Where is Urad Lake in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
2.09 km
3,288 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, Colorado road trippers, listen up! Urad Lake sits way up high in Clear Creek County at almost 10,800 feet, nestled within the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. This place is gorgeous, but getting there is an adventure.
You’ll be navigating Woods Creek Road, mostly unpaved, for about 1.3 miles after turning off Jones Pass Road (County Road 202). The views are incredible, but be warned: full-size vehicles might struggle with some super narrow spots. Think pickup trucks and SUVs are your best bet; cars can attempt it, but it’s not really recommended. That final stretch is especially tricky, with some rocky and tight sections.
Keep in mind, this is now a state wildlife area, so vehicle access is limited. You’ll likely find a gate blocking the road at the parking area, marked for the Urad Lake State Wildlife Area. And definitely a summer adventure only – the snow usually sticks around until late June, sometimes even July! But those views? Totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.09 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,288 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateKenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Colorado and want a scenic drive? Kenosha Pass is calling your name! This beauty sits at just over 10,000 feet in Park County, and it's a super accessible, paved route – no special vehicle needed. Highway 285 takes you on a 12-mile journey from Jefferson to Grant, with gentle curves and grades that won't make you sweat. The east side is a breeze, while the west has a bit more of a climb. Nestled in the Rockies, Kenosha Pass is famous for its vibrant aspen trees painting the landscape in autumn. The summit boasts spacious parking areas, perfect for soaking in those panoramic views. You'll be treated to incredible sights of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Feeling adventurous? A small gravel road south of the pass takes you even higher, topping out at over 12,300 feet!
moderateWhere is Canelo Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna explore a totally off-the-beaten-path gem in Arizona? Check out Canelo Pass! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 5,469 feet, nestled in Santa Cruz County, not far from the Mexican border. You'll find it southeast of Tucson, tucked between the Canelo Hills and the northern Huachuca Mountains. And the name? "Canelo" means cinnamon-colored in Spanish – fitting, right? Now, here's the real deal: the entire route is unpaved. We're talking Forest Road 799, also known as Canelo Pass Road. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! The road gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting a max of 19% - that's pretty intense! The pass stretches for about 17.7 miles (28.48km), running from the ghost town of Canelo down south to Duquesne Road. Prepare for some seriously stunning scenery as you wind through grasslands, chaparral, and lush riparian areas. Just remember: you're out in the boonies here, so pack accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable (and slightly bumpy!) ride.
moderateHow long is Mormon Emigrant Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Mormon Emigrant Trail! This beauty winds through El Dorado County, California, stretching 24.5 miles from Sly Park to Highway 88 near Silver Lake. Originally called Iron Mountain Road, it's a fully paved path that offers a glimpse into history as the first wagon route into Northern California. You'll be cruising through the Eldorado National Forest, soaking in the Sierra Nevada views. Be prepared for some steep climbs – we're talking up to a 12% grade in sections! The trail peaks at a cool 7,470 feet above sea level, so expect it to be closed during the winter months (usually opening up again around mid-to-late June). Keep an eye on the weather, too. Summer thunderstorms can roll in, and winter brings heavy snowfall. Plus, nature can throw some curveballs, so stay alert for unexpected road hazards. Oh, and heads up – this area was impacted by the Caldor Fire back in 2021. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
moderateThe road to Monida Pass on the border of Idaho and Montana
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let’s talk Monida Pass! This epic mountain crossing sits right on the Idaho-Montana border, perched high in the Bitterroot Range at a cool 6,896 feet. The name? A clever combo of "Mon"tana and "Ida"ho, naturally! You’ll be cruising along a smooth, paved surface—Interstate 15, also known as Veteran’s Memorial Highway. The journey stretches for about 30 miles (48 km), linking Lima, Montana, with Spencer, Idaho, the quirky "Opal Capital of America." But hey, it’s a mountain pass, so keep your eyes peeled for changing weather and the occasional wildlife encounter. What it lacks in crazy hairpin turns, it more than makes up for in scenery. Think wide-open skies, rugged peaks, and that feeling of being on top of the world. Monida Pass isn't just a drive; it's an experience!