How long is the Black Bear Pass road?
Usa, north-america
17.86 km
2,500 m
extreme
Year-round
Black Bear Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Miguel County, is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This unpaved beast of a road climbs to a whopping 12,844 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest.
Clocking in at 11.1 miles, Black Bear Road (Forest Service Road 648) carves its way from the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) to the charming old mining town of Telluride. The road can start on US 550 and will take you to Telluride.
The views are absolutely insane, with two stunning waterfalls, vistas of the San Juans, and a bird's-eye view of Telluride itself. But don't let the scenery fool you - this road is not for the faint of heart!
Picture this: narrow dirt track, ridiculously steep sections, and enough exposure to make your palms sweat. You'll need a high-clearance, short-wheelbase, 4-wheel-drive vehicle to even attempt this, and even then, it's best left to experienced drivers. Keep an eye out for those pesky rock slides!
The road starts as two-way, but quickly becomes a nail-biting one-way descent. Speaking of descents, brace yourself for the infamous switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls, the highest waterfall in Colorado.
Open only from late summer to early fall (snow permitting), Black Bear Pass demands respect. And because this drive is so intense, it's extra important to be sober and alert behind the wheel. Check the forecast, buckle up, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.86 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,500 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhat wind speed is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge closed?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, because the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge (AKA the Chesapeake Bay Bridge) in Maryland is a TRIP. This thing stretches for almost 5 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, and those 200-foot high spans are seriously imposing. But fair warning: this bridge ain't for the faint of heart! Violent storms are common, and when the weather turns nasty, visibility drops to almost zero out there in the middle. The wind howls, the water chops, and those flimsy guardrails offer a dizzying view straight down. Speaking of wind, they shut the whole thing down if it gets above 55 mph. Even on a clear day, the bridge throws some curveballs. You're dealing with a steep climb, a dogleg curve that'll keep you on your toes, and then a downhill plunge through a cantilever span that feels like driving through a tunnel. It's no wonder some folks hire companies to drive them across – this bridge is a real thrill!
moderateNorris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Norris Canyon Road! This beauty winds through the heart of Yellowstone, way up high in Wyoming. We're talking serious elevation, folks—over 7,500 feet the whole time and topping out over 8,200! This fully paved, 11.5-mile stretch connects Norris Geyser Basin with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, making it a super handy shortcut. Just be warned, it's a bit of a climb! Some sections hit a 10% grade, so your car will get a workout. Think of it as a scenic detour between the Grand Loop Road and Canyon Village! You'll find the turnoff for Virginia Cascade Drive along the way. Heads up, though: cell service is spotty at best up here. Keep in mind that Old Man Winter shuts this road down for the season, so plan your trip accordingly. It's all about the views, the crisp mountain air, and that feeling of being utterly immersed in Yellowstone's wild beauty.
hardHow long is Halfmoon Road in CO?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Halfmoon Road (FSR 110) in Colorado's Lake County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think unpaved, bumpy, and totally awesome...if you're prepared. Clocking in at just over 12 miles, this trail winds its way from CO-300 in Leadville all the way up to the historic Champion Mill. But hold up, the adventure doesn't stop there! A smaller gravel track continues south, taking you even higher – topping out at almost 12,900 feet! The main road itself finishes at almost 11,800 feet. Word to the wise: you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. We're talking river crossings (Halfmoon Creek, specifically) where the water can get seriously deep, especially during spring. You might find yourself hood-deep in water during spring thaws! Keep in mind that Halfmoon Road is closed until further notice, generally from late October through late June/early July, thanks to all that lovely snow. You *can* still get to the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds, though. And did I mention it's steep? This road climbs a whopping 2,300 feet from Leadville, with some sections hitting a maximum gradient of 14%! The average incline is a little over 3.5%. But trust me, those stunning Colorado views are worth every single bump and climb.
moderateWhere is Goldstone Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a wild ride? Check out Goldstone Pass! It's perched way up on the Idaho-Montana border, a whopping 9,101 feet high. Seriously breathtaking. You'll find this beauty straddling Lemhi County, Idaho, and Beaverhead County, Montana, smack-dab in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Heads up: the road to the top is unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. On the Montana side it's Goldstone Road, and in Idaho it's Pratt Creek Road. Did I mention it's one of the highest roads in Idaho? The climb is pretty intense. From Bloody Dick Road, it's a 3.5-mile push, gaining 1,456 feet in elevation. Expect an average grade of almost 8%, with some ramps hitting over 10%! Keep an eye out for cool, abandoned mining relics along the way. Just a heads up: this route's usually open from late May to early November, depending on the snow. Perfect for a summer/fall adventure!