Where is Shrine Pass?
Usa, north-america
19.15 km
3,410 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so Shrine Pass in Colorado is seriously stunning, a dirt road adventure hitting a lung-busting 11,187 feet! You'll find it smack-dab in the White River National Forest, straddling Eagle and Summit counties. They call it Shrine Pass because you get an amazing view of the Mount of the Holy Cross from up there.
The road itself, Shrine Pass Road (Forest Road 709), is unpaved and narrow. Back in the day, it was the main drag between Denver and Glenwood Springs, before the I-70 came along. It’s generally in good shape, but can get rocky in spots. While you might see some sturdy 2WD vehicles braving it, a SUV or 4WD is a safer bet. There's usually room to pass, and a few spots to pull over for those postcard-worthy pics.
Keep in mind, this beauty is only accessible from June to September, depending on the snow. Trust me, it's worth the trip for the views of wildflowers and pine forests in the summer, or the awesome fall colors. It’s a popular spot, but never feels too crowded. The whole pass stretches for about 11.9 miles, linking I-70 to US-24 near Red Cliff.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,410 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the Old Kern Canyon Road is not a piece of cake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Old Kern Canyon Road in California's Kern County! Nestled in the Sequoia National Forest, this 13.3-mile paved route (aka County Road 214) is a real adventure. Forget wide-open highways; this is a winding, twisting climb right along the Kern River's southeast side. Think hairpin turns and narrow lanes, but also think stunning views. It's definitely not a boring drive! Just so you know, CA Highway 178 now bypasses it.
moderateHighwood Pass is the highest paved road of Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, is calling your name! This epic pass clocks in at a whopping 2,217m (7,273ft), claiming the title of Canada's highest paved road. Just a short 140 km jaunt southwest from Calgary, nestled in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park near Lower Kananaskis Lake, this beauty is easy to get to. Highway 40 will lead you on a 148 km (92-mile) paved journey from Kananaskis to Longview. But heads up—the road can get steep (we're talking up to 7% gradients!) and icy conditions are definitely possible. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for bears! Perched high in the Rockies, this route offers some seriously amazing scenery. Just be aware that it's usually closed from December to mid-June due to heavy snow and wildlife migration. You’ll be right at the tree line, so the views are totally alpine. Pro tip: the summit can get super windy, and the weather changes on a dime. While the drive itself is only about 1.5-2 hours non-stop, you'll want to plan a full day to truly soak it all in. Trust me, with views this good, you’ll want to stop often!
hardThe road to Ben Harrison Peak in OR isn’t an easy one
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're headed to Ben Harrison Peak in Oregon's Grant County. This beast tops out at 7,703 feet within the Umatilla National Forest's Greenhorn Mountains. Forget pavement, you'll be tackling NF-148, a rugged dirt track that's pure 4x4 territory. Think ruts, rocks, and steep climbs – some sections hit a 13% grade! You'll be grinding for about 1.6 miles, starting from Vincent Creek Road (Forest Service Road 2010) . Plan your trip between mid-June and October when the road is usually clear. Keep an eye out for old mining sites scattered around the range. The views from the top are totally worth the bumpy ride!
extremeWhere is Sheep Mountain in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sheep Mountain Pass in California's Mono County is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here – almost 12,000 feet! Nestled in the Inyo National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This mostly unpaved road stretches for about 28 miles, and you'll be cruising above 10,000 feet the whole time. Think incredible views of the White Mountains! But fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. It's steep, and a misstep could have serious consequences. The road's typically open from mid-May to the end of November. Winter? Forget about it! This area gets buried under a mountain of snow, literally! So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience with scenery that'll blow your mind, Sheep Mountain is waiting. Just be prepared for a challenging, unforgettable ride!