Where is Weston Pass?
Usa, north-america
42.8 km
3,639 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits on Weston Pass! This high-altitude dirt road straddles Park and Lake counties in central Colorado, topping out at a cool 11,938 feet. Country Road 22 (aka Co Rte 7) stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285, offering a scenic, though sometimes bumpy, ride.
Heads up: the eastern approach (from Highway 285) is generally easier and doable in most cars with a bit of care to avoid the rough patches. The western side, accessed via Highway 24, gets a bit more intense. High clearance and 4WD are your friends here, especially if you plan to tackle the entire pass. Be prepared for some steep sections too, with gradients hitting up to 12%.
Keep in mind, this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July.
But the views? Totally worth it! Built in 1860 and once dubbed "The Road to Riches" back in the silver and gold rush days, this route winds through stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. Expect incredible mountain vistas, remnants of old cabins, lots of beaver dams, and if you're up for a challenging detour on the west side, a 4x4 trail leading to an old gold mine. And near the top, you'll find the Weston Pass Hut, Colorado's highest backcountry lodging of its kind. Get ready for an unforgettable high-country adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,639 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the road to Haleakala?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Haleakala Highway, Maui's crazy climb! This road, also called Crater Road or Route 378, is paved the whole way. Starting near Kahului, it snakes 35 miles up to the summit of Haleakala at Red Hill, a staggering 10,023 feet above sea level. Built back in the 30s, this road is no joke. Expect some seriously steep sections (up to 15% grade!), with an average gradient of 5.39%. You'll be tackling 32 hairpin turns, some with blind corners and major drop-offs. Keep your eyes peeled for cows and nene geese wandering across the road, and be prepared for fog that can roll in and cut visibility. Fill up your gas tank and grab snacks in Pukalani or Makawao, because that's your last chance. Speaking of bikes, commercial tours have been suspended within the park, so you'll have to drive yourself up. Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to drive to the top without stopping. And trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are unreal, like you're driving on the moon. One thing to remember: it gets cold up there! For every 1,000 feet you climb, the temperature drops about 3 degrees F. The changing landscape is incredible. You'll pass through so many different ecological zones, it’s like driving from Mexico to Canada without leaving Maui!
moderateWhere is Chase Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer trek for you in southern Oregon, near the California border. We're talking about Chase Mountain, a real gem with views for days from its summit. Back in the day, it even had a staffed fire lookout (built in '51!), keeping watch over the forests. Now, the lookout's quiet, but the views are still screaming for your attention. So, how do you get there? You'll cruise along Hamacker Mountain Road. It's mostly a decent gravel track, which is perfect for a bit of off road adventure. Just be aware that the last mile gets a tad bumpy, so nothing too low! And heads up - this route's a no-go zone in winter. From Green Springs Highway, it's just under 10 miles to the top, climbing almost 2,700 feet! That gives you an average gradient of around 5%, so nothing too strenuous for your trusty steed. Get ready for some serious elevation gain!
easyDempster Highway is a Top Canadian Drive to the Arctic
🇨🇦 Canada
# The Dempster Highway: Canada's Ultimate Arctic Adventure Want to drive somewhere that'll make your friends' jaws drop? The Dempster Highway is it. Stretching 736 km (457 miles) across some of Canada's most remote and stunning Arctic landscape, this is the only all-weather road that actually crosses the Arctic Circle. And if you're brave enough to venture the extra 147 km to Tuktoyaktuk, you'll hit Canada's Arctic Coast on the first all-weather road that goes that far north. The route kicks off at the Klondike Highway near Dawson City in Yukon and winds its way through the Northwest Territories all the way to Inuvik on the Mackenzie River delta. Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. It's a two-lane gravel road (also labeled Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8) that demands respect and preparation. Here's what you're getting into: the highway snakes through two mountain ranges—the Ogilvie and Richardson—crosses the Continental Divide three times, and follows ancient dog team routes that Indigenous peoples have used for thousands of years. The road uses seasonal ferries and ice bridges to cross the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. Summer means it can get dusty, so bring a vehicle with solid clearance and definitely pack a spare tire. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll cruise past stunted spruce and alder forests in the Eagle Plains (they're weirdly adorable at just 8-12 feet tall), roll through endless tundra, and eventually drop down to the aspen-covered delta. The highest point is North Fork Pass Summit at 1,328 meters (4,356 feet). Plan on spending at least two days and 12-16 hours of driving each way. Best times to go? Late June through early August for that surreal midnight sun experience (yes, 56 days of 24-hour daylight). Or swing by early August through early September for autumn colors without the extreme light show. Here's the reality check: services are incredibly sparse. Gas, diesel, and repairs exist only at Eagle Plains, Fort McPherson, and Inuvik. Cell service? Forget it in most areas. Seriously consider renting a satellite phone. Stock up on water, snacks, and emergency supplies before you leave civilization. Winter driving (December 15 to April 30) requires extra gear like a shovel, sleeping bag, and stove. Summer season runs roughly June 10 to October 14. Either way, check road conditions in Dawson City or at the Klondike River Lodge before you head out—and check again at Eagle Plains if you're pushing further north. Built between 1959 and 1978 (officially opened in 1979), the Dempster Highway is named after Inspector William John Duncan Dempster of the North-West Mounted Police. It's one of those roads that genuinely feels like you're discovering something most people will never see. If getting way off the beaten path is your thing, this is the adventure you've been waiting for.
moderateA drive to the top of Manastash Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Washington road trippers, listen up! You HAVE to check out Manastash Ridge, known as "The Ridge" to those in the know. You'll find this beauty in central Washington, specifically Kittitas County. So, what's the deal? It's a paved road that clocks in at about 30.7 miles, connecting Ellensburg and Yakima in the Yakima Valley, running north to south. Be prepared for some steep sections as you climb to 2,706 feet above sea level. Get ready for awesome views as you cruise along Interstate 82 (I-82)!