Where is Vail Pass?
Usa, north-america
32 km
3,251 m
extreme
Year-round
Vail Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,251m (10,666ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado. It’s
one of the steepest paved mountain passes in Colorado
The pass is located on the boundary between Summit and Eagle counties, in the central part of Colorado.
Why is it named Vail Pass?
The pass is named for Charles Vail, a highway engineer.
How long is the road to Vail Pass?
The road to the summit is 32km (20.4 miles) long, running from Vail to
. The first paved highway over the pass was completed in 1940. In the 1970s, the route was upgraded to Interstate 70.
Is Vail Pass dangerous?
The road to the summit is paved and called Interstate 70 (I-70).
The highway is extremely steep on both sides (eastbound or westbound) and has at least a 7 to 8 percent grade at one point or another. Much like
, its windy nature features hairpin turns and brutal winter weather. The pass crests at 10,660 feet above sea level, and two runaway truck ramps exist on the westbound side for victims of brake failure.
The steep sides provide drivers with little room for error. These slippery mountain stretches are notoriously dangerous in the winter and are prone to multi-car accidents because it’s easy for drivers to lose control of their autos.
Set high in the Rocky Mountains, access to the pass is typically open all year round, with the occasional closure in winters due to dangerous weather conditions.
Vail Pass is the most dangerous section of the highway on the route from
during the Winter. It is frequently closed by local authorities during severe snowstorms, as conditions become undrivable. Travelers should be prepared for changing conditions and near-zero visibility in winters.
The breathtaking road to Red Cone Pass in Colorado
Driving the scenic Saddle Road in Hawaii
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 32 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,251 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere does the Alaska Highway begin and end?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ready for an epic road trip? The Alaska Highway is a must-do! This 1,523-mile (2,174 km) trek connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, offering a unique way to experience the raw beauty of the north. Originally built in 1942, the ALCAN is more than just a road; it's a journey through history. While you *can* technically blast through in under four days, trust me, you don't want to. Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe even squeeze in a dip in one of the Yukon's hot springs. Keep in mind, this is still a pretty remote area. Cell service is spotty (at best), so download those maps and playlists beforehand. Gas stations are available, but not always 24/7, so fill up whenever you get the chance! While most of the highway is paved, expect some construction delays, especially on the Canadian side. Those road crews are constantly working to improve things, but sometimes that means a bit of a bumpy ride. Watch out for loose gravel! Speaking of bumpy, be prepared for some serious winter conditions if you're traveling late in the season. Think -40°F kind of cold! Always pack emergency supplies – food, water, blankets, a first-aid kit. Tow trucks can be seriously far away! The best time to tackle the Alaska Highway is from June to early September when the weather is milder and the RV convoys are in full swing. Embrace the slow pace, enjoy the stunning views, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateWhere is Bears Ears Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Bears Ears Peak in northwestern Colorado, practically waving hello to Wyoming! Nestled in the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forests, this trek isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a gravelly climb that tops out around 11,000 feet. You'll start on County Road 2W and ascend about 17 miles of unpaved, bumpy terrain. Seriously, high clearance is your best friend here. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in until late spring/early summer. But hey, if you're up for an off-the-beaten-path journey with epic views, Bears Ears Peak might just be your next unforgettable drive!
hardWhen was Ruta Tepehuana built?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ruta Tepehuana (Camino a Huzamota) is located in Durango, Mexico. This road is known for being windy, narrow, and potentially hazardous, offering views of the Sierra Madre mountains and canyons. Elevations range from 2,700 meters above sea level to the canyon's bottom at 500-0 meters. When was Ruta Tepehuana built? The road was inaugurated in 2014 and became a fully operational paved road by 2016. It passes through five different biomes: painted desert, cactus desert, pine forest, oak forest, and tropical jungle. How long is Ruta Tepehuana? Spanning 288 km (178 miles), this steep road connects Durango city with the area near Jesus María in Nayarit. How’s driving Ruta Tepehuana? The road's first section includes a mountain pass and a canyon pass. Starting at 1,430 meters above sea level in Mezquital, Durango, it rises to 2,490 meters, offering views of the Mezquital valley and canyons. It then descends to Temoaya town at 1,300 meters and further to the Mezquital River at 1,090 meters. After crossing the river, the road climbs to 2,540 meters, with views of the Mezquital canyon, pine forests, cactus deserts, and oak forests. The next segment descends to Huazamota, starting from Llano Grande at 2,300 meters and moving through a pine forest stretch up to 2,700 meters. Owned by the indigenous Tepehuan people, the road then descends from Mesa de las Milpas community at 2,600 meters to 600 meters in San Antonio de Padua over less than 35 kilometers. This descent passes through pine and oak forests, tropical forests, and cactus-laden canyon areas. After San Juan Peyotan, there is a junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44, offering views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In either direction, the road offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, either towards Is Ruta Tepehuana dangerous? You might see only one or two vehicles per hour, but many pedestrians, mainly indigenous people. The area is known for drug trafficking and has a high risk of kidnappings or extortion. The road features sharp turns and challenging curves. Speeds rarely exceed 40 mph and are often closer to 30 mph. Some areas lack signals and road paint, complicating night driving. Potholes and Falling Rocks: Potholes are common, especially near mountain cuts, and falling rocks are a hazard. Pedestrians and Guardrails: Pedestrians sometimes walk in the middle of the road. Some areas lack guardrails beside canyons. Driving at night is not recommended due to sharp turns and frequent fog. The route has steep and extended downhill sections, which can overheat brakes. Engine braking is essential to prevent brake failure. The elevation changes by a combined total of 4,000 meters. Sparse throughout most of the route. Road suggested by: Eblem Torres Cumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaks Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Leman Lake?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna escape to a slice of Canadian paradise? Then point your wheels towards Leman Lake in Alberta, nestled high in Banff National Park near the BC border. This alpine gem sits way up at 1,919m (6,295ft), boasting unbelievably blue waters thanks to glacial silt – the colors are seriously intense! Getting there is an adventure in itself. You'll trade smooth pavement for the Albert River Forest Service Road (Leman Lake Trail), about 70 km (44 miles) of unpaved goodness after you turn off Highway 93. Make sure you grab a permit before you go! Winter? Forget about it – this road is snowed under. Be warned: the last 600m are too rough even for your trusty steed; you’ll have to hoof it. But trust me, the views are SO worth the trek!