Where is Corkscrew Pass?
Usa, north-america
8 km
3,732 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in southwestern Colorado, deep in the Uncompahgre National Forest, ready for an off-road adventure. You're about to tackle Corkscrew Pass!
This baby clocks in at about 5 miles (8km) long, and it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a climb up to a whopping 12,244 feet (3,732m) above sea level! You'll need a short-wheelbase 4x4 with high clearance to make it. This ain’t a Sunday drive in your sedan! This used to be a rough trail built back in the early 1880s to connect Silverton to the mines on Red Mountain.
The road, known as Corkscrew Gulch Trail, is mostly unpaved and includes County Road 20A and County Road 11. The road is wide and graded most of the way but it gets steep and rough with some super-tight switchbacks—especially near the top! Be extra cautious because one wrong move could send you tumbling down a cliff. It's usually dry and easy, but after it rains, the clay soil turns super slick, making things much trickier. Keep an eye out for logging trucks at the lower part of the trail. The pass is usually snowed in from November to June.
But trust me, the views are WORTH IT! You'll get an incredible bird's-eye view of Como Lake. This route is incredibly scenic, with a fantastic perspective of nature's flora and fauna. In the fall, the aspen trees in the Ironton valley turn the landscape into a golden paradise. Be prepared for company, it’s a popular trail. Bring your camera, because you'll want to capture every moment of this epic journey!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,732 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCan you drive to Steel Pass in Death Valley NP?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Steel Pass, a proper wild ride nestled high in California's Inyo County, deep inside Death Valley National Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Steel Pass Road stretches for about 46 miles of pure, unadulterated, unpaved fun, winding north to south. Word to the wise: most find it easier to travel this route southbound. The scenery is epic, but the road is seriously challenging, so only experienced 4WD drivers should attempt it. We're talking narrow sections, tricky silt beds, canyons, and constantly shifting washes. High clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Bring your buddies and their rigs, this is no solo mission! Expect some rock crawling—you'll need to navigate narrow, sharp dry falls. Sidewall cuts are common, so pack at least one spare tire (if not more). Rain can make this pass impassable, so check conditions before you go. The waterfalls in Dedeckera Canyon will test your skills, and the Saline Valley wash features tight turns with rocks on both sides. Factor in about 2.5 to 3 hours of drive time if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll want to!), and remember—zero cell service out here. Plus, gas is a concern, so plan accordingly. This is a remote and rugged experience with ever-changing conditions.
moderateIs Old Blewett Pass in WA paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Old Blewett Pass! You'll find this mountain gem straddling Kittitas and Chelan counties in Washington state. At 4,078 feet, it’s a respectable climb, offering killer views in the Wenatchee Mountains. Yes, the Old Blewett Pass Highway (Forest Road 9715 and Forest Road 7320) is completely paved. This route winds for about 9.7 miles, packed with 248 curves that will keep you on your toes. Originally a wagon road from way back in 1879, this path has a history. Heads up: This pass gets serious winter weather, so it's usually open only from April to September. Even in season, keep an eye out for the occasional rockfall or fallen tree. But trust me, the views are worth it! The drive winds through super dense forests, and there are plenty of pullouts to soak it all in. You can even spot remnants of an old restaurant and a cool old ski lift from the 30s.
hardWhy is Lombard Street in San Francisco so famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: San Francisco, Russian Hill. You're cruising towards Lombard Street, specifically the block between Hyde and Leavenworth. What makes it so special? It’s famously the "most crooked street in the world!" Seriously, this one-block section has eight hairpin turns, making it a seriously fun (and slow) descent. Think stunning Victorian mansions, overflowing flower boxes, and incredible views of the city as you crawl down. Seriously bring your camera. This isn't a highway, it's an experience. The top speed is a crawl (5 mph!) and you'll be inching along as you navigate the twists and turns. Built back in 1922, those switchbacks weren't just for show. The natural grade of the hill was a crazy 27%, way too steep for cars back then (or even now, honestly). So, they zigzagged the road to make it manageable – and iconic! Sure, some say Vermont Street might be *even* more crooked, but Lombard is the real deal! Keep in mind, especially in the summer, there WILL be a line. But don't let that deter you. Even watching other cars navigate the street is entertainment. You may recognize the street from movies like ‘Vertigo’, ‘Driving in San Francisco’ or ‘The Simpsons.’ Lombard Street is a must-do San Francisco experience.
hardHow long is Road Mexico 199?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Road trippers, listen up! If you're craving a Mexican adventure with views that'll make your jaw drop, you NEED to add Mexico 199 in Chiapas to your bucket list. This wild ride stretches for 227 km (141 miles) between Palenque, nestled in the lowlands at a mere 60m (200ft), all the way up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, perched high in the Central Highlands at a cool 2,200m (7,200ft). Expect a fully paved surface, but don't think it'll be a walk in the park. This road throws steep climbs and hairpin turns at you like confetti at a fiesta. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Chiapas!