
Where is Wolf Creek Pass Colorado?
Usa, north-america
67 km
3,313 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through southern Colorado? You HAVE to experience Wolf Creek Pass! This epic stretch of U.S. Highway 160 clocks in at around 42 miles, connecting Pagosa Springs and South Fork through Mineral County.
The summit sits at a lofty 10,869 feet in the San Juan Mountains. It's named for the nearby Wolf Creek and even has its own country music shout-out. This beauty's been paved since 1950, but don't let that fool you—it's still a wild ride. Expect a solid hour (or a little more) of driving time.
Be prepared for some serious grades, especially on the west side where you'll find a thrilling 7% downhill stretch. Winter? Forget about it. This area gets DUMPED on with snow. It's open year-round, but icy conditions are common. Even summer can bring surprise flurries.
Word to the wise: watch out for the hairpin curve about 6.5 miles from the top. It's notorious, with a steep drop-off. Truckers, take note – there are runaway ramps for a reason. This road isn't for the faint of heart. But the views? Totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 67 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,313 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyTravel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Fremont Pass in Colorado! This beauty straddles Lake and Summit counties, hitting a whopping 11,335 feet above sea level. We're talking serious Rocky Mountain high! You'll find it right in the heart of Colorado, not too far from Leadville. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax molybdenum mine, which used to be a HUGE deal for the world's molybdenum supply. The pass itself is named after the legendary explorer John C. Frémont. State Highway 91, also known as the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway," will take you right to the top on a fully paved road. And get this – it's surprisingly straight for a mountain pass! Just a few switchbacks near the summit. The whole shebang stretches for about 21.7 miles between Copper Mountain and Leadville, running north to south. Don't get fooled – there are a couple of false summits on the way up! Generally, Fremont Pass is open year-round, but be warned – winter weather can throw a wrench in your plans and cause temporary closures. While most of the road is pretty tame, keep an eye out for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%.
easyGlenn Highway is not something to miss
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure on the Glenn Highway! This epic 179-mile (288km) stretch of Alaska Route 1 runs from Anchorage all the way to Glennallen where it meets the Richardson Highway. You'll want to set aside about 4 hours for the drive itself, but trust me, you'll want to make plenty of stops! Named after Captain Edwin Glenn, this well-maintained, two-lane paved road winds its way through some seriously stunning scenery. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and rivers so gorgeous they'll take your breath away. The grades are pretty gentle, so it's a smooth ride most of the way. Keep in mind that the highway started as the Palmer Road back in the 1930s. The highest point is at 3,332 feet (1.016m) above sea level. Basically, this route is a gateway to the natural wonders of Alaska, and it promises a road trip you'll never forget!
moderateWhere is Warren Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let’s talk Warren Lake! Nestled way up high in central Colorado, inside the White River National Forest, lies this gem at a whopping 10,885 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising along Smuggler Mountain Road, also known as FSR #131, a mostly well-maintained dirt road. Don't get too comfy though, because it's about 6 miles long with some serious steep sections! Keep in mind that you might need a snowmobile instead of your car from November to June, depending on the year. Otherwise, if you're lucky enough to make it up there, get ready for some stunning views!
moderateWhere is Ruby Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through southern Arizona? You absolutely HAVE to check out Ruby Road! This 37-mile beauty winds its way from Pendleton Drive near Rio Rico, all the way to Arivaca, straddling Santa Cruz and Pima counties. Nestled near the Mexican border, within the Coronado National Forest and skirting the Pajarito Mountains, this road is packed with stunning scenery. Think rolling hills, dramatic buttes, and a unique desert landscape teeming with wildlife. Plus, you’ll be driving past the ghost town of Ruby (the road's namesake!), along with the remains of other old mining camps like Oro Blanco. Arivaca itself is a cool little town with a ghost-town vibe. Heads up: you'll need a high-clearance vehicle for this adventure, especially after the first 12 miles past Peña Blanca Lake, where the pavement turns to graded dirt. While 4x4 isn't essential in good weather, the road can get rough with water crossings and tricky patches. Expect about 2-3 hours of driving time without stops. Ruby Road climbs to a respectable 4,829 feet, and while the views are incredible, be aware of the narrow, winding sections with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails. Take it slow! Also, watch out for slippery and rutted conditions when the unpaved sections are wet. Best time to visit? Late fall, winter, or early spring. Things heat up quickly from April through October, so if you’re visiting in the summer, hit the road early to beat the heat. Bring tons of water, wear sun protection, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! But seriously, this drive is unforgettable – get ready for some epic photos.