Is the road to Pikes Peak paved?
Usa, north-america
31 km
4,302 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Colorado, ready to tackle "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak! Originally named "El Capitan" by Spanish settlers, it was renamed to honor explorer Zebulon Pike.
The Pikes Peak Highway, a fully paved toll road, stretches 19 miles from Cascade up to a staggering 14,115 feet above sea level. Be warned, though – this beauty is STEEP, gaining over 6,700 feet with an average gradient of 6.70% and packing in 156 turns! Construction on this scenic route started way back in 1915, opening as a gravel climb, with paving coming later.
The road's usually open year-round, "weather permitting," but closures are common when the snow gets heavy. Keep an eye on conditions before you go. And hey, if you’ve got heart or breathing issues, or you’re traveling with a baby under 4 months, maybe skip this one.
Trust me, the scenery is worth it! Lakes, mountains, wildlife – it’s all there. Stop often to soak it in *and* adjust to the altitude. Up above timberline, the landscape shifts to something almost Martian, all red rock and boulders. Bring a jacket, even in summer – it gets cold and windy up there.
The drive is winding and can be intense. The rangers will be checking the brakes of descending vehicles for overheating. The view from the top is insane, but oxygen is thin, so take it easy.
Just remember: 25 mph is the speed limit. Uphill traffic always has the right-of-way. Use low gears to save your brakes on the way down. And fill up your gas tank – there are no stations along the way.
Oh, and if you’re into racing, the Pikes Peak Hillclimb is legendary!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,302 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is Little River Gorge Road in Tennessee?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to eastern Tennessee? You absolutely HAVE to cruise down Little River Road. It's an 18-mile (28 km) stretch of pure driving bliss right in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, snaking along the Little River between Gatlinburg (Sugarlands Visitor Center, to be exact) and Townsend. This road? Seriously scenic. Think winding, paved road hugging the river with tons of twists and turns – some are pretty sharp with rock walls right there next to you! Fun fact: it used to be a railroad for logging way back when. Is it worth it? 100% YES! Just take your time and soak it all in. There are seven marked spots to check out along the way. We're talking overlooks with insane views, trailheads for hikers, picnic spots, campgrounds, and even a waterfall you can see from the road! Fall is EPIC, with all the colorful leaves popping. And you'll be treated to the sight of water tumbling over the rocks the whole way. It's one of the most popular drives in the Smokies for a reason!
hardA road with an intimidating sheer cliff to Black Rock Reservoir in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Black Rock Reservoir is a hidden gem tucked away at 1,260m (4,133 ft) elevation in Fresno County, California—sitting right on the edge of Kings Canyon National Park and Sierra National Forest. If you're after remote alpine scenery, this is it. Getting there is half the adventure (and we mean that literally). From Fresno, head 47 miles east on CA 180 to Piedra Road, then take Trimmer Springs Road for 17 miles until you hit the bridge split toward Balch Camp. From there, Black Rock Road takes over for the final 17km (11 miles)—and yeah, this is where things get real. Fair warning: Black Rock Road is seriously not for the faint of heart. We're talking a single-lane ribbon of pavement that clings to cliff faces with absolutely nothing between you and 1,000-foot drops. The narrow wooden bridges are barely wide enough for one vehicle, so if you meet someone coming the other way, someone's backing up (fun times). There are zero guardrails, and the road climbs along sheer cliffs that'll make anyone afraid of heights break out in a cold sweat. RVs? Absolutely not. The added hazard of falling rocks or ice from above keeps things exciting too. This is true backcountry—zero cell service. It's bear country, so lock up your food tight and don't even think about feeding wildlife. Pack bug spray for the mosquitoes, and fuel up in Prather or Shaver Lake before you make the push. Late winter through early spring is magical here—wildflowers pop off and there are waterfalls worth the drive. The tiny campground sits at 4,000 feet where the pavement ends. Roads usually stay open year-round, but winter snow can shut things down fast. Safe to drive in summer and fall; skip it if there's snow on the ground.
moderateWhere is Taos Ski Valley?
🇺🇸 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 – no crazy steep climbs here. They keep the road super clear in winter, so you’re usually good to go in a regular car. The drive itself is gorgeous, about 14.5 miles of lush green forests and towering peaks. You’ll 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!
extremeHow to reach the Sheep Ridge summit track?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Sheep Ridge in Park County, Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a short but seriously sweet off-road trail that punches way above its weight class. You'll find the trailhead south of Denver, smack-dab in the heart of Pike National Forest. From there, it's a climb up a completely unpaved forest service road for just under a mile towards the summit. Named after the nearby Sheep Creek, this track will test your mettle. Now, is it stock SUV friendly? Eh, maybe. Think rugged gravel, loose rocks, ruts galore, and some seriously steep climbs. If your ride's got some decent clearance and tires, you stand a chance. Otherwise, you might be wishing you had a bit more oomph. Timing is everything up here at 11,213 feet. This road is typically closed from late fall 'til early summer when the snow melts. Even in summer, watch out for those afternoon thunderstorms that can turn the gravel into a slick, muddy mess. Keep an eye on those Pike National Forest service updates before you go. So, why bother? Well, Sheep Ridge is a killer add-on if you're already exploring the area. You get a quick, technical climb to an awesome viewpoint without the crowds you find elsewhere in Colorado. It's a perfect quick mountain fix for local 4x4 enthusiasts who want some adrenaline and solitude.