Where is Yellowjacket Pass?
Usa, north-america
65.01 km
2,373 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: Yellowjacket Pass, hanging out way up high in southwestern Colorado, smack-dab in the San Juan National Forest. We're talking 7,785 feet above sea level, people! The road itself? Totally paved – it's actually U.S. Route 160 – so no need to worry about your tires. You can usually hit this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter, because things can get dicey and they might shut it down for a bit.
This beauty stretches for about 40 awesome miles, connecting Bayfield on the west to Pagosa Springs on the east. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, there's a little gravel side trip just west of the pass that takes you even higher, up to a relay station at 8,412 feet! Seriously, the views are killer.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 65.01 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,373 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRustler Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Southern Oregon's Rogue River National Forest, Rustler Peak is calling your name! The summit sits at a cool 6,102 feet, and getting there is half the fun (and challenge!). We're talking one-lane dirt road that's gravelly, rocky, and ready to test your off-roading skills. Let’s just say you’ll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. This isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart – if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this trip. Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! At the summit you will find a fire lookout tower, dating all the way back to 1948. The incredible vistas are the perfect reward for conquering this wild ride.
moderateDevil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Devil's Gate Pass! This beauty sits way up in the Eastern Sierras of California, at a cool 7,519 feet. You'll find it smack-dab in Mono County, acting as the divider between the East and West Walker Rivers. It's called Devil's Gate for a reason—there's this gnarly rock formation nearby, and legend has it, some seriously bad stuff went down there back in the day. Spooky! The good news is the whole thing is paved, so no need for the off-road beast. You'll be cruising on U.S. Route 395. Clocking in at just under 17 miles, this stretch of 395 runs from Sonora Junction to Bridgeport, the Mono County seat. And get this, at that crazy elevation, Devil's Gate Pass is actually the highest point on the entire U.S. Route 395. Talk about a scenic drive!
moderateA 5-star road to Chief Joseph Pass in the Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to Chief Joseph Pass, perched right on the Montana-Idaho border at a cool 7,276 feet. This beauty snakes through the Bitterroot Mountains, smack-dab on the Continental Divide, with Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests as your backdrop. History buffs, take note: Chief Joseph himself crossed here back in 1877! You'll be cruising on smooth, paved Montana State Highway 43 for about 26 miles between Wisdom, Montana, and Lost Trail Pass. Be ready for some climbs – a few sections hit almost 9% grade! This pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter, as snow can sometimes shut things down temporarily. The views? Absolutely epic. Think wide-open panoramas, stunning mountain peaks, and endless forest stretching in every direction. Trust me; you'll want to have your camera charged for this one!
hardWhere is Cal-Barrel Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Cal-Barrel Road, tucked away in Humboldt County, California, inside the Redwood National and State Parks. This isn't just a road, it's an experience – a super narrow, unpaved track winding its way through a cathedral of redwood trees. Heads up, it's only open in the summer! Seriously, this road is NARROW. Think "squeeze by" narrow. Forget about taking your RV or trailer; even passing another small car can be a challenge. Clocking in at just under two miles from the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Cal-Barrel Road packs in a climb of about 800 feet. That's an average incline of 8%, ending up at around 1,000 feet above sea level at a small parking area. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is unreal, weaving through those giant redwoods. You can even ditch the car and wander on foot. Just keep your eyes peeled for other adventurers! It’s a slow, winding journey that really lets you soak in the majesty of the redwoods. The end of the road is a trailhead parking area, a perfect spot for a picnic before heading back. It gives you a feel for what driving through these forests was like way back when.