Where is County Road 36 in Colorado?

Where is County Road 36 in Colorado?

Usa, north-america

Length

7.88 km

Elevation

3,772 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, listen up! County Road 36 in southwest Colorado is calling your name. South of Lake City, nestled near the legendary Million Dollar Highway, you'll find this gem. We're talking epic mountain views and abandoned mine ruins galore!

It's about 5 miles of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road. But hold on—this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're climbing to a breathtaking 12,375 feet above sea level! You'll hit the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and find yourself right smack dab on the Continental Divide. The road dead ends at the remnants of the ghost town of Carson.

Now, for the nitty-gritty: this road is NARROW. Think hairpin turns (at least four blind ones!), water crossings, and a whole lotta rocks and trees trying to get in your way. Seriously, bring your A-game and your 4x4 with high clearance. Those steep sections? Yeah, they can hit a 22% gradient. Passing spots are scarce, but the good news is you probably won't see many other vehicles. Watch out for ATVs, motorcycles, hikers, and bikers, too! Oh, and did I mention the steep drop-offs? Definitely not for the faint of heart.

Word to the wise: this road is CLOSED from about October to June. Snow drifts high in the Rockies! So, if you're planning a summer adventure, County Road 36 might just be the thrill you're looking for!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
7.88 km
Max Elevation
3,772 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Robertson Road?moderate

Where is Robertson Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're cruising through Georgia, you HAVE to check out Robertson Road, aka "Old Ghost Road," in Bulloch County, just outside Statesboro near Brooklet. Seriously, it's rumored to be one of the creepiest, most haunted spots in the whole state! So, what's the deal? This isn't your typical scenic byway. It's a short, 0.9-mile stretch of gravel (Bulloch County Road 403) connecting Railroad Bed Road and US-80. Think lonely, think thick woods closing in, think…eerie. Locals whisper stories of strange orange lights appearing out of nowhere at night. Some say it's the ghost of a guy who lost his head to a train, forever digging a ditch before vanishing into thin air. And the ghost dogs! Keep an eye out for spectral canines roaming around, especially near that little cemetery nearby where they may be digging to find their master's grave. Spooky! Just remember, it is a public road so be respectful. Drive slow, be aware of your surroundings, and maybe bring a friend… or two. You’ve been warned!

Driving the treacherously steep Bella Coola Road in British Columbiahard

Driving the treacherously steep Bella Coola Road in British Columbia

🇨🇦 Canada

Get ready for the Bella Coola Road – a 454-kilometer (282-mile) adventure across British Columbia that'll take your breath away! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience, linking Bella Coola with Williams Lake. Also known as Highway 20 or the Chilcotin Highway, this route carves its way from the Central Interior to the Central Coast, serving up a hefty dose of the Coast Mountains and Chilcotin Plateau. Think dramatic landscapes: desert canyons echoing near the Fraser River, and soaring glaciated peaks. The first 319 km is paved, taking you to Anahim Lake. After that, it's gravel road all the way. You'll definitely want to stay focused on those hairpin turns! This isn't a Sunday cruise; it's a "low gear, full concentration" kind of drive. The real kicker? "The Hill," a set of switchbacks leading up to Heckman Pass at 1,524 meters (5,000 feet). Then brace yourself for a thrilling 43 km (27 mi) descent into the Bella Coola Valley, featuring grades up to 18% (yikes!), which some say is the steepest in BC. Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way on those single-lane bits! Driving into Bella Coola is absolutely worth it! With limited services along the way, make sure you're prepared. Fill up the tank! You can make the whole trip in a day, especially in summer, but plan to take your time and soak in those views. Fun fact: Built in 1953, the road is nicknamed the "Freedom Road" by locals, who remember how isolated they were before its completion.

How long is Grand Loop Road?moderate

How long is Grand Loop Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for the Grand Loop Road – the ultimate Yellowstone National Park experience! This 140-mile paved route winds its way through the park's highlights in a giant figure-eight. You'll cruise past geysers, hot springs, and mud pots galore! This isn't a straight shot, though. Get ready for some twists and turns, but nothing too crazy. Just keep an eye on the speed limit (around 45 mph) and watch out for wildlife – bison and bears don't follow traffic rules! Speaking of time, plan to spend anywhere from 4 to 7 hours driving the whole loop. Summer can get super crowded, so patience is key. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll be climbing high, too, hitting elevations of 8,262 feet, 7,119 feet, and even 8,917 feet at some mountain passes. Heads up: some sections close completely during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. This historic road, originally envisioned back in 1915, is the perfect way to soak in the majesty of Yellowstone!

Navigating the Steep Curves of Antelope Pass in Arizonahard

Navigating the Steep Curves of Antelope Pass in Arizona

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk Antelope Pass in Arizona's Coconino County. This baby climbs to 6,151 feet, so expect some serious elevation gain. We're talking about 1,000 feet in just 3 miles – that's STEEP! You'll be cruising along State Route 89A, and while it's paved, don't think it's gonna be a boring drive. There's this one section near Bitter Springs where the road literally hugs a cliff edge, doing this awesome zigzag thing. Super scenic, but keep your eyes on the road! This 25.5-mile stretch runs between Bitter Springs and Lake Powell, and trust me, you'll want to stop at every lookout. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Now, a word of warning: this road has some seriously narrow sections, and those curves are no joke. If you're in a big rig or hauling a trailer, be prepared to shift into low gear. And keep an eye out for falling rocks – they're a real possibility! Overall, it's a challenging but gorgeous drive.