Kebler Pass is the best place to see fall colors in Colorado
Usa, north-america
50.53 km
3,050 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because Kebler Pass is calling your name! This stunner sits way up high in Colorado's Gunnison County, topping out at a cool 10,007 feet. You'll be cruising along Gunnison County Road 12 – aka Kebler Pass Scenic Drive – for about 31.4 miles between Crested Butte and Somerset.
Now, here's the thing: the road plays a little game of paved-to-gravel-and-back, but don't sweat it. For the most part, it's in awesome shape and totally doable in your everyday ride during the summer. Think smooth dirt road vibes, with a special coating to keep the dust down. It's practically paved, honestly! And the hills? Easy peasy.
Just a heads up, Kebler Pass usually closes down from November to May because winter is a wild child. But when it's open, oh man, you're in for a treat. We're talking lush Gunnison National Forest views that'll make your jaw drop. Give yourself around two hours to soak it all in.
Seriously, this route is pure eye candy. Picture this: aspen forests, alpine meadows, sparkling mountain lakes...it's a nature lover's dream. And if you time your visit for fall? Get ready for a kaleidoscope of oranges and reds as the leaves put on their annual show. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you.
Where is it?
Kebler Pass is the best place to see fall colors in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.1023, -93.3567
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 50.53 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,050 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 40.1023, -93.3567
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Priest Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna escape to Montana? Priest Pass is calling your name! This high-altitude beauty sits at 6,010 feet on the Continental Divide, straddling Powell and Lewis and Clark counties, west of Helena. The pass got its name from Valentine Priest, a road-building legend who knew how to carve a route through these mountains. Back in the gold rush days, Priest Pass Road was one of the first toll roads in Montana, a wild west adventure in itself! Speaking of the road, it's about 8.3 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. Be warned, though, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, known as Priest Pass Road, is entirely unpaved and can get seriously steep, with grades hitting almost 14% in spots. The western side is a bit rough and rocky, so make sure your rig is up to the challenge. The eastern side is smoother, with hard-packed dirt perfect for letting loose. Keep in mind, you're up in the Rockies, so winter brings a whole lotta snow. Priest Pass becomes a different beast entirely when the snow flies. But if you're looking for stunning views, a bit of history, and a thrilling drive, Priest Pass is a Montana must-do. Plus, it's right near the Continental Divide Trail!
hardHow to Get by Car to La Lobera in Baja California
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you’re cruising down the Transpeninsular Highway (that’s Mexican Federal Highway 1, by the way) and you hit Km 47.5. Time for a detour! You're about to discover La Lobera, a crazy-cool sea crater on Baja California’s wild west coast. Forget smooth asphalt, though – the next 5.1 km (or about 3.16 miles) is all unpaved, dusty goodness. Honestly, most 2-wheel drives can handle it when it's dry. But watch out after a rain shower; those potholes get gnarly! As you bump along, the scenery is epic. You'll see those dramatic Pacific waves crashing into the cliffs. The whole area is raw, rugged desert, dotted with cool coastal plants. Keep your eyes peeled for “juancitos” (little squirrels!) and ospreys. Trust me, arriving at La Lobera itself is worth every single bump. It's a massive hole revealing an underground beach crammed with sea lions! It’s seriously an unforgettable sight.
hardMingus Summit in AZ: a road with several dizzying hairpin bends
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Mingus Summit in Arizona! This stunner of a pass sits high in the Black Hills, clocking in at 7,040 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in Yavapai County, and the whole thing is paved, making it accessible for most vehicles. We're talking about a 19.7-mile (31.70km) stretch of pure driving joy (or terror, depending on your perspective!), winding its way from Prescott Valley up to Jerome via Highway 89A. Be prepared for some serious curves, hairpin turns, and a lung-busting 11% maximum grade in some sections. The good news? This beauty is usually open year-round, although heavy winter snow might cause temporary closures. Even better, the higher elevation keeps things relatively cool during the summer months. At the summit, you'll find a rest area and picnic spot—perfect for soaking it all in, though parking is limited. And, if you're feeling adventurous, a gravel road (Forest Road 104) just east of the pass leads to Mingus Mountain, a popular spot for hang-gliding. The views are insane! Get ready for panoramic vistas of the Verde Valley, the iconic red rocks of Sedona, the City of Cottonwood, and even Humphrey's Peak way up near Flagstaff. Trust me; your camera roll will thank you for this one.
moderateWhere is the Capitol Gorge Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through south-central Utah, smack-dab in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. You're on Capitol Gorge Road, a sweet little unpaved gem that's steeped in history. This wasn't always a scenic detour, though. Back in the day, this narrow canyon was THE way to get through this part of Utah! Pioneers even carved it out for wagons, battling flash floods and boulders the whole way. Can you imagine? The dirt road starts where the paved Capitol Reef Scenic Drive ends and winds its way through the gorge. It's mostly mellow, even a regular car can usually handle it. Just watch out for some sandy spots and definitely avoid it if storms are brewing, because flash floods are a real threat here. There's a gate that closes when things get dicey. The whole thing isn't too long, ending at a trailhead parking area after a memorable stretch. Fair warning: this lot fills up FAST during peak season, so get there early if you want to snag a spot and explore the canyon trails further on foot. This is a journey you won't forget!