The breathtaking road to Meridian Peak in CO

The breathtaking road to Meridian Peak in CO

Usa, north-america

Length

9.87 km

Elevation

3,789 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Meridian Peak in Colorado is calling your name! Perched way up high on the border of Summit and Eagle counties, this spot hits an insane 12,432 feet above sea level.

We're talking about Elliot's Ridge Road, a rugged, unpaved path up the west side of the ridge. Think old-school 4x4 vibes, deep in the heart of the Gore Range and Eagles Nest Wilderness.

The climb kicks off from County Road 1831 and stretches for just over 6 miles. You'll gain around 1,263 feet in elevation. That's an average grade of nearly 4%! Fair warning: this road is usually snowed-in from late October until at least late June. But trust me, the panoramic views from the top of Meridian Peak are worth the wait.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
9.87 km
Max Elevation
3,789 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Quebradas Back Country Bywayhard

Quebradas Back Country Byway

🇺🇸 Usa

Escape to the Quebradas National Back Country Byway! This hidden gem winds through the upper Chihuahuan Desert mountains east of Socorro, New Mexico. Seriously remote and peaceful—leave your phone at home, because you won't get a signal anyway! This 24-mile dirt road is perfect for a day of exploring. It's narrow and sees two-way traffic, but don't worry, it's totally manageable. I'd suggest a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle just to be safe, but if it's dry, a regular car should be fine. Just watch out after a big rain, as the road crosses a bunch of dry creek beds that can become impassable. Speaking of remote, come prepared! Pack plenty of water and keep your eyes peeled. You're out in the desert, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you break down, you might be waiting a while for help. And watch out for the locals – bull snakes, king snakes, whip snakes, and even the occasional western diamondback rattlesnake call this place home! You'll feel like you're miles from civilization, even though you're not far from the interstate. The best part? This backcountry byway is open year-round and totally free! You'll be treated to stunning views of the rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready – the scenery is incredible. Plus, you might even spot some of New Mexico's amazing wildlife. Get ready for a fun drive with plenty of twists and turns!

Durango-Mazatlan Highway: the road with 115 bridges and 61 tunnelsmoderate

Durango-Mazatlan Highway: the road with 115 bridges and 61 tunnels

🇲🇽 Mexico

Get ready for the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán (Mexico 40D), an incredible 211km (131 miles) shot through the western Sierra Madre! Forget the old Espinazo del Diablo, this route is a masterpiece of engineering. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels carving their way through mind-blowing landscapes. Starting high in Durango (1,880 meters / 6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the beach vibes of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast, experiencing a crazy mix of tropical forests, pine trees, and even desert scenery along the way. Word of caution: This fully paved road can throw a few curveballs. Watch out for landslides, potholes, the odd blocked tunnel, and some rough asphalt in places. Opened in 2013, the route climbs to almost 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and snow closures – keep an eye on the forecast! The highlights? Prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of bridges and tunnels. Don’t miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a whopping 1.7 miles long! But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge, it's the highest cable-stayed bridge on Earth (and the highest in the Americas!), stretching 1,124 meters across a canyon 403 meters below. Seriously epic views!

Where is Gilbert Pass?extreme

Where is Gilbert Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on California's State Route 168, also known as Gilbert Pass! This high-altitude connector sits pretty at 6,391 feet in Inyo County, snuggled within the Eastern Sierra. This isn't your average highway, folks. We're talking about a 37.5-mile stretch of pure driving adventure, and by adventure, I mean NARROW. Like, single-lane-sections-where-you-pray-you-don't-meet-another-car narrow. Gilbert Pass is your high-altitude link between the Owens Valley and the Deep Springs Valley, offering a taste of the remote, rugged beauty of northern Inyo County. Picture a landscape of stark high desert peaks and crazy rock formations. It's like stepping back in time! Now, the pavement is generally good, but don't let that fool you. These single-lane sections are the real deal, with blind curves and zero shoulder. Uphill traffic technically has the right of way, but be ready to slam on the brakes and reverse to the nearest turnout if someone's coming down. RVs and long trucks, be warned: some corners are tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. As you wind your way along the 168, be prepared for hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. The desert floor seems to vanish beneath you! This isn't a road to rush – slow and steady wins the race. Visibility can be limited thanks to the canyon walls, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. And a word to the wise: Gilbert Pass is usually closed during the winter months. All that snow and ice turns those single-lane sections into seriously sketchy territory. It usually reopens sometime in the spring, but always check conditions before you go. A sudden storm can shut things down fast, leaving you stranded in a very remote corner of California!

Where is South Grade Road?extreme

Where is South Grade Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because South Grade Road in San Diego County is a wild ride! This beauty is hidden away in Palomar Mountain State Park in sunny California. We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 5,465 feet near the famous Palomar Observatory (home to the Hale Telescope!). Keep in mind that the observatory might close without warning due to weather, so check before you go. This fully paved road (part of County Route S6) winds its way for 11.2 miles from CA-76 up to Palomar Divide Road. And get this: over 20 hairpin turns are packed into that stretch! South Grade Road is generally open year-round, but be extra cautious. Winter can bring snow and ice, so chains might be required. Fog and fallen rocks are common, especially after rain. Rock and mudslides? Yeah, those are a possibility too, especially during and right after rain. The views are absolutely stunning, but don't get too distracted. This road is not for the faint of heart, and accidents do happen. So, keep your eyes on the road, drive smart, and enjoy the thrill!