Where is Tennessee Pass in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
37.81 km
3,183 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along U.S. Route 24, aka the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, and you start climbing towards Tennessee Pass. This epic pass straddles the border between Lake and Eagle counties in central Colorado, nestled within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.
You'll wind your way up to a whopping 10,442 feet (3,183m) above sea level. Don't worry, the road is paved the whole way, and the gradients aren't too crazy – easy peasy for most cars. This stretch of road covers about 23.5 miles (37.81km) heading south to north from Leadville to the ghost town of Gilman.
Keep in mind, being high in the Rockies means winter can throw a curveball, and the road might temporarily close during massive storms. But usually, it's open year-round, letting you soak in those incredible views! At the top, you'll find a big parking lot and a memorial to the 10th Mountain Division. A perfect spot to stretch your legs and snap some photos!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.81 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,183 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Mouse's Tank Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northeastern Nevada, smack-dab in the Valley of Fire State Park. This isn't just any park; it's the OG Nevada state park, and you're about to drive its crown jewel. I'm talking about Mouse's Tank Road. This little gem starts near the visitor center and heads north to Mouse's Tank, a sweet little natural reservoir carved into the rock. At only [length] miles, it's a short trip, but trust me, it packs a punch. This paved road might be a bit bumpy, but who cares when the views are this good? We are peaking at [elevation] feet. Seriously, every twist and turn is a photo op. Think narrow canyons, vibrant rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and viewpoints that will make your jaw drop. You'll be stopping every five minutes! Anyone seeking incredible scenery will totally dig this road.
hardWhy is it called Mount Elden?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Arizona? You HAVE to check out Mount Elden! This beauty is a lava dome rising to 9,320 feet – seriously, one of the highest drives in the state. It's named after some pioneer dude, John Elden, who apparently loved sheep. The road up, Elden Lookout Road (Forest Road 557), is totally unpaved, so buckle up and bring your 4x4. The adventure starts just north of Flagstaff on US-180, and it's about 7.4 miles to the top. You'll climb a whopping 2,200 feet – that’s an average gradient of around 5.6%. FYI, the very tippy-top is restricted, so don’t even think about hopping the gate. The road conditions are, shall we say, "variable." It really depends on when the grader last paid a visit. Expect a narrow, curvy road with some fun switchbacks and hairpin turns. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and mountain bikers—sharing is caring! But is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Flagstaff, the San Francisco Mountains, and the whole of northern Arizona are incredible. Fall is especially gorgeous. Just a heads up: near the summit, you’ll cruise through an area that was hit hard by a wildfire back in '77, which is a bit sobering.
hardA tough desert road to Towne Pass in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park on CA-190, a completely paved road slicing through the west side. This is Towne Pass, peaking at a cool 4,970 feet in Inyo County, California. The road links Panamint Valley and Stovepipe Wells, serving up some seriously breathtaking views. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's windy with a ton of curves, so daylight is your friend here. Plus, it gets steep, with grades hitting 15% in spots. Keep your speed in check – even though the limit's 55 mph, you'll want to drop it down to 30 mph for those tight turns. Word on the street is they're even planning some road work to straighten out the twistiest parts and make it safer. Basically, Towne Pass is a stunning drive, just keep your wits about you and enjoy the ride!
easyA scenic paved road to the alpine Bear Lake in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Bear Lake Road in Colorado, heading towards a postcard-perfect alpine lake nestled at 9,491 feet! This gem is tucked away in Rocky Mountain National Park, just a hop, skip, and a jump – 13 miles to be exact – southwest of Estes Park. The road itself? A smooth, paved dream that was revamped back in 2012 with wider lanes and a fresh route. You'll start your ascent from US-36 at 8,218 feet, climbing almost 1,273 feet over 9.3 miles. It's a pretty gentle climb, with an average gradient of around 2.6%. Now, a heads up: this place is popular! Over 2 million visitors flock here annually. During summer, especially weekends, the parking lot fills up faster than you can say "mountain vista" – think before 9 AM! But hey, at least there are restrooms close by for summer visitors. Bear Lake Road is generally open all year round, and they keep it plowed, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in spring and fall. Things can change quickly up there. Word is, Bear Lake totally freezes over in winter, making for some seriously stunning scenery. So, are you ready for the ride of your life?