Forest Road 310
Usa, north-america
9.8 km
3.1 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for a wild ride? Check out Forest Road 310 in Colorado's Routt County. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking almost 10km of unpaved, totally rugged road, and it sits entirely above 3,100 meters.
Heads up: you can forget about driving it between December and the end of June. Seriously, don't even try. When it IS open, you'll need a vehicle with some serious clearance, and be prepared to take it slow. The highest point hits 3,218 meters (that's 10,557 feet!), so good shocks are your friend.
But hey, the views! You're cruising through the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, with killer scenery everywhere you look. Keep an eye out for Fish Creek Reservoir and Long Lake – they're stunning. One word of warning: the mosquitoes are INTENSE. Pack your best bug spray; you’ll need it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.1 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardMedano Pass in Colorado: 9 creek crossings to the summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Medano Pass in Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a wild 20.1-mile (32.34km) off-road adventure that climbs to a whopping 10,013 feet (3,052m). You'll find this gem nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, hugging the southern heart of Colorado near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Forget pavement – this is all about conquering Medano Pass Primitive Road (County Road 559), a rough and rugged path from the dunes to Highway 69. Now, listen up: this route demands respect. Deep sand, rocky climbs, steep descents, and no fewer than NINE creek crossings of Medano Creek stand between you and bragging rights. Spring runoff can turn those crossings into serious water hazards, sometimes up to two feet deep, so a proper 4WD vehicle is absolutely essential. Don't even think about attempting this in a low-clearance AWD vehicle – you'll be stuck faster than you can say "help!" Soft sand also means airing down your tires might be a smart move, especially if you're rocking narrow tires or a heavier rig. This road is usually closed from November until mid-to-late May due to snow, and even summer weather can be unpredictable. Expect single-lane sections and moderate grades that'll keep you on your toes. Factor in 2.5 to 3 hours to traverse the road without stops. Fall is particularly beautiful time to drive.
moderateAn Unforgettable Drive to Gold Hill Pass in UT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Utah's Summit County, hidden within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, you'll find Gold Hill Pass. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,039 feet! Forget smooth pavement; we're talking about Gold Hill Road (FR160), a 7.5-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle – ideally a low-geared 2WD or, better yet, a 4x4 – to tackle this one. The road winds east to west, connecting Mirror Lake Highway (U-150) with Forest Road 638. Keep in mind, this is a seasonal gem, usually open from mid-May to mid-October. So, if you're looking for a wild ride with killer views in the Uinta Mountains, Gold Hill Pass might just be your next unforgettable adventure!
easyWhat is the Dempster Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Cruising through the wild Canadian Arctic, the Dempster Highway is your ticket to crossing the Arctic Circle in any season. What's the Dempster Highway? It's a road trip you won't soon forget – stunning, a little wild, and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If escaping the crowds is your thing, this is your road. Where does it run? Starting east of Dawson City in the Yukon and winding up in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, on the Mackenzie River delta, it covers 736 km (457 mi). And the adventure doesn't stop there! As of late 2017, you can tack on another 147 km (91 miles) on NWT Highway 10 to Tuktoyaktuk – the "first all-weather road to Canada's Arctic Coast," taking you from Inuvik, through the tundra, and right to the Arctic Ocean. Note that seasonal ferry service and ice bridges are necessary to cross the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. What's the road like? This isn't your average highway. Known as Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8, it's a well-kept gravel and crushed stone road. Conditions can be unpredictable as you carve your way through the Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, cross the Continental Divide three times, and venture into the Arctic Circle, tracing old dog-sled routes. Expect dust in the summer, and make sure you're in a vehicle with good clearance and a spare tire. When did they build it? Construction started way back in 1959, wrapping up in 1978, and it officially opened in 1979. It follows a path used by Indigenous people for millennia and is named after Inspector William John Duncan Dempster. Is it safe? A great trip requires some planning. Pack those spare tires, do some basic vehicle checks, and bring jackets, water, and an emergency kit. Check road conditions in Dawson City or at the Klondike River Lodge before you head out. Services are sparse: you'll find gas, diesel, and repairs at Eagle Plains, Ft. McPherson, and Inuvik. Give those big trucks plenty of space, especially when it's dusty. Drive smart, stick to the 90 km/hour speed limit when you can, and be prepared for limited facilities. A full-size spare tire, extra water, and gas are a must. Traffic is light, so come prepared. In winter, add a shovel, sleeping bag, stove, matches, emergency snacks, and cold-weather gear. A satellite phone is a good idea since cell service can be spotty. When is it open? This mountain road peaks at North Fork Pass Summit, 1.328m (4,356ft) above sea level. The road is generally open from June 10 to October 14 in the summer, and December 15 to April 30 in the winter. How long does it take? You'll need at least two days for this adventure. Plan on 12 to 16 hours each way, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to soak it all in. When is the best time to go? This is an out-of-this-world experience. For summer vibes, aim for late June to early August, when you can enjoy 24-hour sunlight. For an autumn adventure, early August to early September is your window. Get ready to explore one of northern Canada's best-kept secrets: incredible scenery, vast open spaces, and untouched beauty. This remote route takes you through the Yukon, the rugged Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, stunted spruce and alder "forests" in the Eagle Plains region, high tundra, and the Mackenzie River delta.
extremeHow difficult is the road to East Lone Cone Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: East Lone Cone Pass, Colorado. We're talking serious off-the-beaten-path stuff in Dolores County. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Think rugged, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. Tucked into the San Miguel Mountains, a hop, skip, and a jump northwest of the old mining town of Dunton, this pass gives you a front-row seat to Teton Peak, that killer volcanic spire that just dominates the horizon. The whole area's got that classic Colorado vibe: endless evergreens, meadows bursting with wildflowers (when it's not snowed in!), and views for days. So, the road – Forest Service Road 616, aka Middle Creek Road – isn't kidding around. It's gravel and rocks all the way as it snakes west to east, linking up to Middle Creek Road. The real kicker? A set of 7 super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure. Forget your sedan; this road chews them up and spits them out! Now, timing is everything. East Lone Cone Pass is usually buried under snow until late spring. We're talking avalanches and landslides – not exactly ideal for a relaxing road trip! Even in summer, expect surprise ice patches and crazy afternoon thunderstorms. Your best bet is late June through September when the mud dries up, and the views are insane. But always, *always* check with the local forest service before you go. This place can shut down on a dime!