
Hoosier Pass in Colorado: enjoy a drive among the clouds
Usa, north-america
34.43 km
3,518 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Colorado State Highway 9, winding your way up Hoosier Pass. This baby sits way up there at 11,542 feet, right on the Park and Summit County line, west of Denver. Seriously, the views are insane!
This paved road is a real treat – smooth sailing on the south side, but get ready for some switchbacks and a punchy 8% grade as you head north. It's about 21.4 miles from Breckenridge to Fairplay, so buckle up for a scenic ride.
Word to the wise: this pass is usually open year-round, but Colorado winters can be wild, so keep an eye on the weather. Most cars can handle it, but snowstorms can shut things down.
Now, for the adventurous souls! Just west of the paved pass, a rugged dirt road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to a whopping 12,112 feet. We're talking four-wheel-drive territory here, folks. All-wheel drive just won't cut it. The payoff? Unbelievable views of those jagged Rocky Mountains. Charge your camera, you'll thank me later! This is one of the highest roads in the state, and trust me, it's an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
Hoosier Pass in Colorado: enjoy a drive among the clouds is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.8204, -97.0613
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,518 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.8204, -97.0613
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere Is Coffeepot Crater?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna check out Coffeepot Crater, huh? This freaky cool volcanic landscape is smack-dab in southeastern Oregon, practically kissing the Idaho border. Think lunar surface vibes—basalt, lava flows, the works! Getting there is half the fun, but fair warning: this ain't a Sunday cruise. You're heading into seriously remote Malheur County, and the last leg on Coffeepot Crater Road is gnarly. We're talking volcanic gravel and dirt, steep climbs, and enough rocks to give your tires nightmares. The technical part from Blowout Reservoir Road is only a few miles, but that doesn't mean it's a cake walk. You *need* a high-clearance 4x4, trust me on this one. Standard cars will be crying for their mamas. The best time to go is spring or fall—avoid summer unless you enjoy baking in the sun with zero shade. And for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT attempt this after it's rained. The soil turns into this crazy "gumbo" mud that will swallow your tires whole. Seriously, you'll be stuck. Oh, and a few more things: fill up your gas tank, bring extra water, and download offline maps, because cell service is nonexistent out here. This place is wild, beautiful, and totally worth the effort, but you gotta be prepared. Adventure awaits!
moderateHow long is Mormon Emigrant Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Mormon Emigrant Trail! This beauty winds through El Dorado County, California, stretching 24.5 miles from Sly Park to Highway 88 near Silver Lake. Originally called Iron Mountain Road, it's a fully paved path that offers a glimpse into history as the first wagon route into Northern California. You'll be cruising through the Eldorado National Forest, soaking in the Sierra Nevada views. Be prepared for some steep climbs – we're talking up to a 12% grade in sections! The trail peaks at a cool 7,470 feet above sea level, so expect it to be closed during the winter months (usually opening up again around mid-to-late June). Keep an eye on the weather, too. Summer thunderstorms can roll in, and winter brings heavy snowfall. Plus, nature can throw some curveballs, so stay alert for unexpected road hazards. Oh, and heads up – this area was impacted by the Caldor Fire back in 2021. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
hardTravel guide to the top of Gem Peak in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Montana, Gem Peak is calling your name. Nestled way up high in Sanders County, in the southern reaches of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, this peak tops out at a cool 6,092 feet. The road up, Forest Road 2205, is all dirt and gravel, a proper mountain track. You *can* technically make it in a regular car, but trust me, you'll be way happier in a 4x4 with some decent clearance. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. This is a single-lane road with some serious exposure – think stunning views on one side, and a sheer drop on the other! The last couple of miles get pretty rocky, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Starting from Idaho Point Road, this 4-mile climb is located within the Kootenai National Forest. It's a steep one, with grades hitting up to 13% in places. At the summit, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1921. The views? Absolutely epic. Just be sure to take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and maybe pack a picnic for the top!
moderateThe historic Old Plank Road in California was built in 1915
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever heard of a road made of wood? Deep in California's Imperial County, near the border with Mexico, lies the remains of the Old Plank Road, a seriously cool piece of early 20th-century ingenuity. Back in 1915, this eight-mile stretch was built right across the shifting sands of the Algodones Dunes, a landscape that looks like it belongs in the Sahara! Imagine driving on wooden planks, laid end-to-end like a primitive roadway. It was a single lane, so turnouts were added every mile so cars could pass each other. They called it a success, though it was hard work to keep the sand off the road. Mules were brought in to dust the planks off or even move sections of the road! This quirky road made it possible to travel between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona. About 3,000 vehicles a week traveled across the "railroad track for cars" Sadly, the plank road's reign didn't last. The harsh desert and shifting sands took their toll, and by the late 1920s, it was replaced with asphalt. Today, only fragments remain, a historic landmark and reminder of a time when a wooden road was the only way to cross these majestic dunes. The region of towering dunes resembles the Sahara desert and has been featured in films ranging from Rudolph Valentino's “The Sheik” to 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.