.
The whole route stretches for about 55.6 miles, cruising from Interstate 15 in Montana to US-20 Highway, just north of Island Park.
And is it worth the trek? Absolutely! Expect jaw-dropping scenery as you wind your way through some seriously stunning landscapes. Trust me, your camera will thank you.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 89.47 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,180 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeA challenging 4wd trail to Webster Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Webster Pass: buckle up for an epic Colorado adventure! This high-altitude pass tops out at a whopping 12,103 feet! You'll find it nestled on the border between Summit and Park counties, right in the heart of the White River National Forest, smack-dab on the Continental Divide. The 9.14-mile road (aka Webster Pass Road #285) runs north-south, connecting Montezuma Road to County Road 60. Coming from I-70? Take Exit 205 for Silverthorne/Dillon, head east on HWY 6 towards Keystone, then turn right onto Montezuma Road (County Road 5) just past Keystone. Cruise for 7 miles to Montezuma, and Webster Pass Road will be on your left. Heads up, the summit also serves as the starting point for the infamous Red Cone trail! Originally a toll road built way back in the 1870s, Webster Pass usually opens around late May (depending on snowmelt) and closes around late November with the first snows. Prime time for a snow-free trip? Late August or early September. FYI, full-size vehicles need not apply. This totally unpaved road is a wild ride. Think super-narrow sections, river crossings, and super-steep switchbacks! A high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is a MUST. Even when conditions are good, towing a trailer is not recommended. Allow about 45 minutes each way for the trip. At the summit, you’ll hit the Red Cone and Handcart Gulch trails. That Red Cone descent is seriously steep – experts only! Otherwise, turn around and head back down Webster Pass. The views? Incredible! You'll wind through open alpine terrain with stunning Continental Divide scenery. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to explore other 4WD roads nearby. It’s a thrilling ride with breathtaking scenery all along the Snake River. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeWhere is Los Pinos Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Los Pinos Pass in southern Colorado! This bad boy sits way up high, topping out at 10,541 feet, right on the edge of Hinsdale and Saguache counties, deep inside the Rio Grande National Forest. "Los Pinos" literally means "the pine trees," and trust me, you'll see plenty. This route has some serious history – think Ute Indian trails and the old Saguache and San Juan toll road from way back in 1874. You'll be cruising on George Bush Drive (aka Los Pinos Pass Road), and just a heads up, it's all dirt! The whole stretch runs for about 24.6 miles, connecting Cathedral (on County Road 50) to County Road NN 14. Don't expect a walk in the park – it’s a bit rocky and can get muddy, plus it's a steady climb. The western ascent from Cathedral stretches for almost 6 miles with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet, giving you an average grade of just over 5%. But nothing too crazy, any high-clearance vehicle should handle it like a champ. Keep in mind, being nestled in the northern San Juan Mountains, this pass is generally open from summer to early fall. So, if you're looking for incredible mountain views and a taste of Colorado history, Los Pinos Pass should be on your list!
hardIs the road to Rhyolite Mountain unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Rhyolite Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in Teller County at a cool 10,597 feet above sea level, getting here is half the fun. Forget smooth sailing; the road to the top is a rugged, unpaved rollercoaster, so you'll want a vehicle that's up for a challenge. You might even spot it marked as Rhyolite Mountain Mesa on your maps. Heads up though, this isn't a year-round joyride. Typically, Old Man Winter shuts things down from late October until late June or early July, depending on how much snow decides to stick around. Starting from good ol' Highway 67, you’ve got a quick 1.24-mile sprint to the summit. Don’t let the short distance fool you; you'll gain about 400 feet in elevation, giving you an average incline of around 6%. Get ready for some seriously stunning views as you climb!
extremeMount Silverheels
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an epic Colorado adventure? Check out Mount Silverheels! This high-altitude pass tops out at a staggering 11,774 feet in Park County, nestled in the Front Range of the Rockies. The road, known as Crooked Creek Road (Co Rd 669), is definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy, tippy ride. You'll need a 4x4, and some solid off-road experience. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, steer clear. It’s steep, and it’s high, so maybe not the best choice if you're afraid of heights! Keep in mind that this route is typically snowed in from October to June (weather depending, of course). But if you're an experienced wheeler looking for a challenge with incredible scenery, Mount Silverheels is calling your name!