A paved mountain road to Ute Pass in Grand County
Usa, north-america
43.61 km
2,924 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ute Pass! This stunner sits way up high in Colorado's Grand County, clocking in at a cool 9,593 feet above sea level.
You'll find this paved beauty, also known as Ute Pass Road (County Road 3), nestled in the heart of Arapaho National Forest. It's generally open year-round, but be warned: Mother Nature might throw a winter tantrum and close it temporarily.
Trust me, though, it's worth the gamble. The views are EPIC. Think pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness, jaw-dropping vistas of the Gore Range, and the untouched beauty of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area. The road gets a little steep, with grades hitting 8.0% in places, so get ready for some exciting ramps!
The whole shebang stretches for 27.1 miles, winding from CO-9 up to Parshall on US-40. There's a big parking lot at the summit where you can catch your breath and soak it all in. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for local residents – bears, moose, and all sorts of wildlife call this area home!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 43.61 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,924 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeDriving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado, nestled in the Rockies, boasts some seriously intense high-altitude roads. Forget gentle slopes; we're talking extreme terrain that'll push your driving skills and your vehicle to the limit. Think stunning views mixed with nail-biting descents – a true test of both you and your ride! First up, Slumgullion Pass in Hinsdale County. This beast is the steepest paved primary road in Colorado, with a relentless 9-10% grade on its north side. Get ready for some serious engine braking! Plus, it winds through the active Slumgullion Slide, where the earth itself is constantly shifting. Talk about a dynamic landscape! Then there's Red Mountain Pass. While not the absolute steepest at 8%, many consider it the most treacherous. Why? Minimal guardrails and sheer exposure will definitely get your heart pumping. Add steep grades and some serious "shelf-road" engineering, and you've got a recipe for a tense drive, especially in winter storms. Don't underestimate Wolf Creek Pass, despite its 7% grade. Long, sustained descents and hairpin turns have claimed their fair share of heavy vehicles. It's a major route, but notorious for sudden white-out conditions that'll test your visibility and composure. The key to conquering these passes? Ditch your everyday driving habits. To avoid brake fade (when your brakes overheat and lose power), use "snub braking" and downshift. And those "Runaway Truck Ramp" signs? They're not just for decoration – heed them! Gravity is your constant opponent here. Colorado's steep passes are a must-do for any true driving enthusiast. From the dizzying heights of Slumgullion to the exposed edges of Red Mountain Pass, these roads are about the raw connection between machine and mountain. Prep your vehicle, keep an eye on those gauges, and get ready to experience the unmatched verticality of the American West!
moderatePinal de Amoles (Road Mexico 120)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 120, the Pinal de Amoles highway! This isn't just a road; it's a rollercoaster of landscapes through central Mexico, morphing from arid desert vibes to cool temperate forests and even lush tropical jungles. Imagine cruising through charming historical towns, all cobblestone streets and vibrant missions. But hold on tight – this scenic route packs a punch with hairpin curves and some seriously thrilling road segments. Picture yourself climbing from the desert at 4,900 feet, then soaring up into the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve to over 8,500 feet. And the grand finale? A dramatic plunge past Pinal de Amoles down to Jalpan de Serra at a cool 2,500 feet. Talk about views! Just keep your eyes on the road!
hardCrazy Woman Canyon Road is a very scenic drive in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure on Crazy Woman Canyon Road in Wyoming's Johnson County! Nestled between Kaycee and Buffalo in the north-central part of the state, this 13.2-mile dirt track is a true hidden gem in the Bighorn National Forest. But first, a little history: Crazy Woman Canyon gets its name from the creek it follows, shrouded in local legends of a woman driven mad by solitude or tragedy. Whatever the truth, the name sets the scene for a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle the bumpy terrain and navigate the one-lane path. As you wind along Bighorn National Forest Road 33, prepare for an elevation gain of 2,857 feet as you climb into the mountains. The road hugs the creek through the canyon, offering incredible views at every turn. Be warned, though: this route isn't for the faint of heart! The road narrows in spots, with a few single-vehicle bridges, so keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. Vehicles larger than an SUV are a no-go. It's best to avoid this road after heavy rain, as washouts and slick conditions can make it treacherous. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery: towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear creeks. Allow about 1.5 hours to soak it all in, as the road conditions demand a slow pace. Trust me, this is a drive you won't soon forget!
extremeCox Knoll
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cox Knoll, a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in central Utah's Sanpete County! We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 10,275 feet above sea level. You'll find this gem chilling within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Now, don't expect smooth sailing; this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel road that gets rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections (it's called FR0020, if you're looking for it). Definitely impassable in the winter months. This trail is seriously steep and really meant for seasoned off-roaders with 4x4s. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, or you have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and if it's been raining, prepare for some seriously muddy conditions! But the views? Absolutely worth it! Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak in the stunning scenery.