Rampart Range Road in Colorado is a hidden gem closed in winters
Usa, north-america
61.79 km
2,876 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out Rampart Range Road in Colorado. Nestled right on the edge of Douglas, Teller, and El Paso counties, inside Pike National Forest, this beauty winds along the forested crest of the Rampart Range.
This isn't a paved paradise, folks. It's all unpaved goodness, but don't worry, you don't *need* a 4x4. Any car can handle it. BUT if you've got an off-roader or dirt bike, prepare for a playground! Seriously, the trails are calling your name.
Keep your eyes peeled, though! Things can change quickly, there are natural hazards, and you'll definitely encounter other vehicles. It gets a little steep in spots, with grades hitting up to 11%.
Officially known as Forest Service Road 300, this north-south route runs for about 38.4 miles (61.79 km) from Highway 67 (between Sedalia and Deckers) all the way up to Woodland Park.
You'll climb to a cool 9,436 feet (2,876m) above sea level. Heads up: it's usually closed from December 1 to April 1 for the winter, so plan accordingly.
Built way back in the 30s, there are NO services along the way, so pack your snacks and fill your tank. What you *will* find are incredible views of Pikes Peak, the plains, and the Front Range and Tarryall Mountains. Think quiet camping, awesome mountain biking, and even one of the last fire lookouts at Devils Head. This is a Colorado gem!
Where is it?
Rampart Range Road in Colorado is a hidden gem closed in winters is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.1278, -101.4209
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 61.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,876 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.1278, -101.4209
Related Roads in north-america
hardLake Isabelle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lake Isabelle in Colorado is calling your name! Nestled way up high in Lake County, this stunner sits at a whopping 11,873 feet above sea level. We're talking serious elevation! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road, though. Expect a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride that will test your skills. Think proper 4x4 vehicle is a must. Basically, if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe sit this one out. And definitely don't even think about it in the winter - it's completely impassable! But for experienced off-roaders? This is your playground. The trail is steep and the scenery? Unbelievable! Just be warned, it's not for the faint of heart (heights-wise) and if it's been raining, that mud can get pretty intense. But if you're up for the challenge, Lake Isabelle will reward you with views you won't soon forget.
moderateMurtle River bridge
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia, right near the epic Dawson Falls. You're on the Clearwater Valley Road (smooth asphalt, thankfully!), and suddenly, BAM! You hit the Bailey Bridge. It's not just any bridge, though. This baby's a cool 146 feet long and gives you some seriously gorgeous views of the Murtle River. Seriously, stop and soak it in – it's one of those places that just makes you say "Wow."
extremeIs the road to Emigrant Pass in Death Valley paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park, but instead of endless sand dunes, you stumble upon Emigrant Canyon Road. This 21-mile paved path is a total hidden gem! It winds gently through Emigrant Canyon, past grassy slopes and rocky cliffs, taking you up to a whopping 5,492 feet. Sunrise here? Epic! The landscape opens up to wide plains and mountains in the distance – a completely different side of Death Valley than you expect. Just a heads-up, RVs and long trailers (over 25 ft) aren't allowed because the canyon gets pretty narrow. The road is usually open year-round, but watch out for snow between November and March. This two-lane road can be a bit of a white-knuckle ride for some. It's narrow with no shoulders, and at higher altitudes, it twists and turns with steep drop-offs, blind corners, and few guardrails. Keep an eye out for potholes and potential flooding after heavy rains. Oh, and remember this *is* Death Valley! It's crazy hot, so be prepared for extreme conditions. Cell service can be spotty, so be self-reliant, and dial 911 if you need help. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
hardHow Long is Glenn Springs Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Glenn Springs Road in West Texas! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 15.8-mile off-road journey in Brewster County, deep in Big Bend National Park, that'll take you back in time to the abandoned town of Glenn Springs. Picture this: a completely unpaved path stretching from Park Route 12 down to River Road E, practically kissing the Mexican border. It's a rugged, rough ride that climbs to about 3,487 feet above sea level, so your trusty high-clearance vehicle is an absolute must. Now, don’t get complacent. This road throws curveballs in the form of dry washes, which can turn into serious obstacles after a good rain. Four-wheel drive? Yeah, you'll want that. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and rattle. You'll hug the eastern slopes of the Chisos Mountains, eventually reaching the Glenn Springs Historic Site. The road smooths out a bit as you descend towards River Road. Plus, Glenn Springs Road is your gateway to even MORE primitive roads that snake through the wild desert.