A scenic unpaved road to Buffalo Pass in Colorado

Buffalo Pass, sitting pretty at 10,321 feet in Colorado, is a must-do if you're exploring the northern part of the state! You'll find it chilling on the Routt and Grand County line, nestled in the Routt National Forest between Steamboat Springs and Walden.

This roughly 15-mile dirt road, known as Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38 and Forest Service Road 60), isn't too scary – most SUVs can handle it, and even some regular cars if you pick your lines carefully. The lower sections are usually fine for 2WD, but the last few miles get a little rough, so high clearance is your friend.

Keep in mind this beauty is usually snowed in from December to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly! Speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Sunshine can turn into a blizzard in minutes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so have an exit strategy. Sunscreen is a must at this altitude, and watch out for falling trees – they're not always polite enough to wait for the wind. Oh, and pack your bug spray – the mosquitoes are legendary!

But it's all worth it! The views of the Yampa and North Park valleys are insane. Plus, you've got alpine lakes within walking distance, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness to explore, and plenty of campsites, including Summit Lake Campground. Summit Lake itself is super easy to get to from the top of the pass. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!