
How long is Pennock Pass?
Usa, north-america
46 km
2,793 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so Pennock Pass in Colorado's Larimer County is seriously worth the trip! You'll find it west of Fort Collins, chilling at 9,163 feet. The 28.5-mile Buckhorn Road (aka Larimer County Road 44H) winds from Pingree Park Road to Masonville.
Expect a mix of road surfaces. The lower section has some seriously old pavement peeking through loose gravel, transitioning to mostly gravel and then dirt as you climb. While generally well-maintained and passable for most vehicles, 4WD or AWD is a good idea when the weather turns rough. Those sweeping switchbacks make the 9% maximum gradient a bit more manageable. I'd recommend beefier tires (32mm+) for comfort.
FYI, this beauty in the Roosevelt National Forest is closed during winter, typically from December to mid-June. Also, keep an eye out for fallen trees – adds to the adventure, right?
But the real reward? Killer views of the Mummy Range and Stormy Peaks. Plus, it's a gateway to tons of trails and a ridiculously pretty drive through the forest. Definitely add this one to your Colorado bucket list!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 46 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,793 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Scotty's Castle Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to the northern reaches of Death Valley National Park and find Scotty's Castle Road, also known as Bonnie Claire Road. Tucked away in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon, this paved road is your gateway to the historic Scotty’s Castle, a stunning Spanish-colonial-revival villa. Stretching for about 41 miles (65.66km), the road cruises north-south from CA-190 all the way to the Nevada border. The sunrise views are incredible! Now, let's talk about the desert vibes. Death Valley is seriously hot! Pack tons of water, avoid hiking in the blazing sun, and stick to the paved roads during the summer months. No fuel is available at Scotty’s Castle, so fill up at Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek, or nearby towns in Nevada. Stay alert for critters like rattlesnakes and scorpions. During rainstorms, avoid canyons and be mindful of water on the roads. Cell service is spotty, so don't rely on your phone.
easyHow long is the Sterling Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Sterling Highway in south-central Alaska is an absolute must-do! This beauty, part of Alaska Highway 1, carves its way for 138 miles through the western Kenai Peninsula. Starting from the Seward Highway at Tern Lake Junction (south of Anchorage), it winds down to Homer, a cool little town on Kachemak Bay. And get this – it's named after Hawley Sterling, an engineer who worked on the Alaska Road Commission back in the day. This paved two-lane road opened in 1950 and is generally open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to the weather. The curves can be tricky when it’s wet or snowy. Summer is super busy, so plan accordingly. Trust me, though, it's worth it! The views are insane – think epic mountains, shimmering lakes, rivers fed by glaciers, and those incredible coastal inlets. Prepare to be wowed!
moderateWhere is Tucumcari Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna check out Tucumcari Mountain? This peak rises up to south of the town of Tucumcari. It's famous for its radio and cell towers. Plus, you might recognize it as the inspiration for ' in "Cars"! Now, getting to the top is an adventure. The road? Let's just say it's unpaved and rough, so is recommended! It's usually It's not super long. If you're heading up from , the summit is . But trust me, the views are worth it. Just take it slow, watch out for any tricky spots, and soak in that wide-open New Mexico scenery!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Cronin Peak in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Nestled way up high in Colorado's Chaffee County, Cronin Peak is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here - this old mining trail climbs to a whopping 12,841 feet! You'll find it hidden in the southern Sawatch Range, deep within the San Isabel National Forest. The road, Forest Road 278, is a rugged, unpaved beast left over from the good old mining days. Forget your sedan – you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one. The road stretches for about 9.4 miles between Alpine and Browns Lake, snaking its way north-south. Be warned: it's STEEP, with some sections hitting a crazy 21% gradient. But hey, the views are insane! Expect breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding high peaks. Just a heads up, this route is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly.