Where is Scotch Creek Pass?

Where is Scotch Creek Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

6.92 km

Elevation

3,222 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure junkies, let's talk Scotch Creek Pass! Nestled way up high on the border of Dolores and San Juan counties in southwest Colorado's San Juan National Forest, this beauty sits at a whopping 10,570 feet.

The road to get there? Forest Road 550, also known as the Old Scotch Creek Toll Road or Pinkerton Trail. Forget smooth sailing – we're talking incredibly rough terrain! This is a real off-road challenge.

The climb up from Forest Road 578 is a 4.3-mile grind, gaining 1,315 feet in elevation. That's an average grade of almost 6%, so get ready for a workout for your rig.

Heads up: This road is usually snowed in from late October all the way until late June or early July. Summer is your window to tackle this one! The views from the top are incredible, making it all worth the bumpy ride.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
6.92 km
Max Elevation
3,222 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Round Mountainmoderate

Round Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Round Mountain, sitting pretty in California's Inyo County, is calling your name! This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 10,551 feet, making it one of California's highest drivable routes. Tucked away in the Inyo National Forest, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking serious concentration required, folks. Think steep climbs out of Bishop, twisting canyons, and ridgelines through pine forests. This rocky, unpaved adventure demands a high-clearance 4x4 and a driver who knows their stuff. Trust me, egos have been left in the dust here. Keep an eye out for local residents – coyotes, bears, and mountain lions call this area home, and you might even snag some trout. Just remember, winter's a long game here, so mid-summer is your best bet. Much of Coyote Flat sits near 10,000 feet so be prepared for altitude. It's a lung-buster, heart-racer, and leg-tester all rolled into one unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping ride! Worth every white-knuckle moment? Absolutely!

Where is the Red Rock Scenic Byway?easy

Where is the Red Rock Scenic Byway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Arizona, about 110 miles north of Phoenix, and you stumble upon the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Seriously, this isn't just a drive; it's like rolling through a living, breathing museum. This 14.3-mile stretch of Arizona Highway 179, linking Sedona to Interstate 17, is pure magic. Think red sandstone formations, the kind that make you want to pull over every five minutes to snap a photo. The road itself? Paved, but keep your eyes peeled because it gets twisty in spots. Good news, it’s usually open year-round! Though, heads up, Arizona does get snow, especially from November to March, so keep an eye on the forecast. You *could* zip through it in about 30 minutes, but trust me, you won’t want to. Weekends, especially late mornings and afternoons, get busy, so plan accordingly. There are tons of viewpoints begging for a stop. Is it worth it? Absolutely! It's a gateway to Sedona's famous Red Rock Country. The main chunk, about 7 miles between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek, is where the red rock formations seriously pop against the high desert backdrop. You'll even find yourself driving through pine forests within the Coconino National Forest. Prepare to be wowed by the colors and the feeling of being totally immersed in nature. Basically, non-stop scenic views!

South Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turnsextreme

South Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for South Grade Road! This insane stretch of asphalt is hiding in northern San Diego County, California, and it's a wild ride to the top of Palomar Mountain. Seriously, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're snaking your way up, up, up, through 21 hairpin turns! Yeah, you read that right. The road eventually crests at a whopping 5,465 feet, near the iconic Palomar Observatory. Keep an eye out, though – the observatory can close unexpectedly if the weather gets dicey. The whole route is paved, so that's a plus, and it clocks in at just over 11 miles. You’ll be cruising from CA-76 all the way to Palomar Divide Road. Normally, South Grade Road is open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw some curveballs. Winter brings snow and ice, so chain up when required. Fog can roll in, and rocks love to tumble onto the pavement, especially after a good rain. If it's pouring, maybe skip this one – closures and landslides are a real possibility. But let's talk about the views! South Grade Road is absolutely stunning, I mean seriously breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, especially on those hairpin turns. Sadly, there's a history of accidents here, so stay sharp and ride safe!

Sugarloaf Mountainhard

Sugarloaf Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a high-altitude adventure in Utah, you HAVE to check out Sugarloaf Mountain. This beast of a peak clocks in at 10,567 feet in Salt Lake County, making it one of Utah's highest drivable points. Nestled in the Wasatch Range, the road to the top is a real gravelly, rocky ride—basically a chairlift service trail. You'll need a super small window to hit this one, think late August. But fair warning: Mother Nature runs the show up here. The wind is almost ALWAYS howling, and even summer can bring surprise snow days. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold doesn’t even begin to describe it. This isn't a Sunday drive, either. Expect some seriously steep sections—we're talking grades up to 30%! But the views? Oh man, they're worth it. From the summit, you'll be gawking at Albion Basin, the hidden gem that is Secret Lake, and the vast Alta ski resort spread out below.