Lakeshore Drive

Lakeshore Drive

Usa, north-america

Length

22.4 km

Elevation

3,168 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Forest Road 121, also known as Lakeshore Drive, smack-dab in the middle of Mesa County, Colorado. This isn't just any drive; it's a full-on scenic adventure through the Grand Mesa National Forest!

The road itself is a well-maintained gravel path, making for an exciting (but manageable) ride. Get your camera ready because the views are absolutely killer, and you'll want to stop every few minutes for that perfect shot, no matter the time of year.

Starting near the tiny town of Grand Mesa, this route stretches for almost 14 miles, topping out at a breathtaking 10,394 feet above sea level. Just a heads-up: snow usually shuts it down from October to June, so plan accordingly.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
22.4 km
Max Elevation
3,168 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Owl Creek Pass?moderate

Where is Owl Creek Pass?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: Owl Creek Pass. We're talking serious Colorado vibes here, perched high in the Uncompahgre National Forest, right on the line between Ouray and Gunnison counties. This isn't your average Sunday drive though. You'll be cruisin' on County Road 8, a totally unpaved road. Clocking in at about 14.4 miles from the legendary Million Dollar Highway (US-550), it's a climb to 10,118 feet! Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Usually, you can expect it to be closed from late October all the way through late June or even early July, depending on the snow. And even when it's "open," be ready for anything โ€“ snow, hail, thunderstorms, you name it! The road itself is generally a well-maintained gravel track. In dry conditions, most cars can handle it, but after a big rain, you might need AWD or 4WD to make it through the mud. RVs? Probably not a great idea. Expect tight turns and a steep climb, with gradients hitting 12% in places. From the Million Dollar Highway, you're gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation! But listen, the views are worth it! This drive is seriously scenic, with panoramic vistas that stretch on forever. Give yourself about an hour to soak it all in. Fun fact: John Wayne himself filmed scenes from *True Grit* and *How the West Was Won* here. Keep an eye out for those gorgeous old-growth aspens mixed with pine. And those red sandstone cliffs? Total photo gold, especially with the golden aspens in the fall!

Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?moderate

Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Rabbit Ears Pass! This beauty sits way up high in northern Colorado, straddling Jackson and Grand counties, at a cool 9,426 feet. You bet you can drive it! It's U.S. Route 40, all paved, but hold on tight โ€“ it gets pretty steep in places, hitting almost 7% grade, and throws in a few hairpin turns just to keep things interesting. Cruise three miles east and you'll drop about 500 feet in elevation. This stretch of highway runs for about 52 miles, winding its way from the charming Steamboat Springs to the town of Kremmling. Word to the wise: Rabbit Ears Pass is typically open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect some closures due to wild weather, especially in winter. It's known as one of the tougher Colorado passes when the snow flies. Despite all that, the scenery is amazing!

Rabbit Peakhard

Rabbit Peak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, and you're craving a real thrill, check out Rabbit Peak. We're talking serious altitude hereโ€”2,640 meters (8,661 feet) of pure mountain air. Now, getting to the top isn't a Sunday drive. The road is gravel and rocky, and trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Winter? Forget about it; this road laughs in the face of snowplows. If unpaved roads make you nervous, maybe grab a postcard instead. Oh, and heights? Yeah, there are some drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Be prepared for some seriously steep sections, but the views? Absolutely worth it.

Driving the Custer Motorway to Mill Creek Summithard

Driving the Custer Motorway to Mill Creek Summit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mill Creek Summit in central Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 43.6-mile (70.16km) trek back in time on the historic Custer Motorway (aka Mill Creek Road or Yankee Fork Road). This old toll road, County Road 070, connects Challis (off US Hwy 93) to Sunbeam (on ID State Hwy 75). Clocking in at 8,809 feet (2,685m), this pass is a beast! Expect a mostly dirt and gravel road with some seriously narrow spots and grades hitting a maximum of 12%. Open from July to October, this route offers stunning views, but be warned: low-clearance vehicles and trailers might want to sit this one out. The road can get washboarded, making for a bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!