The beautiful and scenic road to Ohio Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
37.33 km
3,072 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Ohio Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado, a seriously stunning spot that tops out at 10,078 feet. Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, this beauty is super accessible – even your trusty 2WD can handle it in the summer months.
Imagine cruising along Ohio Pass Road (aka Gunnison County Road 730, Colorado Road 730, and Forest Road 730 – it’s got a few names!). You won't find tons of other cars out here, and fair warning: your phone will be taking a digital detox with zero cell service.
This 23.2-mile stretch connects CO-135 near Gunnison to the Kebler Pass Scenic Drive. Just south of Kebler Pass, it's a true Rocky Mountain high! Keep in mind, Old Man Winter shuts this one down from November to May, so plan accordingly.
The first 12.3 miles are smooth sailing on pavement, then you hit the gravel/dirt. But don't worry, it's usually well-maintained. Most cars can handle it, but if your ride scrapes at speed bumps, maybe skip this one. And definitely leave the RV and boat trailer at home – it gets a bit tight near the summit. Expect some punchy climbs too, with grades hitting 10% in places. It's an adventure you won't forget!
Where is it?
The beautiful and scenic road to Ohio Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.6699, -99.6103
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 37.33 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,072 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.6699, -99.6103
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Mount Hough?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Mount Hough in Plumas County, California! This mountain's a real gem, tucked away south of Greenville in the Plumas National Forest. First off, the road: Mount Hough Crystal Lake Road. It's all dirt, baby! It can get a little bumpy so while you *might* make it in a regular car during a dry summer, I'd seriously suggest something with high clearance. We're talking a climb of elevation over about, so the road is roughly long! That gives us an average gradient of . Heads up: This road's a no-go in winter. Snowfall makes it impassable, usually from late fall 'til late spring. Near the top, you'll find the super pretty Crystal Lake. And, the views from the parking area near the fire lookout? Simply stunning! Speaking of the lookout, there's been one up there since . They keep upgrading it over the years with the current tower in place. They still actively staff it for fire surveillance, but these days it also houses some microwave communication equipment. So, pack your camera, fill up your gas tank, and get ready for some epic scenery!
moderateCan I drive to Mount Mitchell in North Carolina?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Mount Mitchell! This giant in Yancey County, North Carolina, isn't just tall; at 6,584 feet, it's the highest point east of the Mississippi! You'll find it about 35 miles northeast of Asheville, beckoning you from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road to the top, NC 128, is a fully paved, 4.5-mile stretch that starts from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heads up—it can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends. This two-lane road winds gently as you enter Mount Mitchell State Park. Get ready for a climb! Some sections of the road hit almost 10% grade! Starting from the Parkway, you'll gain over 1400 feet, averaging around a 6% grade. This road is usually open year-round. That said, keep an eye on the weather – if the Blue Ridge Parkway shuts down due to snow or ice, you're out of luck. Heavy winds can also put a damper on things. Pack a jacket – it’s often 10-30 degrees cooler than Asheville up there, and the weather can change on a dime! Rain gear is a good idea if you plan to hike. The summit is often shrouded in clouds and fog (like, 8 out of 10 days often!). So, check the Asheville forecast and aim for a clear day. For winter road conditions, call the Park office at 828-675-4611. But the views? Oh, the views! They are unmatched! Think sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling hills, and lush valleys. The 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park offers tranquility and breathtaking beauty. The summit boasts an observation deck where, on a clear day, you can see for 85 miles! Plus, there's a museum, a shop, restrooms, and even a restaurant (open spring to fall) to complete your experience.
hardTake An Unforgettable Drive to Deadwood Mountain in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Boise National Forest lies Deadwood Mountain, topping out at 7,565 feet. The prize? An awesome fire lookout tower built way back in 1936. Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. Forget pavement; this is Forest Road 555EC, a 2.5-mile dirt track that'll test your off-roading skills. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Expect narrow, winding paths and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 11% in places! The road's typically open from late June to mid-October, depending on the weather, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Get ready for some stunning scenery!
moderateForest Road 137
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Forest Road 137 in Utah's Beaver County! This high-altitude beauty sits entirely above 7,200 feet, so prepare for some thin air! Snuggled within Fishlake National Forest, most of this scenic road is unpaved – just a little bit of pavement to tease you. It's a maintained one-lane road, thankfully with turnouts, that most 2WD vehicles can handle with care. I wouldn't recommend hauling a trailer, though. Keep an eye out for dispersed camping spots begging you to pitch a tent. Spanning almost 16 miles east to west, you'll climb to a breathtaking 10,082 feet! Heads up, it's a no-go in winter. Oh, and pro tip: this is bear country, so keep your eyes peeled! Seriously, though, this drive is a photographer's dream. Get ready for incredible vistas of LeBaron Lake, Upper Kents Lake, Kents Lake and Lower Kents Lake. Your Instagram feed will thank you!