Why Is It Called the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway?
Usa, north-america
185 km
2,743 m
easy
Year-round
Get ready for the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway, a 115-mile thrill ride through the Colorado Rockies! Nestled in Lake, Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit Counties, this byway lives up to its name, boasting seriously high elevations – think mostly above 9,000 feet!
You'll start on Colorado State Highway 82, cruise along U.S. Highway 24, and if you're feeling adventurous, take the spur route north from Leadville to Copper Mountain for a loop. You'll be tackling Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, and Tennessee Pass!
Speaking of passes, Independence Pass is the real showstopper at 12,095 feet. Keep an eye out for views of Mount Elbert (14,440 feet) and Mount Massive (14,428 feet), the giants of the Rockies.
The whole route is paved and mostly open year-round, but a heads-up: Independence Pass usually closes from late October to late May because of snow. You can also connect to the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 185 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,743 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is Old Priest Grade Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Old Priest Grade Road in Tuolumne County, California is a wild ride! Nestled in the Western Sierra, this 1.8-mile stretch from Moccasin to Priest might be short, but it packs a serious punch. Think switchbacks, hairpin turns, and grades hitting up to 20%! This paved road has some serious history, evolving from a Native American path to a wagon route for gold miners back in the day. Now, it's a white-knuckle climb best left to passenger vehicles with good brakes – trucks, RVs, and trailers need not apply. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's steepness can cause overheating, especially in summer. Rain makes it slippery, and rock slides are a real possibility. Oh, and did I mention it's super popular with Yosemite-bound traffic? Despite the challenges, the views are totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road... and maybe say a little prayer to the mountain gods. Just remember to check conditions before you go, because winter can make things extra dicey with all that ice!
moderateWhere is Irwin Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you HAVE to check out Irwin Road in North Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 2.3-mile stretch of pure eeriness, running from Wexford Road to Babcock Boulevard, just east of Wexford. Picture this: you're cruising along, and suddenly the pavement gives way to an unpaved section (closed to cars, sadly!). The road is dark, no streetlights to guide you, just a few scattered houses and a whole lot of spooky vibes. So, what makes this road so legendary? Well, it's whispered that Irwin Road is haunted. Legend has it that a ghostly blue mist rolls in, and there are tales of paranormal activity, mysterious floating orbs, and all sorts of unexplained happenings. Add in some local lore about murders, lynchings, and ghost sightings, and you've got yourself a truly unforgettable experience! Whether these stories are true or not, the desolate atmosphere of the road definitely lends itself to the imagination. So, if you're looking for a spooky adventure, Irwin Road might just be the perfect place. Just don't say I didn't warn you!
moderateThe unpaved mountain road to Marshall Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk Marshall Pass, a real gem nestled in Saguache County, Colorado. This baby sits way up high at 10,842 feet! You'll find it hanging out a bit south of Monarch Pass in central-southern Colorado. Back in the day, a smart guy named Lt. William L. Marshall found it in 1873, and boom, it got his name. The route's pretty cool because it mostly follows an old Denver & Rio Grande railroad line that was headed to Salt Lake City a century ago. So, instead of super steep climbs, it's more of a gentle, winding adventure. They finished the Marshall Pass Toll Road way back in 1878. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical paved highway – it's all unpaved and called Marshall Pass Road. But don't sweat it too much. Under good conditions, most cars can handle it. There are a few bumpy spots, especially on the west side, so take it slow if your car is low to the ground. Keep in mind, this road gets buried in snow during winter and isn't plowed, so it's closed to cars when it's cold. The views? Unreal! You'll be staring at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the whole time. Summer and late fall are especially gorgeous. Plus, there are tons of free campsites near the pass if you're into roughing it! The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles long, going from Sargents (US-50) to Mears Junction (Highway 285).
hardA paved mountain road to Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Rabbit Ears Pass, a seriously awesome mountain pass in northern Colorado! You'll find this beauty straddling Jackson and Grand counties, clocking in at a lofty 9,426 feet. We're talking about U.S. Route 40 here, a fully paved road that'll take you on a wild ride. It’s a pretty steep climb, with gradients hitting almost 7% in spots, and a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. You'll be sharing the road with locals and travelers alike, all soaking up the Rocky Mountain vibes. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, you can cruise another 3 miles east to Muddy Pass – a slightly lower but equally scenic spot. This epic stretch runs for about 52 miles between Steamboat Springs (hello, Yampa Valley!) and the charming town of Kremmling. Just a heads up, though: while Rabbit Ears Pass is open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a tantrum. Expect short closures due to gnarly weather – especially in winter, when this pass earns its rep as one of Colorado's trickiest!