
Is the Nucla-Delta Road to Columbine Pass in Colorado unpaved?
Usa, north-america
81.43 km
2,790 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Nucla-Delta Road in Colorado, a sweet dirt track that carves its way through the Uncompahgre National Forest. This baby climbs to a whopping 9,154 feet (2.790m) at Columbine Pass in Montrose County!
We're talking 50.6 miles (81.43km) of unpaved bliss, stretching from Nucla to Delta. The road's wide and generally smooth, making for a pretty chill ride across the Uncompahgre Plateau. Just a heads-up: there are some lengthy sections with drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the road!
Keep in mind, though, that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect the pass to be snowed in and inaccessible from around October to June. But when it's open? Get ready for some killer views in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 81.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,790 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Taos Ski Valley?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Taos Ski Valley? Awesome choice! This little slice of alpine heaven is tucked away in northern New Mexico, snuggled at the southern end of the Rockies. They say it's the highest-altitude village in the whole US! Getting there is a breeze. The road is totally paved and winds gently through the valley โ no crazy steep climbs here. They keep the road super clear in winter, so youโre usually good to go in a regular car. The drive itself is gorgeous, about 14.5 miles of lush green forests and towering peaks. Youโll start relatively low, and climb about 2,264 feet by the time you reach the village. It's a pretty steady climb the whole way, making for a super scenic and relaxed drive!
hardWhere is Gold Bluffs Beach?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Humboldt County, California, surrounded by the majestic old-growth redwoods. You're headed to Gold Bluffs Beach, one of the most stunning drives in the Redwood National and State Parks, specifically Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This beach is about 10 miles long, a sanctuary for all sorts of creatures, including the threatened snowy plover. Hike around and you'll find some awesome trails leading to cool spots like Fern Canyon. So, why "Gold Bluffs" Beach? Back in the day, folks were drawn here by rumors of gold in the black sand. They tried their luck with placer mining, but it was tough going, and the gold rush didn't really pan out. You can still see bits and pieces of that mining history around. Thinking of taking a dip? The water's cold, so swimming isn't really recommended. And definitely pay attention to any closures โ the park rangers put them in place to protect the wildlife. Now, about the drive itself... The road to the beach is about 6 miles total and unpaved for 4 miles. This unpaved road will take you close to the trailhead for Fern Canyon. The road then dumps you right on the sands of Gold Bluffs Beach. It's a narrow, so skip the big RVs or trailers โ they're not allowed. And remember to turn on your headlights! There's a small fee to get to the beach and Fern Canyon, especially during the busy season. If you're thinking of camping, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is right by the ocean. The facilities are pretty basic, so pack accordingly!
moderateRiverhurst Crossing is a Canadian ice road
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
Ever dreamt of driving on water? In southern Saskatchewan, you can! Forget your average highway; this is the Riverhurst Crossing, an ice road built every year across the massive Lake Diefenbaker. Instead of driving around the lake, you can usually zip straight across on this 2.1 km (1.3 mi) stretch of frozen highway. It's part of Highway 42, believe it or not! Think of it as a seasonal shortcut. Typically, you can experience this icy adventure from early February to late March. But here's the deal: Mother Nature calls the shots. The road is only open when the ice is thick enough to handle traffic. Before you head out, you NEED to check with the Highway Hotline (1-888-335-7623) for the latest updates. Driving on this ice road is a unique experience, but Lake Diefenbaker is a destination in itself. It's a massive body of water surrounded by cool communities, and loads to see and do. Seriously, plan some extra time to explore the area. This lake is much bigger than you might expect!
moderateWhere is Little Giant Peak?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Check out Little Giant Peak in Colorado! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,227 feet above sea level. You'll find this peak nestled in the southwestern part of the state. And get this โ near the top, there's this crazy scenic alpine lake just chillin' there. Now, the road to the summit? Forget pavement. We're talking a rugged, old mining road โ gravel, bumps, rocks embedded everywhere. Think serious high-clearance vehicle territory only! You'll see mining remnants scattered all over, which is pretty cool. It's only about 4.1 miles to the top, but buckle up for a wild ride. You'll climb a serious amount, averaging a pretty steep gradient. And just a heads up โ winter? Nope. This road is totally snowed in and impassable during the colder months. Basically, epic views and a challenging drive all rolled into one!